(Minghui.org) “I’m looking for a practice that invites inner peace and self-reflection. That’s why I bought the book (Zhuan Falun).” “The book is fantastic. I’m so happy to be reading it,” said Mary Staton, who works in education. She came across the Falun Dafa booth at the Mind-Body-Spirit Festival. Through talking with practitioners, she discovered that Falun Dafa, an ancient Chinese meditation practice, is what she’s been looking for to improve her mental and physical fitness.

The festival was held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center from June 7 to 10, 2024, and it drew over 10,000 visitors. It is Australia’s largest health, well-being, and natural therapies event, and this year over 230 exhibitors participated. Many visitors learned the health benefits of Falun Dafa, experienced the peaceful and harmonious energy around practitioners, and expressed their gratitude for their effort to raise awareness of the ongoing persecution of the practice in China. Many visitors learned the five Falun Dafa exercises, and some bought books of the teachings including Zhuan Falun and Falun Gong.

The Falun Dafa booth at the Mind-Body-Spirit Festival drew the attention of many visitors. The festival was held from June 7 to 10 in 2024 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Visitors learn the Falun Dafa exercises

Atmosphere of Kindness and Peace

Mary Staton said that she could feel an atmosphere of kindness and peace surrounding practitioners at the Falun Dafa booth. When asked how she felt about the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, she said, “Fantastic. I think society will be a better place if we all have these qualities. So it’s very important.”

Mary Staton (left) bought a copy of Zhuan Falun, the book of Falun Dafa’s main teaching.

After talking to Barbara, a practitioner at the booth, Mary bought a copy of Zhuan Falun, the book of Falun Dafa’s main teachings. “I bought the book because Barbara was so helpful in explaining the practice,” said Mary.

Mary asked Barbara how she faced visitors with different attitudes, some friendly and some who are not accepting. Barbara said, “I stay very calm and this is part of our cultivation to improve our character.” “When we improve our character, our virtue is growing. So we can change our lives for the better by practicing Falun Dafa.”

Barbara suggested Mary read Zhuan Falun every day, “Reading the book can be more impactful than the exercises, because it helps you mentally and it gives you more self-confidence. It teaches you how you can truly improve your character by following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, and become a better person.”

Mary was inspired by what Barbara told her. “[Barbara] was explaining that through difficulties and tribulations in life, we all have a learning experience. We can self-reflect through these and become better people.”

Inspired by Practitioners’ Courage

Nik Baldacchino is a corporate security officer. After talking to practitioners at the festival and learning about Falun Dafa, Nik bought a copy of Falun Gong, and decided to learn the practice.

Nik Baldacchino bought a copy of Falun Gong at the Festival and decided to learn the practice.

Nik shared how she first learned about Falun Dafa. “It will be the first time I’ve learned it, but I’ve been interested in it for years. I saw a group of practitioners doing the exercises one day, and I went and spoke to them. They were beautiful people. They represent peace,” she said.

“I know that they are persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party for the past 25 years. Some practitioners told me their stories. One that stood out was a lady who was a bit older than me. She ended up in prison because she refused to give up her practice. She showed me her scar,” Nik said, in tears.

“I can’t believe that these people are being persecuted. For what? For promoting peace?” Nik was touched and inspired by the practitioner’s story.

She wanted to know what makes practitioners so strong and brave, saying, “Their strong faith inspired me to come here today and buy the book. I wanted to follow up on what I’ve been curious about. I was inspired to learn more by these people telling me their stories. Why are these people being persecuted like this? It brought me here today.

“The practitioners have a very calming energy. Very soothing energy. I want to tap into that. I want some of that, too. I think everyone can. It’s not magic or hocus pocus. It’s improving the body and the mind.”

She shared her understanding of Falun Dafa’s principles, saying, “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance is the secret to peace. It allows us to find inner peace and project it outward to the world.”

Glad to Rediscover Falun Dafa

Retired restaurant owner Natalia used to work in radio and marketing. She said that, “Practicing Falun Dafa is about loving yourself.”

Natalia decided to resume practicing Falun Dafa.

Natalia practiced Falun Dafa a few years ago when she was in marketing. She later stopped practicing because she moved away and her life took a different direction. After seeing Falun Dafa at the festival, she decided to resume practicing.

“[The practice] not only helped me physically, it certainly helped me with my mindset as well. It made me feel very balanced. I’m really glad to rediscover it here at the festival. Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance is what we all need, and most of all, we need love.”

She said she appreciated practitioners who promote the wonderful practice to the public. “I think it’s really good that practitioners are here demonstrating the exercises. It’s great that you’re explaining the practice and the exercises.”

Before she left, she said, “Now that I’ve rediscovered you, I’m just going to see what works for me and get back into it.”

High School Student: Falun Dafa Can Help Me Focus

An 11^th grader Mason Dubya came to Falun Dafa’s booth and learned the exercises.

Mason Dubya said he felt relaxed after he did the exercises.

After he did the exercises, Mason said, “I feel great. I feel calm, centered—I just feel peaceful, better than I was before. I feel uplifted.”

Facing an approaching college entrance exam, Mason felt that practicing Falun Dafa can help him focus on his studies and is considering joining the group exercise site near his home. “It’s a good way to wind down, relax. Coming from a hard day of school, do the exercises and get relaxed. Instead of feeling all over the place, it will make me feel whole again,” he said.

He was thankful for the practitioners who taught him the exercises patiently. “I think it's amazing that you’re trying to share it and spread a good message. Thanks for all your help!”

“I am definitely thinking of coming to Danino Park (to join the practitioners to do the exercises.) It sounds great,” he said.