Puerto Rico: Finding Falun Dafa on “The Way to Happiness”

(Minghui.org) Practitioners from Puerto Rico visited the seaside town of Dorado for the Puerto Rico Vegan Fest to introduce Falun Dafa and raise awareness about the continuing persecution of the practice in China.

The practitioners smiled when they learned that their booth was located along a pathway named “The Way to Happiness” and that the theme of the festival was to invite visitors to “transform their lives.”

Under the vibrant sunshine, graced by royal palms, fresh ocean breezes, music, and a variety of vegan foods, hundreds strolled along “The Way to Happiness” and found Falun Dafa for the first time.

Visitors discover Falun Dafa along “The Way to Happiness.”

Festival visitors read about the Chinese regime's forced organ harvesting of persecuted Falun Dafa practitioners in China.

A group of college students asked many questions, but they interrupted and often talked over each other as a practitioner tried to answer them. When they finished asking questions, they were invited to try one of the exercises and readily agreed. As the exercise ended, they talked about how they were feeling, but now with a noticeable difference – no longer interrupting each other. “Yeah, I feel... calm,” said one, “It’s like I’ve done 20 minutes of meditation in a few minutes,” said another. “I feel so light,” said another. Cheerful and smiling, they moved on.

Students learn the Standing Stance exercise, the second Falun Dafa exercise. The pathway sign “El Camino a la Felicidad” is Spanish for “The Way to Happiness.”

A woman who stopped to read the persecution exhibits appeared quite distressed after learning about the brutality taking place in China. She asked, “Why is the Chinese government doing this? I don’t understand. Why do we trade with China? So many things these days, in the shops, are labeled ‘made in China.'”

Many visitors struggled to understand the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China.

A young man read a Falun Dafa brochure and commented, “I like to read about different religions and pick out what’s best from each one.” A practitioner pointed out that such an approach may appear useful but that it would be wise to be very careful about one’s spiritual life. Picking up a copy of Zhuan Falun, the practitioner said, “This is the main text of Falun Dafa. As you read it, you will get an understanding of spiritual development in a systematic way, and you can download it for free.” The young man appeared pleasantly surprised.

Several people gathered to see the exercise demonstration when it was announced. They quickly learned the Falun Standing Stance exercise, and in less than a minute, a tranquil stillness surrounded the area amid the festival noise. When the exercises ended, the participants were smiling. They looked rested, and several commented on how peaceful they felt after only a few minutes. A mother, whose young daughter was watching, was elated. “I feel so calm, like I’m floating. A current was passing through my hands,” she told everyone as she picked up her daughter, who was also visibly delighted.

People watched the exercise demonstration and learned the Falun Standing Stance exercise.

A woman visiting from the island of Tortola looked over the Falun Dafa display and wanted to know more about the practice. When the practitioner suggested she try one of the Falun Dafa exercises, she called over her two friends to join her.

As they finished the Falun Standing Stance exercise, they appeared surprised and delighted. The woman from Tortola was so happy that she gave the practitioner a big hug. “Thank you. This is genuine!” The practitioner replied, “You can take it back to your island and show your friends.”

Her friends crowded around her, also excited, “What does this exercise do?” asked one. The practitioners pointed out the exercise descriptions in the brochure, noting that they increase vital energy. The woman interrupted, “That’s it! That’s what happened to me! I felt energy here around my arms. All over!” She mentioned it to her friends again and again. She was moved, amazed, and grateful.

Another man said, “I have an Instagram site dedicated to informing people about unethical things and will let people know about forced organ harvesting from Falun Dafa practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party and about U.S. House Resolution 343 [which condemns the atrocities in China].”

A man who wanted to know what the exhibition was all about was moved and incredulous as he read through the persecution exhibits. He carefully recorded the exhibit describing U.S. House Resolution 343 and another titled “More than 100 million people hold on to their belief under ongoing genocide in China.” He asked, “How could this be?” shaking his head in disbelief as he thanked the practitioners for raising awareness of the persecution.

“Tell me, how will this help me?” asked another man. The practitioner answered, “In every possible way.” The man listened with interest about the importance of Falun Dafa's principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance to one’s wellbeing. He mentioned that he had not gone to church for a while and seemed to be waiting to hear something. He then said, “I should take care of myself... that’s what you’re saying... really take care of myself.” He warmly thanked the practitioners.

A woman who finished reading the exhibits talked with a practitioner about declining values today and said she was saddened by the persecution. “This genocide is happening right now, and by a government. And we don’t know anything about it! May the Creator bless you for what you’re doing.”

Visitors commented that there was nothing in the media about the ongoing atrocities perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party against followers of Falun Dafa and other traditional beliefs.

Throughout the day, a quiet, delightful harmony permeated the practitioners' booth. As the sun went down, the practitioners packed up, and while sharing experiences with each other, they reflected with gratitude on what a great gift this day had been on “The Way to Happiness.” They expressed their gratitude to Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa.