Medellin City, Colombia: Practitioners Celebrate World Falun Dafa Day

(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in Medellin, Colombia gathered at two parks in the city to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2023. They demonstrated the exercises and shared information with passersby at Parque de los Pies Descalzos and Parque del Río, both of which are major sightseeing spots for tourists visiting the city.

Both parks are also located very close to the administrative center of Medellin, the second largest city in Colombia. As a result, these parks attract locals and foreigners for both rest and recreation.

People of all ages and backgrounds were captivated by the gentle movements and peaceful music of the practitioners’ exercise demonstrations, and many stopped to take in a moment of peace in an otherwise busy society.

Practitioners demonstrate the exercises in Parque de los Pies Descalzos.

Practitioners demonstrate the exercises in Parque del Río.

Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance Resonates With Colombians

A family of four passed by the practitioners in Parque de los Pies Descalzos and stopped to watch the exercises. They said that the exercises inspired peace, tranquility and harmony. Luz, the mother, mentioned that she admires the principles of the practice.

“We think that the philosophy of Falun Dafa is very beautiful,” she said. “The practitioners talked to us about the spiritual part and also about health. I think that is what we are looking for in these times.”

Luz with her husband Darwin and their two daughters.

The practitioners were also giving away origami lotus flowers with cards attached that read: Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance—the principles of Falun Dafa, which Luz agreed with.

“(These values) are vital for cohabitation in everything: At work, in the family, in coexistence with other people. If one were to apply them, I believe that the world would not be bad at any time,” she said.

After learning that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a persecution campaign against Falun Dafa in 1999 that continues to this day, Darwin expressed sympathy for the practitioners in China who were not free to follow their beliefs. “It’s very sad that something so calm and peaceful, which is not affecting anyone, (that) people cannot do it,” he said.

Angela and Alfonso, a married couple, were drawn to the practitioners’ exercises in Parque del Rio. The quiet movements caught their eye, and they first thought it was Taichi. Upon learning of the persecution in China, Angela finds the situation beyond reason.

“It is absurd! Free will in the human being, this is one of our qualities and rights that we have,” she said. “That persecution is completely absurd, that has no reason to be.”

The couple said that they were interested in trying out the exercises themselves. “We would love to learn, be a part of this, and practice the exercises,” said Angela.

Angela and Alfonso in Parque del Rio.

Two Practitioners in Colombia Improve Their Character Through Falun Dafa

Falun Dafa Day marks the anniversary of the practice’s introduction to the public, and is an occasion for practitioners to show their gratitude and appreciation to their faith. Two practitioners who took part in the activities shared how they have benefited from the practice.

Alla Sokolova from Russia has lived in Colombia for 30 years, and began practicing Falun Dafa in 2007. On this special day, she feels a sense of unity with the community of practitioners around the world.

“When I see that in many countries practitioners go out and do parades, (pay respect to) Master, I feel like a particle of this body. I feel very happy,” she said. “When I am in an activity with the Dafa practitioners, I feel at home. I do not feel sadness that I’m far from my country.”

Alla Sokolova (second left) at Parque de los Pies Descalzos.

For someone who grew up in a communist country, Solokova said that Falun Dafa was a great way to help her unlearn some of the bad mental habits that she acquired while living in an oppressive society.

“I was born in Russia and lived most of my years under the communist regime,” she said. “There, you are educated from school to achieve things in life by competing. There is a lot of envy, you fight to get benefits, you fight to be stronger than others.

“I used to fight to pursue wealth and luxuries, but with Dafa I understood that I am not like that and that I must let go of that envy and change,” she added. “Now I don’t want to compete, or be envious of others, I am happy for the achievements of others. I live calmer and I value things more, I don't worry about having or not having something.”

Today, Solokova is much happier, and her mental health has improved greatly. “I am very happy to have known Dafa because my life has changed. Likewise, I feel a lot of joy when I see the changes and improvement in other practitioners.”

Doris Cohen lives in Medellín and has been practicing Falun Dafa since 2004. She says that Dafa has been her strength in the face of all the situations that have come her way since she began practicing.

Doris Cohen (left) at Parques del Rio.

She used to have a strong temper, but thanks to Falun Dafa she changed her attitude and became a better person. She feels that thanks to Master Li’s teachings, she has been able to improve and better herself day by day using the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

“Dafa has taught me to reinforce my principles, especially tolerance,” she said. “It has been a miracle in my life; it has allowed me to find a reason to live and a meaning in life.”

Cohen says that celebrating Falun Dafa Day reminds her of her greater purpose in life. “There is a lot of joy,” she said. “Getting together with my fellow practitioners strengthens me. In those moments I understand the true meaning of why we are in this world.”

She is also heartened to see all the passersby who have taken an interest in the exercise demonstrations and asked for more information about Falun Dafa, because it gives her a chance to share the practice that benefited her so much with others.

“I find that people are very receptive (to Falun Dafa), as if they are waiting for you to explain,” said Cohen. “They are very moved and when they do the exercises, they say they feel renewed. It fills me with satisfaction to see people so receptive to Dafa.”