(Minghui.org) July 1, 2024, the 157th anniversary of Canada Day, was celebrated with grand festivities nationwide. Falun Dafa practitioners from Toronto, including the Tian Guo Marching Band, exercise demonstration team, and waist drummers, were once again invited to participate in the Canada Day Parade in Mississauga.
Community Response
Many spectators expressed their appreciation for the Falun Dafa contingent. Some clapped in time to the music of the Tian Guo Marching Band and waist drum team, some took photos and videos, while others copied the Falun Dafa exercise movements the practitioners were doing.
“The Band’s Music Is Peaceful and Beautiful”
As the practitioners’ procession passed by, Melissa danced along to the music and imitated the exercise movements. A practitioner distributing flyers handed her one and told her about Falun Dafa, including that there was a website where one could learn the exercises for free. Melissa said she intended to look into it.
Melissa said, “I feel the music by the Falun Dafa group is so peaceful and beautiful. Especially the Tian Guo Marching Band. Their music resonates with me and gives me a sense of peace. Despite the large size of the band, their music is so harmonious, which must have taken a lot of practice. It’s truly amazing! Their costumes are also very attractive.”
When she learned that Falun Dafa practitioners cultivate themselves according to Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, she said, “Truthfulness is very important. We should always be sincere. Compassion can be expressed in many ways, but it should always come from the heart. When you treat others kindly, you receive kindness in return. Forbearance, I believe, is about patience and tolerance. This principle fills your surroundings with happiness and harmony, just like the feeling I get from the band’s music.”
“The Falun Dafa Group Is Truly Beautiful!”
During the parade rehearsal, Lara was drawn by the music and kept taking photos. She said, “I’m from Nigeria and now live in Toronto. The band’s blue costumes are truly beautiful! My favorite color is blue.”
A practitioner told her that the costumes were inspired by ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty styles and that most band members were Falun Dafa practitioners. When she heard that practitioners live by Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Lara said she agreed with these principles.
She asked if she could take a photo with the Tian Guo Marching Band members and the practitioner she spoke with. She took a flyer and said she would learn more about Falun Dafa.
“Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Cultivates Mind and Body”
Nick and his friends were captivated by the Tian Guo Marching Band’s music and used their phones to take photos and videos.
Nick said, “The Tian Guo Marching Band’s music is inspiring and so full of life. Everyone in the band looks so happy. It feels like a well-organized group, led by a strong conductor, and that is fantastic.” He also expressed his admiration for the Tang Dynasty-style costumes.
A practitioner told him that the band members practice Falun Dafa and that practitioners strive to align with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Nick agreed with these principles and noted the Falun Dafa website on the flyer. He photographed the Tian Guo Marching Band to commemorate the event.
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