(Minghui.org) Christmas celebrations run from late November through the end of December in New Zealand, and parades are a traditional form of celebration. From November 26 to December 24, 2022, Falun Gong practitioners participated in 20 parades in many cities and regions on both the North and South islands and won many awards. People thanked them for bringing the message of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and giving them hope for the future.
Falun Gong's Tian Guo Marching Band, waist drum team, and dragon dancers gave spectacular performances in the parades, leaving a deep impression on the spectators. The Falun Gong group won first prize in the Whangārei Christmas parade, second prize in the Hikurangi parade, and third prize in the Waitomo parade.
Falun Gong practitioners participate in Christmas parades in different parts of New Zealand in November and December 2022.
Falun Gong practitioners give out information about the mind-body practice to spectators along the parade route.
All of Us Should Follow the Values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance
Tania Wyatt and her children
Tania Wyatt is of Maori descent. She took her children to one of the Christmas parades and was pleased to be given a lotus flower with the message Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. “Their [Falun Gong practitioners'] music and costumes are great! I loved their costumes. Performances like these are the more the merrier. They should go to parades around the world,” she said.
“I absolutely agree with Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. These principles are what me and my children want to abide by, they are so important. Everyone should be sincere and tolerant, although as a mum with two children, I find it hard to be patient at times,” she said.
She was appalled to hear that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persecutes Falun Gong practitioners. “People should have the freedom to choose what they want to do—the CCP should not interfere. Everyone should live freely like us Maoris,” she said. “Besides, meditation is beneficial to one’s health; this has been proven. Falun Gong practitioners are not wrong to pursue the truth. The CCP should stop persecuting them!
“The CCP is wrong to control its people out of jealousy. I hope Falun Gong practitioners continue to stand up for human rights and never give up their belief,” she said.
Humanity Should Return to the Principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance
Kevina Tarei (right) and Davina Muir (left) loved the Tian Guo Marching Band.
Kevina Tarei and her cousin Davina Muir watched the parade together. Kevina was full of praise for the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance. “They were terrific,” she said. “The performance was professional and orderly. I loved their white and blue costumes.”
Kevina is a social worker, and her job is to help residents solve their problems. When she learned that Falun Gong practitioners live by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, she said, “I love these principles! Humanity should return to Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”
Davina is a nurse. Davina said, “I enjoyed the band’s performance. Their beautiful music made me want to dance!”
They wanted to tell practitioners that, although the New Zealand and Chinese cultures are very different, they absolutely loved Falun Gong. They wanted to thank practitioners for helping them understand Chinese culture.
People Say Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance Are Important Values
Alex McCarthy (right) said she wanted to give Falun Gong a try after receiving a flier about the practice.
Alex McCarthy is a young mother who lives in Pāpamoa. “They [the Tian Guo Marching Band] are amazing—the music is beautiful. I was amazed by the many instruments in the band, and the costumes are pretty and cool. I even got a flier. Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are wonderful principles. I am looking for a meditation practice. I really want to give this a try. I thank them for coming to our local parade,” she said.
Joanna Thomas loved the Tian Guo Marching Band.
Joanna Thomas works in a library. She praised the Tian Guo Marching Band: “Their costumes are so beautiful—they were the most eye-catching group in the crowd. The Christmas songs they played were great and the kids loved it. The values they promote—Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—are absolutely correct and important. Sincerity and kindness should be everyone’s principles in life.”
Eale Marquez complimented the principles of Falun Gong, Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
Eale Marquez used to be a quality controller. “This is the first time I have seen the Tian Guo Marching Band perform. It was most enjoyable,” she said. “Their traditional Chinese costumes were colorful and attractive, and their performance was spectacular. I thank them for coming all the way from Auckland.”
When she learned that Falun Gong practitioners live by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, it really resonated with her. “Yes, I must follow these values, too,” she said. “Besides I love to meditate. I want to say to them, ‘You are doing a wonderful job. Please keep it up.’”
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