(Clearwisdom.net) On July 12, 2009, Falun Gong practitioners participated in the Chinatown Festival in Boston, Massachusetts. They set up a booth to introduce Falun Gong, demonstrated the exercises and taught people to how to make folded paper lotus flowers. Many people stopped by the booth and were interested in learning more about the practice.
A young Chinese American listens carefully as Falun Gong practitioners clarify the truth
Many people stop at the table set up by Falun Gong practitioners
Practitioners introduce Falun Gong to Chinese Americans
A young man of about 20 years old came up to the table to learn more about Falun Gong. After listening to practitioners' personal experiences of how Falun Gong has benefited their minds and bodies, he said he would go to the Internet to read more. In addition, he said he would recommend Falun Gong to his mother, who had been ill for years, hoping she would benefit as well.
There was a man in his 30's who had just come from China. Because he had only been exposed to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) campaign of hate propaganda against Falun Gong, he dared not take truth-clarification materials. The practitioners kindly explained to him that the United States is a land of freedom protected by law and assured him that there was no need to worry about harassment from the CCP. Practitioners also suggested that he make good use of his time during his stay overseas to learn more about Falun Gong.
A woman in her 50s rode by on a bike. She stopped to learn how to make folded paper lotus flowers. In this process, she came to understand the meaning of the lotus flower and the determination practitioners have in cultivating themselves. She asked, "I hope more people can get to know Falun Gong. Do you accept donations?" When she learned that Falun Gong practitioners are volunteers and they did not accept donations, she nodded her head in respect.
Lucy Tan lives in Chinatown. After listening to the practitioners' truth-clarification, she was touched by their compassion and desire to help others. She also wanted to learn Falun Gong.
A mother came by with two daughters, aged two and five. They were very happy to accept the truth-clarification materials about Falun Gong. The mother also asked about enrollment information for the Minghui School, as she wishes to send her daughters there to learn Chinese.
There was a Chinese-American who came with her boyfriend. After learning about the CCP's live organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners, she was shocked and angry over the brutal persecution. She became interested in Falun Gong. After leaving the festival, she went to a park in Chinatown to learn the five sets of exercises.
Lynn is a student at Tufts Medical Center pursuing a dental degree. She had been searching for something for years but failed to find it. She said that the disappointment and despair was crushing. After watching Falun Gong practitioners demonstrating the exercises, she exclaimed, "This is exactly what I am looking for!" She also planned to learn the excises at a practice site in Chinatown.
An older Westerner said that she had conflicts with colleagues for a long time. However, it was difficult to find a way to remain calm and undisturbed. Practitioners shared some personal experiences they had after reading Zhuan Falun and answered many of her questions. This lady was very happy and thankful for their help.
Three Vietnamese Chinese came by to learn how to make paper lotus flowers as well as learn about Falun Gong. One of them had attended a Shen Yun Performing Arts show in New York City last year and was very moved by the performance. She was very happy that Chinese traditional culture is being revived and she was very proud of that. Upon her recommendation, the other two people also decided to attend the Shen Yun show when it returns to Boston next year.
Background
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline for mind and body. The practice involves slow, gentle movements and meditation. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, and free of charge. Its principles are based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice began in China in 1992 and quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China and then beyond. Its beneficial effects in uplifting an individual's physical health, spiritual well-being and moral character, not to mention its positive influence in the community and society as a whole, have been undeniable. In fact, Falun Gong is practiced by over 100 million people in 60 countries. The main works of Falun Gong are available in over 30 languages.
