Perth practitioner: What does World Falun Dafa Day mean to me?

In the year 2000, May 13 was designated World Falun Dafa Day to mark the anniversary of the introduction of the spiritual practice to the public and celebrate the birthday of Falun Gong’s founder, Mr Li Hongzhi. This day is now celebrated by millions of people in countries around the world.

This has naturally led many people to wonder, “What is World Falun Dafa Day?” or “What does World Falun Dafa Day mean to the people who practise it?”

Opportunity to Give Back

I believe World Falun Dafa Day is a great time to give back to the Falun Dafa community and help spread this wonderful practice so that more people may also experience the benefits of Falun Dafa.

Each year for World Falun Dafa Day, Falun Gong practitioners in Perth (the city where I live) usually hold a celebration in the city, with various performances put on by both young and older practitioners for the public to enjoy. There is also usually a demonstration of the Falun Gong exercises.

The ladies often perform traditional hat dances or waist drum performances, which are very gentle and pleasant to watch, while the men perform big drum performances and dragon dances that are very striking and bold.

For the last two years, I have participated in the dragon dance performance along with six other practitioners. It is always wonderful to see the happy expressions and smiles of the children and their parents who enjoy watching our performance. Sometimes the little kids even think the dragon is actually alive when we swing it up over our heads.

Falun Dafa practitioners perform the Dragon Dance celebrating Falun Dafa Day in Perth, Australia. (supplied)

These events are always enjoyed by both the public and the practitioners who volunteer to host them. They are also a wonderful opportunity to talk with members of the public and introduce Falun Dafa to people who are interested in learning more about it.

Opportunity to Reflect on What Falun Dafa Has Given Me

I also find that each year when World Falun Dafa Day comes around, it provides a moment to reflect on how the practice has helped me and made a positive impact on my life. It is a chance to take stock and see how I have improved my character over the last year and become a better person by trying to live according to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

It is easy in this day and age to get caught up in the constant rush of everyday life, from work and family to personal projects — and we can sometimes lose sight of the things we have achieved along the way or how we have improved ourselves.

Some of the greatest benefits I have received from Falun Dafa are increased energy and the ability to handle life’s challenges without becoming overly stressed. I have always had a very busy life, working at my family company, travelling regularly for work and holidays, and attending many different social events. Doing the gentle exercises and meditation of Falun Dafa each day helps keep me energised and ready for the day ahead.

I also spend some time each night after work reading the main text of Falun Dafa, Zhuan Falun. This helps me unwind from the stresses of the day and reflect on how I can handle challenges at work and in my personal life with greater kindness and gratitude. It acts as a constant reminder to keep improving a little each day and become a better person.

I feel very grateful to have come to learn Falun Dafa and to have its values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance to guide me in my daily life.

Opportunity to come together and share experiences

World Falun Dafa Day is also a nice opportunity each year to come together with the many friends I have made through the Falun Dafa community and spend time together. We often have people come over to our house, and everyone brings a dish to share while we talk openly about our experiences and enjoy each other’s company.

I find that when you meet people who are on the same journey as you — especially when that journey is one of self-improvement — you can build deeper connections and lasting friendships. There is always an inspiring and uplifting atmosphere when we spend time together, whether we are working on something, playing ping pong, or enjoying a barbecue.

Australian Falun Dafa practitioners enjoying a meal together as they share their experiences of improvement with each other. (supplied)

Conclusion

So, to answer my original question of what World Falun Dafa Day means to me, I would have to say that it is an opportunity to give back to the community and reflect on how the practice has helped me become a better person. It is a time to connect with the many friends I have made through the Falun Dafa community and deepen my appreciation for having had the opportunity to learn this wonderful practice.

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‘Learn Falun Gong—Australia & New Zealand’ is a website run by Australian and New Zealand Falun Dafa volunteers for the benefit of the general public. Falun Dafa is always taught free of charge.

Falun Dafa volunteers are currently holding free online classes where you can learn the exercises from the comfort of your own home. Register for a free Falun Dafa online exercise class here or for the Falun Dafa 9-Day Lecture Series here.

Views expressed in this article represent the author's own opinions or understandings.