(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the 72nd Mahabodhi Festival, which took place on November 30 and December 1, 2024, at the Buddhist stupas in Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sanchi is renowned for its ancient Buddhist structures, including palaces, temples, monasteries, and monolithic pillars, primarily dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.
The annual festival attracts Buddhist followers from India, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Korea, and the U.S. Attendees gather to offer prayers to Buddha Sakyamuni at the Stupa complex and to pay homage to the relics of Buddha’s two great disciples, Sariputra and Mahamoggallana. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the historic Buddhist stupas.
The practitioners hosted a booth at the festival, where they introduced Falun Dafa. They also participated in events in the area to introduce Falun Dafa to the local community in Madhya Pradesh.
Talking with Officials During the Festival
During the festival, Falun Dafa practitioners had the opportunity to personally hand a flyer to Kiren Rijiju, Cabinet Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs. This was an opportunity to tell government officials about Falun Dafa and the persecution in China. The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Prabhu Ram Choudhary, the former Health Minister and current MLA of Sanchi.
Local TV Channel Interviews Practitioners
A local TV channel, Bharath News, interviewed practitioners. One of the practitioners explained that Falun Dafa is a peaceful cultivation practice for both mind and body. The practice focuses on self-refinement, virtue, and character improvement based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Falun Dafa helps relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and promotes a calm, clear mind. It encourages spiritual growth, boosts energy, improves overall health, and enhances immunity. The practitioner also described the exercises.
Introducing the Practice to Jail Inmates
Practitioners also went to the Vidisha Jail to introduce the practice to the inmates there on November 30, 2024. Mr. Shrivastava, the Jail Superintendent of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, said, “This kind of practice is important to help the inmates maintain a healthy outlook during their time in custody.”
Practitioners were warmly received, and the inmates were happy to learn the exercises. Separate sessions were organized for male and female prisoners, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive environment for all. The program garnered positive feedback, and many inmates thanked practitioners for showing them how to practice Falun Dafa’s five exercises and introducing its principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Mr. Shrivastava asked practitioners how the inmates could continue learning and practicing Falun Dafa in the future.
Practitioners provided exercise videos and donated two sets of books, Falun Gong and Zhuan Falun, which were added to the prison library.
Introducing Falun Dafa at a school in Sanchi
Practitioners also introduced Falun Dafa at the Shasakiya Utkrishta Uchchatar Maddhyamik Vidyalaya School in Sanchi, and they were greeted warmly by teachers and students. The school staff was highly enthusiastic and expressed great interest in incorporating Falun Dafa’s principles and exercises into their daily routine. The students were equally keen and showed remarkable enthusiasm, eager to participate in the exercises. One teacher said, “We would like to arrange similar sessions next year, as well.”
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