(Minghui.org) Practitioners in New York gathered in Union Square on Sunday, May 11, 2025, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and the 33rd anniversary since the practice was introduced to the public in 1992. They also held this event to wish a happy birthday to Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa.
The event started at 9:00 am with an exercise demonstration. Practitioners from various ethnic groups participated in it, and the peaceful exercises attracted the attention of a lot of people who had been passing by. The group exercise demonstration was followed by a variety of performances at noon.
Falun Dafa practitioners demonstrate the exercises in Union Square in Manhattan on May 11, 2025
Proclamations received by elected officials at all levels
Practitioners performance during the celebration
Large-scale exercise demonstration.
A pedestrian learns the exercises.
Passersby are glad to hear information about Falun Dafa.
The first performance of the celebration was from the Tian Guo Marching Band, and was followed by numerous dance, music, and singing performances. Many people who had been passing by stopped to enjoy these performances.
Practitioners handed out Falun Dafa materials and handmade lotus flowers with the words “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance” on them. It was Mother’s Day, and many families were excited to receive these gifts and thanked practitioners.
More Than 3,000 Proclamations
Erping Zhang, a spokesperson from Falun Dafa Information Center, said he was glad to see so many practitioners had joined the celebration. This shows that the practice has benefited practitioners and society at large.
Erping Zhang from the Falun Dafa Information Center.
More than 3,000 proclamations have been received from all levels of government in the United States alone over the years, Mr. Zhang said. In addition to a resolution from the New York State Senate, three state representatives and 14 local officials issued proclamations this year. This confirms that Falun Dafa has positively impacted these communities.
Thirty-three years ago, Falun Dafa was introduced to the public by Master Li on May 13, 1992. Although the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) began to suppress Falun Dafa in 1999, the practice continued to gain popularity and has now reached more than 100 countries. The book containing the main teachings of Falun Dafa, Zhuan Falun, has been translated into more than 50 languages.
Practitioners have been celebrating World Falun Dafa Day since 2000. Through the practice, many people have regained their health, and moreover, they have found the purpose of life, and have been inspired by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Practitioners apply these teachings at home, in their workplaces, and in their daily lives.
Positive Energy
Xing Kebin, who lives in Queens, came to Union Square early in the morning to join the event. He remembers reading Zhuan Falun for the first time and finding the book very profound, different from other books he had read. “I understood why people came to this world, and I had not realized that life had a purpose until then,” he recalled.
After practicing Falun Dafa on his own for three years, Mr. Xing drove to Middletown in New York to attend a nine-day workshop, where he watched Master Li’s video lectures. “I am always grateful to Master Li for my getting to know Falun Dafa, constantly improving myself, and returning to my origin,” he continued.
Mr. Zhu is a tall young man who has participated in the Falun Dafa practitioners’ lion dance group for four years. He followed his mother to practice Falun Dafa during his childhood, and he experienced the benefits of the practice, including improvement in his mind and body. After obtaining a master’s degree in software development in mainland China, he came to the United States and received another master’s degree in computer science.
“Looking back over these years, I am always thankful because Master Li is so compassionate,” he explained. “I know many people have been misled by the defamatory propaganda by the CCP, so I hope they can find out the facts and draw a conclusion themselves, instead of blindly following the CCP’s lies.”
College student Zhang Kai played both drums and the viola during the performances that afternoon. He said practicing Falun Dafa gave him energy for his busy coursework. He had noticed that other students were often stressed or frustrated by their coursework, but Mr. Zhang said he is fortunate because Falun Dafa helps him to remain calm with positive energy.
“Falun Dafa teaches me to look beyond myself, such as by being considerate of others,” he said. “That is why I am so happy to be here celebrating World Falun Dafa Day with everyone and wish Master Li a happy birthday!”
Inner Peace
Many Western practitioners joined the celebration, including Sarah Matheson, who works in the New York State government. Having practiced Falun Dafa for nearly 20 years, she was happy to come to the celebration with her daughter.
Sarah Matheson has practiced Falun Dafa for almost 20 years.
Born in a Christian family, Ms. Matheson used to have many questions about faith. “After reading Zhuan Falun, I realized this was the book I was looking for and all my questions were answered,” she said. Her work is busy, and she is grateful that practicing Falun Dafa gives her energy to handle various issues. “After beginning to practice Falun Dafa, I noticed I was more capable and able to focus on my work better. Dafa has given me more wisdom,” she said.
Nicole Feeney from Long Island.
Nicole Feeney is from Long Island, and she began to practice Falun Dafa shortly after the pandemic started in 2020. At that time, she lived in stress and anxiety.
“Fortunately, a friend told me about Falun Dafa and showed me how to learn the practice online,” she recalled. “Falun Dafa is so wonderful, giving me inner peace and helping me find my true self,” she explained.
Falun Dafa taught Ms. Feeney to be considerate of others and to pay attention to others’ positive sides. “Master Li and Falun Dafa showed me how to be a good and better person. My gratitude is beyond words,” she said.
Learning the Practice
Impressed by the group exercises and various performances, many people stopped to take pictures and videos. Some began to read materials and learn the exercises.
Miguel Loyola said he likes the Falun Dafa exercises.
Miguel Loyola was walking by Union Square when he saw practitioners doing the exercises. His specialty is theatrical acting and body language, and he said he found the gentle exercises of Falun Dafa very interesting. He said the exercises were relaxing and could help a person find his or her true self.
The group exercises were very nice. Mr. Loyola noticed that although practitioners did the exercises individually, their energy could combine together, just like working as a team in the performing arts. The energy was harmonious, and he wanted to be part of it.
Barry Friedman said he found traditional values in Falun Dafa.
Another passerby, Barry Friedman, was drawn over by the exercise demonstration and performances. He has a strong interest in Chinese culture and said he felt lucky to come across Falun Dafa at Union Square.
Friedman said he is especially interested in the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance because they reflect traditional values. He knew that China had a glorious history until the CCP took power several decades ago. He was glad to hear that the Falun Gong Protection Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives recently, and said he hoped the persecution in China would end soon.
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