(Minghui.org) Practitioners from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria organized a series of activities along the shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee) from June 23 to 25, 2023, to introduce Falun Dafa to the public and raise the awareness of persecution of practitioners in China.
They conducted an informational car parade around Lake Constance on June 23 and 24, passing through Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. They set up three booths in Vorarlberg, the westernmost state of Austria, to demonstrate the Falun Dafa exercises, introduce the practice, and collect signatures on a petition that calls for an end to the persecution in China. They were warmly welcomed by the local population.
Practitioners set up an information booth at Feldkirch-Oberau Secondary School (Mittelschule Feldkirch-Oberau) in Feldkirch from June 23 to June 25, 2023.
The three information booths were set up in the city center of Feldkirch, at Feldkirch-Oberau Secondary School, and in Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg. Practitioners distributed small lotus flowers with the words, “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” printed on them, and shared the beauty of Falun Dafa at the booths and during the car parade. When the locals understood that the words on the lotus flowers represent Falun Dafa's principles, some of them immediately learned to say “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” in Chinese. Many people asked where they could learn the practice, and some imitated the practitioners' movements as they demonstrated the exercises.
Children and parents learn to fold small lotus flowers at an information booth.
A child joyfully accepts a small lotus flower.
A sports festival was held at Feldkirch-Oberau Secondary School on Saturday, June 24. Practitioners set up an information booth at the event and distributed small lotus flowers to students and parents. They explained that Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, are the principles of Falun Dafa. When a practitioner asked the children if they would follow these principles at home, they nodded in agreement.
Practitioners demonstrated the exercises on stage. The soothing music and graceful movements attracted the attention of many people. Some imitated the practitioners’ movements.
Practitioners showcased the exercises on stage during the sports festival. Four practitioners stood at each corner of the stage to ensure that everyone could see clearly. As the music for the first exercise began, the audience immediately fell silent. People attentively listened as practitioners explained the exercises and gave an overview of Falun Dafa. The soothing exercise music and the practitioners’ graceful movements captivated people's attention. Some children even came up on stage and did the exercises alongside the practitioners.
Practitioners invited the children to the meditation with their both legs crossed. One boy and one girl made a special effort to become calm while meditating. Their mother said she was surprised because her children were never able to sit quietly for such a long time before.
Many parents listened attentively to the introduction of Falun Dafa and expressed their gratitude. They took informational materials with them to read at home and said they'd share the information with others. The children also said they wanted to bring the lotus flowers to their families and friends with the words “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.”
Practitioners set up an information booth in the center of Feldkirch.
Practitioners also set up an information booth in the center of Feldkirch on Saturday, June 24th. Many people stopped to talk to learn about Falun Dafa and the persecution in China.
A mother from Hungary came to the booth with her child. They had just come from the school sports festival. The mother wanted to learn more about Falun Dafa and was interested in learning to practice.
People learn the Falun Dafa exercises at the information booth in Bregenz.
Practitioners set up an information booth in Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg, on June 24th and 25th. Bregenz is located near beautiful Lake Constance. The weather was sunny and warm, and many people came to the lakeside for a stroll. They attentively read the information on the display boards regarding the persecution of practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party. Some sat on nearby benches and watched as practitioners did the exercises. Many people talked with practitioners and wanted to learn more about Falun Dafa.
One person told a practitioner, “I would like to have a brochure. I want to know more about Falun Dafa. I can feel very good energy emanating from all of you.” He said that he was going through a difficult time and was seeking a resolution. When he saw the practitioners’ gentle and soothing movements, he immediately knew this was what he had been looking for. He asked them where he could learn to practice.