(Minghui.org) Practitioners gathered in front of Customs House on May 6, 2024, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and the practice’s introduction to the public.
Benefiting Society
John Deller, spokesperson for the Australian Falun Dafa Association, thanked Master Li (the founder of Falun Dafa) for introducing the practice to the public on May 13, 1992. Deller said that, just like the message on their banner says, “Falun Dafa Is Good,” the practice is free of charge and is practiced in over 100 countries. Through the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and doing the five exercises, Falun Dafa has improved the minds and bodies of practitioners while benefiting society in general.
Adhering to the Principles During Adversity
Professor David Flint, a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and Emeritus Professor of Law, said he was impressed by Falun Dafa’s teachings of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Citing the U.S. Declaration of Independence, he said, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Flint believes the people in China also deserve these rights and he hopes practitioners in China can one day practice their belief freely.
Jess Diaz, a member of Blacktown City Council, offered his congratulations on World Falun Dafa Day and the birthday of Master Li. He praised Falun Dafa and practitioners on this special occasion.
Paul Garrard, a member of the Cumberland City Council, said Falun Dafa Day is special because it highlights the significance of the practice. He said Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are great principles and practitioners are able to follow them in their daily lives.
Helen Hughes, another member of the Cumberland City Council, said she was delighted to send her best wishes to the Australian Falun Dafa Association and practitioners on this special occasion of the 2024 World Falun Dafa Day. She said the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance help with self-improvement in physical, psychological, and emotional areas. She also stands with practitioners to oppose the persecution in China. While facing adversities, practitioners have demonstrated courage, perseverance, and merit.
Paul Folley, General manager of TFP (Tradition, Family, Property), said he was happy to attend the event. He said that, while we are attending these celebrations, practitioners are being brutally persecuted in China, so it is very important to stand with practitioners to safeguard principles.
Greetings from Elected Officials
Greetings were also received from elected officials who (due to scheduling) were not available to participate in the rally. Dr. Andrew Charlton, Member of the Federal Parliament (MP) for Parramatta, wrote, “I recognise that World Falun Dafa Day is a time to reflect on experiences and values of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. On this occasion, I also acknowledge the principle of peaceful advocacy, particularly by those observing World Falun Dafa Day.
“The Australian values of freedom and tolerance for others has contributed to our nation’s multicultural success. I reaffirm my commitment to these values as thousands of practitioners observe this year’s World Falun Dafa Day,” he wrote.
Sameer Pandey, a member of Parramatta City Council, said he strongly supports organisations that promote health, peace, and harmony. He thanked Falun Dafa practitioners for their contributions in these areas and their efforts to share the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Phillip Bradley, city councilor for Parramatta, said he firmly advocates the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and hopes that the 2024 World Falun Dafa Day is a great success.
Sarkis Yedelian OAM, city councilor of Ryde and former mayor, he sent his best regards to the Falun Dafa Association and practitioners in the region. He thanked practitioners for their dedication to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, for sharing these values, and for their great contributions to their communities.
Sreeni Pillamarri, city councilor for Hornsby and New South Wales Justice of the Peace (JP NSW), said he knew Falun Dafa brought enormous mind and body improvement to over 100 million people around the world over the past 30 plus years. With practitioners in more than 100 countries, the practice has transcended racial and cultural boundaries.
Today, the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are still as important as they were in 1992 when the practice was first introduced. He thanked practitioners for their efforts in improving their communities.
Kerry Robinson OAM, Chief Executive Officer of Blacktown City Council, wished practitioners well at the 2024 World Falun Dafa. He supports practitioners in following their cultural traditions that have enriched Australia’s communities.
People Appreciate Falun Dafa
Christine and her friends, who were visiting Sydney, liked the music and said the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance could help our society. She wished practitioners well and said she would post the pictures and videos she took on her Facebook account.
One of Christine’s friends noted that we all live on the same planet and need to support one another. She thought the event was great and wished practitioners a happy World Falun Dafa Day.
Percy from Laos teaches English and was on vacation in Sydney. Having heard about Falun Dafa in newspapers and other media, he knew the practice benefits practitioners both physically and spiritually. He said the persecution in China should stop and he encouraged practitioners to keep up their efforts.
Nikki Weaver, a healthcare physician, said she heard about Falun Dafa 20 years ago. She said it’s unfortunate that practitioners are persecuted in China, with some even killed for their organs, because the practice “is great.”
Weaver said more people need to know what’s going on, because Truthfulness-Compass-Forbearance are fundamental.
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