(Clearwisdom.net) On May 11, Falun Gong practitioners from New York held a series of activities at Union Square, New York, to celebrate the 9th World Falun Dafa Day and wish Master Li Hongzhi a happy birthday.
Celebration at Union Square
Celebrating World Falun Dafa Day
Traditional Chinese dance
Instrumental performance
People watching the performances.
Taking video
Master Li Hongzhi started teaching Falun Dafa on May 13, 1992. On May 13, 2000, Falun Gong practitioners decided to establish "World Falun Dafa Day."
The celebration in New York started at 10:00 a.m. Practitioners demonstrated the exercises at Union Square. Zhang Erping, a Falun Gong spokesperson, explained that Falun Gong has spread throughout the world for 16 years, that Zhuan Falun has been translated into more than 20 languages, and more than 100 million people have benefited from it. Mr. Zhang said that, on this special day, Falun Gong practitioners wanted to share their true voice with the world.
At the rally, many practitioners shared their experiences of practicing Falun Gong.
Clarion Hunter started practicing Falun Gong in 2000. She shared her understanding of Falun Dafa's teaching. She said that the most important thing to do during conflicts is to look inward. "Obeying the principle of 'Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,' one can find real peace and harmony."
Mr. Dai Dongni's mother had an immune system disease. She was healed only a few months after she started to practice Falun Gong. The miracle brought Mr. Dai to Falun Gong, too. Mr. Dai said, "The principle of 'Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance' is what I had been looking for." Mr. Dai is in the antiques business. He obeys the principle of truthfulness when doing business and has very strong credit.
William and Allen have four children. The whole family practices Falun Gong. The children now get along with each other very well, because they have learned to consider others first.
The hosts of the event, Liam and Anna, introduced Falun Gong to the public and told them the truth about the persecution. Annie, a practitioner from upstate New York, told how her mother and aunt in China were arrested four weeks ago for practicing Falun Gong, and they are still in jail. Annie called upon the American people for help. Many New Yorkers signed their names to support Annie.
At noon, the Divine Land Marching Band and other practitioners presented a show. Practitioners played instruments, danced, and sang. The dragon dance, done by Western practitioners, was warmly welcomed. The traditional Chinese waist drums also attracted many people.
George Latimer and Tim Gordon, State Representatives from New York, sent congratulatory letters to the organizers. In the letters, they praised Falun Gong practitioners for their contributions to the community.
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