By practitioners from Melbourne
On
March 20, nearly 30 Falun Gong practitioners participated in the annual Warrandyte
Festival held in Melbourne. At 11 a.m., the festival began with a march of several
dozens of groups of different races dressed in various kinds of costumes. Falun
Gong practitioners dressed in red traditional Chinese costumes performed the “Fan
dance” while marching. Spectators by the roadsides warmly applauded the Falun
Gong practitioners' procession for their elegant dance and banner imprinted
with the words, “Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance.”
Exercise demonstration
In this festival, the Falun Dafa practitioners'
booth was set between two major stages. A constant stream of people came to watch
the performances on the two stages. Practitioners demonstrated the Falun Gong
exercises in front of their booth, which attracted many passersby's attention.
Some asked about practice sites and schedules. Some immediately learned the exercises.
Some requested the information of where to buy Dafa books. When a Westerner found
out that all Falun Dafa activities are free of charge, he showed great interest.
He said again and again, “Generous!”
At the display table by the booth, practitioners
also presented their hand-folded paper lotus flowers to people passing by. Many
children asked for the “Petals of Peace” postcards and would like to send them
to the United Nations. The theme of the “Petals of Peace” event is to raise awareness
about the Jiang group's cruel persecution of Falun Gong, and hoping to help
the children who are currently suffering from the persecution in China.
When
talking to people passing by, practitioners especially exposed the Jiang group's
persecution of Falun Gong, which has resulted in numerous practitioners being
imprisoned, tortured and even beaten to death. People who learned about the facts
found it inconceivable that such a peaceful practice is suppressed. They expressed
their strong indignation, and many people immediately signed the petition to support
Falun Gong.
In the afternoon, practitioners demonstrated the 5-set Falun Gong
exercises on the main stage. The melodious exercise music and practitioners'
orderly movements made the performance especially unique and elegant.
Posting
date: 27/Mar/2004
Original article date: 26/Mar/2004
Category: Australian
News
