Falun Dafa is an ancient cultivation practice of refining the body and mind through exercises, meditation and embodying the principles of the universe namely truthfulness, compassion and forbearance.
This ancient practice was originally taught one on one and in 1992 Mr Li Hongzhi introduced it to China.
In the last ten years millions of practitioners world-wide have received benefits ranging from improved health and newfound energy levels to mental clarity, stress relief and inner peace.
It was outlawed in China on July 20 1999 when President Jiang Zemin launched a persecution campaign against all who practice it.
Since that time over 100,000 Chinese have been detained with more than 20,000 being forced into labour camps without trial.
Practitioners are often fired from their jobs and forced out of their homes and schools.
The persecution receives extensive criticism from human rights organizations including amnesty international.
Falun Dafa is freely practiced in over 50 countries and has received hundreds of awards from officials world-wide.
The five exercises are designed to compliment the cultivation for mind and body transformation and improvement. Three include physical movements and two are tranquil exercises including a sitting meditation. They are simple and easy to learn yet are exceptionally powerful.
There are many practice sights throughout Australia and there is one in Mittagong. Practice times at Duke St site are Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays at 6am and Thursday evening at 7.30pm. There is a study session on Thursday night at 730pm and on Sunday morning you can join in at Bowral’s Corbett Gardens at 10am. All classes are free of charge.
On Saturday locals will have the opportunity to see a photographic exhibit outlining the history of Falun Dafa.
It will be at Corbett Plaza in Bowral from 10am to 4pm.
There are a number of local practitioners including Jonathan Solomon.
He said that it was important to take on the main principles of Falun Dafa, truthfulness, compassion and forbearance and to endeavour to live your life along those guidelines.
They are more than just words, they are a way of living and if you can cultivate them in your every day actions it is hoped that raising the moral fibre of the world can go a long way to reverse the trends of today’s world.
He said that the US Congress had just voted 420 to nil in a resolution to urge China to stop persecuting Falun Dafa practitioners not only in China but throughout the world.
Jonathan first came across Falun Dafa 18 months ago and felt there was something very special about the individual who introduced it to him.
“It makes all the difference if it comes from the heart,” he said.
” Its the greatest thing I have done and perhaps the hardest,” he said as it is a total commitment to yourself to work on your own well being.
Be sure not to miss the exhibition in Corbett Plaza on Saturday, September 21 and take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Posting date: 25/Sep/2002
Original article date: 20/Sep/2002
Category: Media Reports
