(Minghui.org) Practitioners held an event on May 11, 2024, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and the anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction on Elizabeth Square in the centre of Auckland. They also wished Master a happy birthday.
The offices of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, New Zealand MP (member of Parliament) and Green Party leader Marama Davidson, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown sent emails expressing their best wishes for World Falun Dafa Day, although they could not attend the event in person.
Practitioners started off the event by doing the exercises on the square in the morning. Next came performances by the Tian Guo Marching Band, waist drum team and dance team, which were well received by the public. Many people took the information about Falun Dafa and some learned the exercises.
At the rally, practitioners shared their personal experiences of recovering from illnesses and benefiting physically and mentally after practicing Falun Dafa. They expressed their infinite gratitude to Master. New Zealand human rights lawyer Kerry Gore, Chinese basketball coach Rocky Zhang, and New Zealand democratic activist Johnson went to support Dafa and delivered speeches.
New Zealand Democratic Activist Praises Falun Dafa
Johnson, a member of the New Zealand Democracy Volunteer Platform, expressed his admiration for Falun Dafa as a faith group. It has been established for 32 years and has a unique reputation in the world. Today, Falun Dafa practitioners are all over the world.
He said, “I have been helping organise information on Chinese prisoners of conscience as an online volunteer in recent months. Based on the database, Falun Gong practitioners accounted for more than 80% of the total number of prisoners of conscience being detained, and this was true in all provinces, so tragic, so resilient.”
He said that the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) is an illegitimate regime that is afraid of people pursuing the truth. They suppress whatever they fear, they lie, use violence, torture, and punish harshly (long prison terms). Despite the storms, Falun Dafa continues to thrive and remain positive. This is the power of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and this is the power of faith.
He said, “It is common to see Falun Gong practitioners meditating and exercising on Queen Street, in Aotea Square, and in front of the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland every morning. It is impressive and touching to see you persevere despite the weather conditions.”
Chinese basketball coach Rocky Zhang said in his speech, “The celebration of Falun Dafa is of great significance. It reminds us to continue to practice in life and continue to get closer to the divine. It is also a moment for us to express our respect and gratitude to Falun Dafa.”
Human Rights Lawyer: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Benefits the Society
Human rights lawyer Kerry Gore said, “Falun Dafa is a cultivation practice of mind, body and spirit where the practitioner cultivates in accordance with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. Many people who took up the practice experienced an improvement in their physical health. Some even found themselves free from terminal illnesses. Others experienced greater peace of mind.
“The moral principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance are not simply of benefit for Falun Dafa practitioners. They are good for those who do not practice Falun Dafa, and good for society as a whole.
“It is these moral principles that have helped Falun Dafa practitioners in China endure the 25-year-long persecution inflicted upon them by the Chinese Communist Party.”
Grateful to Dafa
JayJay Smith has been practicing Falun Dafa for six years. Since childhood, endless worries, doubts, anxieties, and fears followed her like a shadow and had a great impact on her health. She tried many methods but failed until she started practicing Falun Dafa.
“At long last I found something that truly resonated with me. The daily focus on truthfulness, compassion and tolerance supported me to refine my character, especially the erroneous thoughts that I had about myself.”
Through practicing the Falun Dafa exercises and reading Zhuan Falun, she said, “now I step beyond fears, and my renewed energy enabled me to re-connect more with people, including participating in various voluntary work projects. My thoughts are harmonious. I have hope, I have faith, I have trust, and I have peace for which I am truly appreciative. These are the rich rewards that come from being a Falun Dafa practitioner.”
Belief Shouldn’t Be Persecuted
Diana Hart, her husband George Hart, and their son Joshua from Nelson, New Zealand, stopped to watch practitioners. Diana said, “They look so calm and peaceful. I’m actually looking for something. This [Falun Dafa] attracts me very much. I feel that this practice is good for the soul, and this is what I need.”
They were shocked when they learned that the CCP was persecuting Falun Dafa. George said that this was because the CCP was afraid of Falun Dafa’s power. Diana said, “This is sensational and very evil. Freedom of belief shouldn’t be persecuted and the government cannot control peoples’ beliefs.”
Evil Cannot Control the World
Ish Salman, who runs a restaurant in New Zealand, said he’s seen Falun Gong practitioners holding activities several times in Auckland. This time he wanted to try to learn Falun Gong.
He said, “When I saw them [practitioners], I felt very peaceful. I hope the whole world can be like this, where everyone lives in peace and there’s no war. But the Chinese Communist Party is just the opposite. They are evil. Evil people are running a country.”
Salman said he hopes that Falun Gong practitioners don’t stop exposing the persecution because he said evil cannot control the world forever.
Encouraging Practitioners
Michelle Rogers, a flight attendant, watched the performances with her son, Joshua Rogers. Regarding Falun Gong’s values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, Michelle said, “I fully support these values. If more people could follow them, the world would be a better place.”
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