Spreading the Fa at One of the Largest European Martial Arts Exhibitions

In Birmingham, UK, fifteen to thirty thousand people were expected to attend one of the largest martial arts exhibitions in Europe on the 28^th and 29^th of April. UK practitioners felt this was a great opportunity to spread Dafa, as many of those who practice or are interested in martial arts may be predestined for the path of genuine cultivation in Dafa. The organizers were happy that we set up a stand at the exhibition and offered us the opportunity to demonstrate the exercises on several occasions throughout the event. During the performances of the exercises, we were able to use their microphones to introduce Dafa to the audience and to expose the brutal persecution in China.

Some practitioners described how, after Geneva, they were able to act more individually according to the Fa, directly from their hearts, rather than making decisions based on someone else's suggestion, following the rest of a group, or using human notions of effectiveness. None of us were at all clear about how many practitioners should come or would be needed at this event. Furthermore, we felt we could not impose such human notions upon the decision of whether or not to attend the exhibition--people made the decision simply according to their hearts. The results were very harmonious and pure. Practitioners from various cities attended on very short notice, with surprisingly little organization, and planning. The number of practitioners seemed just right, and everything went very smoothly. We were glad to have the opportunity to hand out several thousand Dafa newspapers and leaflets during the two days of the event. However, we did not focus too much on this. We all directly experienced the power of Dafa in other ways.

There were three stages. We were told the best stage, with good audience seating, and a large and quiet venue, was not available to us. Of the two remaining stages, one was far superior. Initially we were told that we would be able to use each of these two stages once each day. However, on the second day, a practitioner was informed that we would not be able to use the better stage, but would have to use the other stage twice instead. He accepted the news sadly, but then after a little reflection, felt that he should not have been so passive. So he put down his own thoughts and notions and asked them again, without any selfish intentions, but for Dafa, to see if they could rearrange it. The organizer listened and agreed to help. A little while later, the organizer returned and informed him that we now had three demonstrations arranged one at each stage including one at the third stage, the best one with the best seating and largest audience.

Many practitioners experienced the strong awareness of a very powerful, compassionate energy field as they demonstrated the exercises. They held back the tears that filled their eyes as the Dafa music began to play. Even veteran practitioners were surprised at their powerful feelings. As a practitioner introduced Dafa to the audience, he felt close to tears many times when he spoke the words, "Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance."

This event provided many opportunities and tests for our cultivation. Many practitioners became aware of their incorrect notions and attachments, and upon abandoning them, melted further into the Fa. We were once again made aware that our own cultivation is inseparable from the process of Fa-rectification.

Practitioners in the UK