(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners introduced Falun Dafa at Antwerp’s business district on October 19, 2024, where they demonstrated the exercises and talked to people about the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) 25-year-long persecution of the practice. Some learned the exercises, and many signed a petition calling for an end to the persecution.
Falun Gong practitioners in Antwerp, Belgium, hold an event to raise awareness of the CCP’s 25-year-long persecution.
University Students: Falun Gong Benefits Everyone
Gilbert (left), Korneel van de Vijver (center), Steven Arnauts (right)
Korneel van de Vijver, Gilbert, and Steven Arnauts, three Belgian university students from Ghent University studying science and engineering were drawn to the peaceful meditation practice. After watching for a while, they approached the information table. It was the first time they had heard of Falun Gong. They talked to the practitioners for a long time.
They said the practitioners looked relaxed when meditating, and the exercises were peaceful. They didn’t understand why the practice was banned in China because just watching the practitioners brought them peace. They also remarked that this practice would benefit everyone.
They were particularly concerned about the CCP’s forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners. They wondered why more people weren't aware of it. After learning about the persecution and China’s information censorship, they said the CCP exerts censorship to control people. Similarly, they noted that the forced organ harvesting had been covered up by the international community. The Chinese government tries to hide it so they won’t be questioned.
Korneel said, “I signed the petition because I saw what they (the practitioners) are doing is good. Even though it’s a small act, signing the petition is a way to support the practitioners against the persecution. I believe it can help, so I should do it.”
Gilbert said, “I signed to support the practitioners. Persecuting peaceful people like this is foolish.”
Steven added, “I signed because I think it’s unfair that practitioners aren’t allowed to meditate. Meditation is harmless.” He also said, “I don’t like that they are oppressed for their belief. I am against this persecution.”
“I like the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,” Korneel said. “They are good values to follow, which all human beings should have.” Steven added, “I think the principles can help people. They are exactly what some people need in their lives and help to release their stress. I believe the practice can help people relax.” Gilbert said, “It truly brings peace. This is something everyone should do. It helps with relaxation in this busy, harsh world, and calms the mind.”
People are informed about Falun Gong and the CCP’s persecution.
A Belgian Family Learns How to Meditate
Stephanie and her daughter learned the fifth exercise.
Stephanie, her husband, and their three children watched the practitioners do the exercises. They visited the booth to find out more. Stephanie said the traditional values resonate with her. Upon learning about the persecution, she said, “The government shouldn’t do this. People should have the right to choose their beliefs. Meditation and cultivation are the right things to do.” They immediately signed the petition opposing China’s forced organ harvesting.
Stephanie mentioned that her family needs more peace at home. She asked the practitioners if her second daughter, a well-behaved little girl, could learn the meditation. The practitioners taught her and her daughter how to meditate on the spot. Amid the hustle and bustle of the busy street, they patiently learned the hand movements and how to meditate. They said they would continue practicing when they returned home.
People sign the petitions calling for an end of the persecution.
Amnesty International Staff: Forced Organ Harvesting Is a Crime Against Humanity
Jalal, an Amnesty International staff member, wanted to learn more about the persecution and spoke with the practitioners for a long time. He knew that the communist regime violates human rights and said, “I believe everyone should have the right to live and practice their faith.”
When he learned that the forced organ harvesting of practitioners has been going on for a long time, he said, “It’s horrifying. This is a crime against humanity.”
Georgian Man: The Practice Brings a Peaceful Energy
Saba said he felt peaceful energy.
Saba from Georgia watched the practitioners meditating with great interest. He said, “What caught my attention is that I can feel a peaceful energy coming from the practitioners as they meditate.” He added, “I’m amazed at how they stay calm in such a chaotic environment.”
Saba strongly agreed with the principles of Falun Gong. He expressed his hope that peace and love should be everywhere, which is what he truly wanted to see.
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