By Sunshine Coast practitioners
On the 13th June 2004, Falun Dafa practitioners
participated in the local “World Environment Day”, an annual event on
the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. This was the third year in a row that
we have participated in this event held within our local parklands. The day provided
a wonderful opportunity to present the beauty of Falun Dafa, our gentle exercises
and to promote the principles of ‘Truthfulness Compassion and Forbearance’. Being
a long holiday weekend, thousands of people attended the day under clear blue
skies and considerable interest was shown towards our pictorial display presenting
the facts of the persecution. Many people conversed with the practitioners who
were giving out truth-clarifying information expressing genuine concern for the
plight of the Falun Dafa practitioners in China.
Two young Chinese practitioners
shared their traditional dances, which were enjoyed by an audience of all ages.
Throughout the day we were also making beautiful paper lotus flowers at our ‘Petals
of Peace’ tables. Presenting the story of a four year old Australian Chinese girl
named Fadu, whose father died as a direct result of the persecution against Falun
Gong, provided an effective way for the young children to hear about and understand
the continuing plight of the countless families in China.
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A new practitioner, a high school student, happily shared the making of the paper
flowers with the other children who were attracted by her kind manner. Later in
the day, a young eleven year old, after just learning how to fold the flowers,
spent time teaching other young children. A schoolteacher requested more information
so that she could share the flower making and the meaning behind the project with
her students. A mother also suggested to her daughter that she could share the
‘Petals of Peace’ project with her classmates.
Practitioners’ families from
near and far joined us to participate in this family event. A local TV station
filmed us demonstrating the exercises and also interviewed a practitioner. The
segment was broadcast on the Monday evening news. The warm day and relaxed atmosphere
contributed to our sharing Falun Dafa with the Sunshine Coast community, and many
truly wanted to know more about the practice and of the persecution of Falun Gong
in China.
Posting date: 28/Jun/2004
Original article date: 27/Jun/2004
Category:
Australian News
