(Minghui.org) With summertime tourism and all kinds of festivals in full swing, Falun Gong practitioners are often enthusiastic volunteers in their communities, sharing the meditation and principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and raising awareness about the persecution in China.
This report covers four such events taking places in U.S.A., Finland, and Sweden.
California, U.S.A.
Practitioners from Irvine, California, have been regularly holding outdoor exercise sessions and free instruction at Irvine Heritage Park since 1999. Last Saturday, they participated in the annual local festival at the same park, demonstrating the exercises, passing out flyers, and talking to people about Falun Gong.
Demonstrating the exercises
Introducing Falun Gong to visitors
Many people, including those of various religious faiths, were interested in learning Falun Gong. Some asked practitioners about the differences and similarities between Falun Gong and other practices or beliefs. After talking to practitioners, people would often agree that Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are universal principles. Some of them said they would visit the local exercise site.
Missouri, U.S.A.
Last weekend, practitioners from Missouri attended two community events, the Webster Arts Fair and the Kimmswick Strawberry Festival.
Telling people about Falun Gong at the Webster Arts Festival
Practitioners' booth at the Kimmswick Strawberry Festival
Practitioners taught school children how to fold paper lotus flowers. While the kids enjoyed making the flowers, the parents listened to practitioners explaining the symbolic meaning of lotus in the Chinese culture—purity in the face of adversity, as the lotus grows up beautifully amidst the murky waters.
One woman thanked practitioners for bringing this practice to their community. “This is such a beneficial practice. Your efforts to raise awareness will pay off,” she said.
Helsinki, Finland
Practitioners from Helsinki participated in the annual “Global Village” event on May 26 and 27, which attracted tens of thousands of people with singing, dances, theatre, and cuisine.
Practitioners' booth at the event
Visitors are interested in learning the exercises.
Many people, including politicians and lawmakers, stopped at the Falun Gong booth. Many of them expressed their concern about the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Visitors were happy to learn that Falun Gong is free. A local gentleman told practitioners that he had tried yoga, but was looking for something more. Practitioners then showed him the main book of Falun Gong, Zhuan Falun. After a quick scan of the table of contents, he found the book to be profound and agreed that Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is the universal law. He left practitioners with his contact information and plans to join the local exercise site.
“This is what I need,” he added.
Another gentleman watched the group perform the exercises for a long time. Then he said to practitioners that he has encountered many difficulties, and even thought about ending his life. But while watching the exercises, he reconsidered a lot of things. He said he thought that this practice could help him, and has given him hope. He left with a smile, and told practitioners that he will read more on Falun Gong.
Båstad, Sweden
Falun Gong is for all ages. Last month, local practitioners brought this practice to a high school in Båstad, Sweden.
High school students learn the exercises.
A high school PE teacher was interested in the exercises, and he happens to know a local practitioner. So, he invited practitioners to introduce the exercises to the senior high students.
A girl told a practitioner that this is what she needs, and a boy said he felt a strong energy flow going through his arms during the exercises.
The PE teacher had a similar feeling.
Practitioners will hold the same event multiple times at the high school in the next few weeks.
Related reports in Chinese:http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2018/6/7/瑞典小城的中学生们喜迎法轮功（图）-368533.htmlhttp://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2018/6/5/密苏里州民众-我们都需要更多“真善忍”（图）-368453.htmlhttp://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2018/6/6/“这正是我需要的”（图）-368502.html
