(Clearwisdom.net) A few practitioners from Texas spent the past several days in New York City, telling people there the real story of Falun Gong. Below are some of their experiences.

1. I was deeply touched after coming to New York. A few elderly Dafa disciples there had financial difficulties; they had little money and lived in poor conditions. Sometimes they skipped eating the whole day. What they ate was the cheapest food from the supermarket. Other times they didn't have water to drink for long periods of time, yet they kept clarifying the truth to people here about Falun Gong over a long period of time.
2. There were many people in New York, particularly these past few days, and police were everywhere. Our Texas practitioners formed a group and distributed truth-clarifying materials in the busiest place, on Times Square. Initially, not many passers-by paid attention to us. There were crowds of people but it seems as if we didn't exist. We started to send forth righteous thoughts and held banners. A few practitioners started to do the exercises. Our posters, banners, graceful exercise movements and peaceful exercise music attracted people's attentions, and many came over to see. We have learned more about the power of being one body. Our peaceful field created a distinct contrast to other demonstration groups around us, and the police were very nice toward us.
3. We were at Times Square, the most crowded place in New York City. People's attire and behavior there were odd, and many people appeared cold-hearted and indifferent. I was quite uneasy at first and felt very sad. Later I realized that we were here to change the environment and should not be moved by it. I also felt that all people are suffering but they don't realize it, so they are truly to be pitied. After I changed my mindset and sent forth righteous thoughts, more and more people accepted our materials.
4. We had some misconceptions about New Yorkers initially. We thought that they were relatively cold-hearted and usually didn't care about others, but in the process of clarifying the truth we met many kind-hearted and sympathetic people who have greatly encouraged us. We realized that in such a big metropolitan city like New York there are all sorts of people, good, bad or indifferent. We cannot let our opinions restrict us, but rather treat everyone with the utmost compassion.
5. We would usually begin by telling people what Falun Gong is all about: how Falun Gong has spread to over 60 countries; the persecution of Falun Gong in China and the lawsuit against perpetrators overseas, and other information. While we were talking, we showed them pictures of the torture. Finally, we gave them truth-clarifying handouts. The results were usually pretty good, and some people even asked for more materials.
6. In the past I was always afraid to hand out fliers. If someone didn't take one, I would feel disappointed and embarrassed. This time, when I was with fellow practitioners, I felt that I have changed a lot. I tried my best to talk to people. If I encountered any difficult questions, I would go to find a nearby fellow practitioner to help me. With the cooperation, help and encouragement from fellow practitioners, I found I improved a lot.
7. A story of an American couple: While I was standing there distributing materials, an American couple came up to ask me some questions. After I explained the real situation of Falun Gong, they said that they were well informed about China. They believed what we said, and expressed great sympathy for our situation. They told us one of their friends went to visit Tiananmen Square and saw police beating Falun Gong practitioners. An Australian there wanted to take a photo but the police berated him. The police removed the film from his camera as well. The couple also mentioned the miserable prison conditions where practitioners are detained, for example, practitioners not being allowed to take a bath for many days and so on. They said, "even if you don't lose your life there, you will be mistreated so badly that you would prefer to die." They said again that they understand everything and showed their empathy toward practitioners.
8. Breaking through the concept of self. On the subway I sat by a Chinese woman. I told her about Falun Gong, but she showed little interest. I then gave her truth-clarifying material to read. After a few stops, an elderly practitioner got on the subway. As soon as she stepped in, she started to distribute fliers to the passengers. I was deeply moved by her pure intent to offer salvation to people. After she was done, she sat by the Chinese woman I had given up on a moment ago. The elderly practitioner kept telling the lady about Falun Gong, and the lady listened with great interest. Later we found out that the lady had just come from China. The elderly practitioner's example showed me where I need to improve. I had not cultivated well enough. When I realized the problem, it was clear that I should be able to do better in the future.
9. I was standing in a street handing out fliers. A young Chinese man stood nearby but looked up to the sky, as though nobody was there. I asked him if he had heard of Falun Gong. He didn't reply. I tried to talk to him. He suddenly said, "You say you are right, but the Communists say they are right." I realized that he knew very little about Dafa. So I told him about the health and moral benefits of practicing Falun Gong, as well as the spreading of Falun Gong around the world. His eyes became brighter and brighter. Later on he asked me for written information. I've realized more the importance of having a compassionate heart. We should not abandon a life at will.
10. While I was walking on a street, a policeman ran toward me, shouting. He took a flier from my hand and said in all earnestness, "I need this." I continued on my way but looked back several times. I saw that policeman standing there reading our flier.
11. A young man and an older lady asked a lot of questions about the practice of Falun Gong, even many details. Eventually, the young man said to the older woman, "Mom, you can see how good Falun Gong is. You now have no reason to not practice, right?" Then they left happily, with information about the practice site.
12. We believe that no matter how many people there are in New York City, or how difficult it is to tell them the truth, as long as we keep on doing it, the impact will be great, for sure. A person who has learned the truth will tell others about it, too; thus one tells ten others and ten others tell a hundred others! The truth about Falun Gong is bound to spread throughout New York and will be planted deep in people's hearts here.