(Clearwisdom.net) On August 18, 2008, Falun Gong practitioners gathered in front of the main county office in Singaraja, on the island of Bali, Indonesia, to participate in a parade celebrating Indonesian Independence Day and the founding of Singaraja.
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The parade followed a 7 km route
The Falun Gong entry was the largest of 11 groups participating. Banners reading "Falun Dafa" and "Truth-Compassion-Forbearance" and a car with a loudspeaker introducing Falun Dafa led the contingent. A model of the book Zhuan Falun followed, after which came a float with a young practitioner meditating on a lotus flower seat. Waist drummers were next, followed by four young practitioners dancing with fans to traditional Chinese music. A group demonstrating the Falun Gong exercises and banners reading "Falun Dafa" and "Truth-Compassion-Forbearance" brought up the rear.
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Parade coordinator Mr. Sudama said in an interview that he regrets the plight of Falun Gong practitioners in China, and feels that the persecution is wrong.
The parade set off at about 2:00 p.m. and was warmly welcomed by tens of thousands of spectators.
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One woman expressed surprise at the sight of "Falun Gong." She said that she had seen TV news stories slandering Falun Gong years ago, and hence developed a misunderstanding of Falun Gong. A practitioner explained that Falun Dafa teaches people to follow the principles of Truth-Compassion-Forbearance. The practitioner continued, "I have cultivated in Falun Gong for five years. Falun Gong has never taught us to do bad things, but requires us to do good deeds. My whole family has benefited from practicing Falun Gong." The woman came to understand the truth and apologized for her unkind comments.
Two ladies from Australia saw the parade and said that Falun Gong has developed quite well and is free for anybody to practice in Australia. They wanted to learn more about the situation of Falun Gong in China. They said that they knew that Falun Dafa teaches people to abide by Truth-Compassion-Forbearance.
In front of the main stage where government officials were seated, practitioners performed for ten minutes and received enthusiastic applause. Several practitioners got on the stage and presented gifts, including Falun Gong truth clarification VCDs and other materials, to the guests. The guests seemed pleased with their gifts.
After performing in front of the main stage, the contingent moved on and met a group of Taiwanese tourists on a tour bus. The tourists waved to the practitioners and gave 'thumbs-up' signs to express their appreciation. Some of them took pictures of the practitioners and several others applauded and cheered.
