(Clearwisdom.net) While Ms. Zhang Cuiying was holding her painting exhibition in the City of St. Louis, Missouri, local Falun Gong practitioners held a "Music of Summer" party on the afternoon of Sunday June 30, 2002, in the Women's Building at Washington University. Nearly 30 paintings of Ms. Zhang were displayed. Many guests from the circle of overseas Chinese people and local practitioners attended the party, and tasted delicious food prepared by practitioners. Four local Chinese news agencies covered the event, and one of the newspapers made a half page photo report on it.
Using everyone's wisdom to make preparations
The multi-functional hall in the Women's Building of Washington University has an excellent sound and light system. According to university rules, it can only be rented out to hold concerts, and is not usually open to social groups or individuals to hold parties. The practitioners explained to the related departments' administrative personnel that Falun Gong is a peaceful meditation practice and has received acknowledgement and awards from countries all over the world. Unfortunately, it is only in China that Falun Gong is treated unfairly. The purpose of holding the party is to improve mutual understanding and communication in the Chinese communities. In the end, the university authorities agreed to rent the Women's Building to us.
While studying the Fa and exchanging opinions, practitioners realized the significance of deepening our truth clarification and having all local practitioners participate in the preparation. Some practitioners made frames for displaying paintings, some went shopping and prepared food, some were in charge of young practitioners' rehearsal of performances, some were in charge of all sound effects at the party, some practitioners decorated the hall, some made invitation cards for guests, and some added more paintings to Ms. Zhang Cuiying's works according to visitors' feedback. As all local practitioners were involved, we were well prepared for the event. Some practitioners from surrounding cities also drove several hours to support our activity.
Several practitioners prepared a buffet dinner. They spent three days shopping and cooking several dozen courses of food in both Chinese and Western style. Guests enjoyed the delicious food after appreciating calligraphy, paintings and musical performances.
Incorporating truth-clarification in the song and dance performances
Many Chinese people, including our friends and colleagues as well as people from other communities, attended the art exhibition. All of the four local Chinese newspaper reporters interviewed Ms. Zhang Cuiying and covered our event. People in attendance were all immersed in the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in the hall.
The programs for the party included songs, dances and musical instrument performances, many by teenage practitioners. Their wonderful performances won warm applause from the audience.
One 61-year-old practitioner performed the dance "Song of Lotus, " and after that, she recounted her experience of having her chronic illnesses of 14 years cured after practicing Falun Dafa for several months. Another practitioner talked about her experience of recovering from kidney cancer without spending a penny after she learned Falun Gong. Her mother and two daughters also obtained the Fa because of her miraculous changes. The audience was amazed at her experiences and showed great interest in Falun Dafa.
Practitioners played a flash movie of a song composed by Dafa practitioners and while explaining the lyrics, and they naturally clarified the truth about the Tiananmen self-immolation staged by the Jiang regime. A Western practitioner sang the song Dedu (Be Saved), talked about her feelings about China and her experience of going to Tiananmen Square to tell the Chinese people, "Falun Dafa is good," and the Chinese police's changes after she sang the song Dedu to them.
The last program of the party was the video show "The Peaceful Journey of Falun Dafa." Many people in attendance felt upset after seeing the violence against Falun Gong practitioners on Tiananmen Square.
After the party, one person said, "I've read your introductory materials before, but this time I have a thorough understanding. It's really good. Your Falun Gong practitioners are so talented." One person from China said, "I feel, once the persecution ends, Falun Gong will become the belief of the world."
Clarifying the truth to Chinese people needs to be done patiently and in a deeper and more refined way
The party was a great success. Every practitioner put into full play his or her talents, although we did not have enough time to make many preparations. Moreover, not only did the people in attendance learn the truth about Falun Gong, but also, many who were absent also showed an interest and asked us about the art exhibition and the party afterwards. Through this party, we realized that we needed to be more considerate of others. The success of the party also increased our confidence in holding more similar activities in future.
Category: April 25 Events
