What is World Falun Dafa Day?
Falun Gong (or Falun Dafa) was first imparted to the world on May 13, 1992, by Mr Li Hongzhi in China - which also happens to be the founder’s birthday.
The teachings and exercises were an instant sensation. Due to the authentic Chinese culture and values that the practice represented, millions of people took it on board, and Falun Gong became the fastest-growing spiritual practice in China’s history.
Many members of the Chinese Communist Party joined too, before July 1999.
(photo courtesy of the Falun Dafa Information Center)
So what does a Falun Gong practitioner look like?
Surprisingly, they look like either you or me. Anyone can practise (even children), and practitioners are found in over 80 countries around the world, of every race, age and nationality.
Rooted in Buddhist tradition, the practice consists of two main components: self-improvement through the study of teachings, and gentle exercises and meditation.
At the core of Falun Gong’s teachings is the understanding that Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance constitute the fundamental nature of the universe. As practitioners seek to practise these values in their daily thoughts and actions, they have found not only a sense of inner calm and optimism, even in the most dire circumstances, but also a deeper understanding of life and the universe around them.
For example, compassion can mean kindness - but it can also mean understanding and respecting someone else’s point of view, even when the situation is mentally trying.
(photo courtesy of the Falun Dafa Information Center)
The Repression of Human Rights
Falun Gong is practised in many countries but is banned in China, even though the practice was founded there. Why is this? Due to its exponential rise, the Chinese Communist Party felt threatened by the peaceful practice (with 100 million practitioners compared to the CCP’s 65 million members).
Due to the sheer numbers alone, Jiang Zemin, the leader of the CCP at the time, felt threatened and banned the practice on July 20, 1999, and the persecution has continued to this day.
Practitioners in China are detained in concentration camps, tortured, brainwashed and forced to relinquish their belief in Falun Gong. Illegal organ harvesting of practitioners has taken place, with thousands of people perishing. It has been recognised by many human rights groups as a legitimate genocide and a fundamental repression of human rights.
So, what does World Falun Dafa day look like in your city?
Despite the repression and persecution faced by practitioners in China, practitioners worldwide continue to celebrate May 13 as a significant day in history.
It may involve a colourful parade, beautiful traditional dances, a marching band, drum performances or a Falun Dafa Dragon taking centre stage.
Many practitioners of Falun Gong have therefore taken to the streets on this day (in some cases for the whole week, or even the whole month) each year, thanking Mr Li for his teachings and the goodness they have brought to people’s lives worldwide.
From renewed health, joy and happiness, to improved personal relationships, many have found that practising Falun Gong has changed their lives in a profound and beautiful way.
It is a day for practitioners to cherish, and we hope it brings hope and light to people around the world.
Unsurprisingly, World Falun Dafa Day declarations have been made by hundreds of officials across the United States, Canada and European countries.
Let’s hear from Falun Gong practitioners around the world who reflect on the meaning of Falun Gong in their lives, and on the May 13 anniversary.
(photos and stories courtesy of faluninfo.net)
Next time you see one of our practitioners, come and say hello and hear some of their stories. You may be inspired.
Happy World Falun Dafa Day!
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We hope you enjoyed reading this post.
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.
‘Learn Falun Gong—Australia’ is a website run by Australian Falun Dafa volunteers for the benefit of the general public. Falun Dafa is always taught free of charge.
Views expressed in this article represent the author’s own opinions or understandings.