Thursday, June 6, 2002
The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Chairman Li Ruihuan and his retinue visited Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, on May 30th. Falun Gong practitioners learned that he would go to the Palace of Holyrood House at 3 p.m; therefore they went to the group practice site which was assigned to them earlier by the police in order to welcome him. Besides Falun Gong practitioners, some Chinese student groups who were invited by the Chinese embassy were also standing outside the palace. The interesting thing is that when Falun Gong practitioners arrived, the Chinese students said, "Look, Falun Gong." It seems that they were very familiar with the special yellow clothing worn by Falun Gong practitioners. The practitioners also greeted them in a friendly manner, and gave each of them a brochure clarifying the truth about Falun Gong.
In the past, when Falun Gong practitioners practiced exercises or held parade activities, people could see many colorful banners, as well as balloons. However, this time the practitioners did not display any banners at their practice site. They just followed the exercise music and repeatedly practiced the 5 exercises, transmitting a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Even the Chinese students were engrossed in watching.
With the police cars slowly approaching, Chinese students groups had started to beat drums and strike gongs and were ready to welcome Li Ruihuan. However, the Chinese students, who had been organized by the embassy seemed as though they hadn't seen enough of Falun Gong. They even forgot to yell slogans. On the other hand, Falun Gong practitioners were still peacefully practicing the exercises.
Next, Falun Gong practitioners quickly went to the Palace Garden because the representatives were
due to visit there soon. When these practitioners arrived at the main entrance of the Palace Garden,
the Chinese students groups were already there. In the crowd many people greeted our Falun Gong
practitioners. Some Chinese students also took photos of Falun Gong practitioners who were
practicing exercises. It was the same as in front of the Palace of Holyrood House--Falun Gong still
had no banners; they just quietly practiced the exercises. Then it began to rain heavily, but the
Falun Gong practitioners weren't influenced at all and continued to practice the exercises quietly.
Avoiding the rain, the Chinese students all quietly watched the practitioners' backs as they
practiced in the rain.
One Falun Gong practitioner's words answered people's questions about why Falun Gong is practiced
peacefully here: "We are here not to resist or to be against the government. We just want the
Chinese central leaders to see how peaceful and harmonious Falun Gong is and to let them know that
many people overseas also like this exercise practice. Falun Gong has never set itself against the
government, nor does it have any political agenda. We just clarify the truth and appeal to stop the
persecution. We have no demands or requirements on any governments or individuals. We just want
everyone to know the truth about Falun Gong."