(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners held an event in front of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus on May 13, 2026, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.
Practitioners share information with passersby and teach the exercises in front of the Ohio Statehouse to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. (Minghui.org)
During the celebration in Ohio’s capital city, passersby learned about the history of Falun Dafa, which was publicly introduced in China in 1992. Also known as Falun Gong, the practice emphasizes physical and spiritual cultivation based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Many people experience physical and mental improvements after starting to practice, and this is one reason why it rapidly gained popularity in the 1990s.
When Laurel saw a photo of a woman meditating in the brochure she was handed, she said that this was what she had been looking for and wanted to learn the practice. She said she’d tried different spiritual practices but had been looking for a higher, more effective method and had prayed that God would give her a hint. Laurel only had time to learn the first exercise, but after doing just a few of the movements, she said she clearly felt an energy flow and had never felt this with other qigong practices. She said she would read Zhuan Falun and learn the rest of the exercises.
Ever since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) started persecuted Falun Gong in China in 1999, practitioners around the world have been raising awareness of the situation, informing people about the illegal detentions, forced labor camps, and state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting. They have also been drawing attention to the regime’s general human rights abuses—including bomb threats, malicious sabotage, and cyberattacks—when practitioners hold events in the United States and in other places outside of China. Through peaceful rallies and open discussion, they want to let more people know about Falun Dafa and the persecution.
At the event, a number of passersby expressed their sympathy and support. Some were in tears after hearing how practitioners have suffered in the persecution and said they would learn more about Falun Dafa when they got home. One passerby showed their concern by buying them water.
State Representative Honors World Falun Dafa Day
Recognition from Ismail Mohamed, State Representative for Ohio House District 3 (Minghui.org)
State Representative Ismail Mohamed wrote in his certificate of recognition: “This special occasion commemorates the public introduction of Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, on May 13, 1992. Rooted in traditional Chinese culture, Falun Dafa is a peaceful spiritual practice that combines meditation and gentle exercises with moral teachings centered on the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Practiced in more than 100 countries around the world, it has brought physical wellness, inner peace, and personal growth to millions of individuals across diverse communities.
“World Falun Dafa Day provides an opportunity to honor those who uphold these values through service, kindness, and compassion in their daily lives. Celebrations held around the world include parades, cultural performances, meditation demonstrations, and public gatherings that promote harmony, understanding, and mutual respect. In addition, the observance serves as a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the right of all people to practice their beliefs without fear of persecution.
“Thus, it is with great pleasure that we commend the observance of World Falun Dafa Day and extend our appreciation to all who honor its enduring message of compassion, tolerance, and human dignity.”
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Category: Dafa Day Recognition
