The Art of Zhen Shan Ren (Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance) Exhibition, sponsored by the Students for Falun Gong, was held at the University of Texas at Arlington from August 31 to October 1, 2020. The artworks, which were on display at the University Centre, were seen by many students returning to school during the CCP virus (coronavirus) pandemic.
The art enables people to better understand the persecution of Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) in China. Several visitors said they witnessed the power of faith, and many were moved by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Some wanted to learn the exercises.
Huy, the president of Students for Falun Gong, said that the club has hosted truth clarification movies and participated in many university activities to inform students, teachers, and staff members about Falun Gong and the persecution. They had planned to host the exhibition earlier, but because of the CCP virus, the school was closed. When the university reopened in September, they were granted one month to hold the exhibition.
Touching the Hearts of Many
In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) initiated the persecution of Falun Dafa. In addition to being illegally detained and tortured, practitioners have had their organs harvested while they are still alive.
Lem, a freshman physical chemistry major, said, “In the painting ‘The Call of Innocence,’ the little girl’s eyes deeply moved my soul.”
Mia had tears in her eyes the entire time she viewed the artworks. After chatting with a practitioner, she understood and said, “These paintings are so beautiful. I am thankful to the organiser for letting me know that people in China are having their rights violated. Though I feel sorry that the persecution is happening in China, this is something that should constantly remind us of how the world will become if we deviate from the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”
Price heard about the exhibition when he met a practitioner distributing flyers about it. When he learned about the ongoing persecution in China detailed in the artworks, he said, “What you are doing is definitely more important than what I’m doing!” He immediately walked into the University Centre to view the artworks. The next day, he brought his wife, Kay, to see them. While Kay viewed paintings depicting the live organ harvesting, she nearly wept.
After visiting the exhibition, Ashley wrote the following message in the guestbook: “I truly hope that more people can come and view these paintings. I will pray for them (practitioners) and also spread the truth about Falun Gong.”
Spreading the Truth about Falun Dafa
Sean said, “We feel that Falun Dafa practitioners are true gold. I will help spread the truth about Falun Dafa and encourage my friends to come visit this art exhibition.”
Thomas said, “This is the most beautiful art I’ve ever seen. I will support your efforts to end CCP’s persecution of Falun Dafa.
James, a sophomore majoring in computer science, reads the news on the internet. He said the exhibition was eye-opening. After studying each painting he said, “I am really happy I came to see this. I realise now how evil the CCP is. The persecution directed at Falun Dafa, the Uyghurs, and Tibetans needs to be stopped immediately. I will try my best to spread the truth about Falun Dafa.
“These paintings are so breathtaking,” said Emily. “There are no words to describe the meanings and messages contained in them. People should truly pay attention to this.”
Andrew said, “The persecution of Falun Dafa is something mankind should pay attention to. In order for peace and harmony to exist, the persecution of Falun Dafa should end.”
Just before the exhibition closed, a university police officer stopped by. He said he knew about the ongoing persecution in China and wanted to sign the petition calling for it to end.
Interested in Falun Dafa
Jonathan said that the artworks made him feel that people were once gods, but because of their inappropriate actions, their souls were trapped here in a polluted world and now must choose to either return to the divine or be completely destroyed.
Aruchi, a chemistry major, said she feels Falun Dafa practitioners are very brave to withstand the brutal persecution. She was very interested in learning more about Falun Dafa and was happy to hear that there are Falun Dafa practitioners on campus and local practice sites available.
After returning to look at the artworks for a second time, Jailen, who is majoring in computer science, said that he had seen Master Li’s (the founder’s) second lecture. He planned to join the Students for Falun Gong and has started to go to a local practice site.