(Minghui.org) On May 6, 2023, practitioners in Quebec, Canada, held a grand parade in Montreal to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and the 31st anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction as well as to congratulate the founder of Falun Dafa, Master Li Hongzhi, on his birthday.
Before the march departed Dorchester Square, practitioners wished Master Li a happy birthday in a video.
The Tian Guo Marching Band started out at 2 p.m., followed by a phalanx of banners, practitioners demonstrating the exercises, and colorful flags. It traveled along Rainel-le-Vick Avenue, Guy Street, and St. Catherine’s Avenue to its final destination, Phillips Square. People along the route stopped to watch and described it as “Beautiful,” “Peaceful,” and “Very moving.”
Afterward, practitioners did the Falun Dafa exercises on Phillips Square. Their graceful movements attracted many onlookers.
Practitioners’ parade in Montreal celebrates World Falun Dafa Day, the 31st anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction, and the birthday of the founder of Falun Dafa, Master Li Hongzhi.
Practitioners wish their founder, Master Li Hongzhi, a happy birthday.
Lawyer: These Are Beautiful Values That Benefit the World
Pierre Côté, a lawyer from Quebec City, was impressed by Falun Dafa’s principles, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Pierre Côté, a lawyer from Quebec City, saw the parade and said, “Our impression of the march is [that it is] very good, very peaceful. Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance—this is the first time I have seen such a message. It is amazing, very good.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a Falun Dafa parade. It’s very different. They bring beautiful values that benefit the whole world. I really don’t understand how anyone in China would persecute such a group.”
Software Engineer: We Want to Learn the Exercises
Software engineer Nuna (right) and her husband want to learn Falun Dafa.
Nura, a software engineer, said, “The first time I’ve seen a march like this. It was memorable. Even the police were helping to make the march go smoothly. I wondered if there were more activities after the march to show the exercises?”
After learning about Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, she said, “I think [these values] should be spread around the world, especially tolerance. By following [them], people will build a better world and get along with each other.”
Both she and her husband are very interested in learning the exercises and asked where the nearest practice sites were. After getting the address, they said “We’re going to learn.”
People Want to Learn the Exercises
Muhammad from Algeria and his daughter noticed practitioners assembling before the parade and he asked about Falun Dafa. After listening to an introduction, he said, “This is a very good exercise, which not only enhances people’s spiritual level but is also good for physical health. Practicing the exercises helps people relax.”
Muhammad from Algeria wants his daughter to learn Falun Dafa.
He wants his daughter to learn the exercises and asked if the child could practice them. Practitioners told him that Falun Dafa is suitable for all ages and gave him the website address for the free online classes.
Amal said she felt the energy of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Amal, who works in the insurance industry in Montreal, said, “There is something in this march that is particularly moving, even if you are not of this ethnicity, there is an idea of being part of them.
“What I like most about them is that they are very disciplined, orderly, and full of respect for others. I can feel the energy emanating from their hearts. I feel the energy of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, which is exactly what we need to believe in.”
She waved a leaflet as she left and said, “I want to learn Falun Dafa; this is something I must do this year.”
“Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is Hope.”
Therapist Louisa says that Falun Dafa’s principles, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, bring hope.
Therapist Louisa and her friends were very excited to see the parade. She said, “The march was very beautiful. I saw Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance—these are almost forgotten qualities. These qualities are good for everyone. It is a wake-up call for hope.”
Pastor Otello says that today’s society needs Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Otello, a pastor from Toronto, said, “I saw this march today and I understood that this is a meditation community that believes in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, qualities that we lack in our society today. People need these qualities, especially compassion, concern for others, and even concern for their soul and spirit. I think these qualities are beautiful.”
People Condemn the Persecution of Falun Gong
Fashion designer Marcelle (left) condemned the CCP’s persecution of Falun Dafa and expressed her support for practitioners.
Marcelle, a fashion designer from Vancouver, said she’s seen practitioners peacefully protesting in front of the Chinese consulate in Vancouver.
After they told her about the CCP’s live organ harvesting, she said, “I can’t believe that this is happening in today’s society. I bless you from the bottom of my heart. The Communist Party is anti-human and contrary to benevolence.”
Businessman: I Am in Awe of Falun Gong
Karim, a Montreal businessman, took his niece from France downtown, and they noticed practitioners doing the exercises on Phillips Square.
“I am in awe of this group, and I respect that they have been peacefully resisting persecution. This group has suffered quite severe persecution in China, and they are resisting persecution with their hearts and positive values. Yes, to me, it’s a very powerful force,” Karim said.
Karim, a Montreal businessman, admires the Falun Dafa community.
Karim said that Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is the spiritual connotation of Chinese tradition and are universal value. “I see that there are not only Chinese but also Canadians, all ethnic groups. The values of Falun Dafa bring people together. These values are also important to Canadians.”
Background: What Is Falun Dafa and Why Is the CCP Persecuting It?
Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings, which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and have learned the five exercises have experienced improved health and well-being.
Jiang Zemin, former head of the CCP, perceived the spiritual discipline’s growing popularity as a threat to the CCP’s atheistic ideology, and on July 20, 1999, he issued an order to eradicate the practice.
Under Jiang’s personal direction, the CCP established the 610 Office, an extralegal security organization with the power to override the police and judicial systems and whose sole function is to carry out the persecution of Falun Dafa.
Minghui.org has confirmed the deaths of thousands of practitioners as a result of the persecution over the past 24 years. The actual number is believed to be much higher. Countless practitioners have been imprisoned and tortured for their faith.
There is concrete evidence that the CCP sanctions the harvesting of organs from detained practitioners, who are murdered to supply China’s organ transplant industry.
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