(Minghui.org) This year, 2023, marks the 31st anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa. May 13th is the 24th World Falun Dafa Day, as well as the 72nd birthday of the founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi. Practitioners from Ireland celebrated the occasion with a parade, Chinese drum and dance performances in the center of Dublin on May 6, 2023.
Practitioners celebrate the 31st anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction in Dublin’s city center.
Practitioners started the celebration by demonstrating Falun Dafa’s five sets of exercises. This was followed by Chinese drum performances, a lion dance, and Chinese lotus flower and fan dances. Practitioners wished to express their infinite gratitude to Master while also showing people how wonderful Falun Dafa is.
Practitioners set off from the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin. Practitioners held up a banner reading “Falun Dafa is good” and passed by Panell Street, and then entered the city’s main street, O’Connell Street, and arrived at the famous General Post Office.
The melodious exercise music, along with the vibrant colors of the float and energetic drum beats, attracted the attention of many enthusiastic spectators who took out their cellphones to take pictures. Some Chinese people cheered them on and called out, “Keep up the good work!” while other spectators walked behind practitioners following their exercise movements. After learning about Falun Dafa, spectators praised the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Practitioners paraded on the main street of Dublin’s city center.
Practitioners gave various performances in celebration of World Falun Dafa Day.
Locals learn about Falun Dafa.
Chinese Man: “I Wish Master Li a Happy Birthday!”
Mr. Jin, from Hong Kong, stayed for a long time and watched the celebrations. He left for a brief moment and returned with a friend to introduce him to Falun Dafa, and they watched the celebrations together.
Mr. Jin learned about Falun Dafa when he was in Hong Kong. He said the reason the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched the nationwide persecution was because they were afraid that too many people practiced it. The persecution still exists in China, but after seeing the energetic spirits of both Chinese and Western practitioners, Mr. Jin said, “Master Li is truly magnificent!” After learning that they were celebrating Master Li’s birthday he said, “I wish Master Li a Happy Birthday!”
“If there exists a high and noble virtue in the world, then it must be the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”
Stewart liked Falun Dafa’s exercises.
Stewart read the truth-clarification posters attentively and learned about the CCP’s ongoing persecution. He was in disbelief and said, “1999 does not seem too long ago. I cannot believe the head of a country would want to demolish a group of people with faith and beliefs. This is unbelievable. This is truly absurd.”
Stewart explained that he traveled to China with two of his Chinese university friends. He enjoyed being in China, but also felt the Internet censorship of the people in China. “China is a vast and boundless country. However, it is upsetting to know that it is controlled by communism.”
Stewart used the words “beautiful” and “peaceful” to describe Falun Dafa. He said, “If there exists a high and noble virtue in the world, then it must be the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”
He said after watching practitioners demonstrate Falun Dafa’s standing exercises, “I like watching practitioners do the exercises. You can benefit from such beautiful movements. I think it also helps your concentration and you feel connected to your surroundings.” He said he was interested in learning the exercises.
High-Level Principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance
Allen is an Irishman who signed the petition to show his support for ending the persecution. He said, “I know a lot about this persecution because my wife is Chinese. I know this persecution is wrong.”
Allen has traveled to China many times and follows the news from China. He learned about the CCP’s persecution of Falun Dafa from an independent media group. “I have watched a documentary about China’s forced live organ harvesting. It is outrageous to hear that political leaders participate in organ trafficking of Falun Dafa practitioners in China.
Allen said he learned about qigong and energy channels. He believes that people should have the freedom of belief. “The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are high-level principles. It is a connection to something even better. No government entity should interfere with this. It is sad to see Falun Dafa practitioners being persecuted.”
The Principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Are Important for Mankind
Theresa (right) supports Falun Dafa.
Theresa said she encountered Falun Dafa practitioners as they clarified the truth about the persecution numerous times on the street. She said, “Amid the degenerate morals of today’s society and with communism infiltrating Ireland, many schools and people realize the severity of the issue.” She said she’s worried for her own children.
She praised the lotus flowers with the words “Falun Dafa is good, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good” written on them and said that the world needs these principles.
Alexandra (right) praised the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Alexandra has studied at a Chinese university in the past. She said, “I really like the principles Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I think the principles are very important in our daily lives and how we handle interpersonal relationships.”
Stephen wants to teach Falun Dafa in his class.
Stephen works in a mental health center and is interested in Falun Dafa. He wanted to learn more about the practice. “I think this practice will help us and I want to introduce this practice to our mental health center.”
Oscar, a young Chinese man, passed by and immediately signed the petition to end the persecution. “This persecution is too brutal.” Oscar praised the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, “I think the principles are very important. It is important for mankind.”
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