July 20th and 22nd.
On July 20th, some activities were planned in Manchester, UK, to appeal for public support against the persecution of Falun Gong in China. At the last minute, it was felt that we must also have some activities outside the Chinese Embassy in London, as this had both symbolic significance, and also much importance in other dimensions. Thus a small group of people at the last minute arranged to go there. On the 20th of July, 7 practitioners gathered. A large banner, about 12 feet long, saying "Two years too long: Stop the persecution of Falun Gong in China" was hung prominently. A table displaying torture cases and information was set up. Two practitioners would hand out leaflets, talk to passers by, and the others would perform the exercises. The atmosphere surrounding the practitioners was very serene and peaceful. Many people who had stopped at the traffic lights in their cars took the leaflets. The practitioners did not say too much to each other, but rather quietly and harmoniously carried out the activities with our hearts full of compassion. We sent forth righteous thoughts a few times. The weather was unusually windy for the time of year, but it never disturbed our activities. The sky looked as though it may rain, but never did. With fewer people, it was easy to see each individual practitioner's solid determination and heartfelt compassion. The onlookers seemed to sense this too.
On one occasion, a Chinese man appeared and began to take photographs. He looked suspicious. Two practitioners who saw him began to spontaneously send forth righteous thoughts that he should not take photos. One practitioner went over to him, commented to him that he seemed to like to take photos, then stood quietly near him, thinking solidly in his mind, "you shall not take any more photos." The man remained for another ten minutes, exchanged a few words with a Chinese practitioner, and then walked away without taking another photo.
On the 22nd of July, about ten practitioners joined the appeal outside the Chinese Embassy. This activity carried the same atmosphere and qualities as the previous one. The activities outside the Chinese Embassy have even become familiar to the tour guides of the open-top London tourist buses, which pass by every 10-15 minutes. As the many passengers on the top deck of one bus stood up and strained their necks to see the practitioners more clearly, a practitioner sitting in meditation heard the tour guide saying, over the microphone, something like, "Here are the Falun Gong practitioners who are demonstrating opposite the Chinese Embassy against the brutal persecution of Falun Gong in China."
Category: Rallies & Protests