You Will not be Forgotten
by a Sydney Practitioner
April 25 is a date that will not be forgotten in history.
“This is something I am honoured to be part of, this is a very special moment in history” said a photo journalist this morning, as he looked at the long row of practitioners lined across the Australia’s famous Bondi Beach. This experience was also shared with over one hundred practitioners during a dawn service. Practitioners from different parts of New South Wales remembered those that lost their lives to the brutal persecution in China. This solemn occasion was an attempt to raise awareness to the Australian population regarding the tremendous human rights violation in China. With the topic of SARS in the international spotlight there has been more attention than usual on any avenue exposing more facts about injustices in China.
White flowers were placed into the sea, a gesture honouring those who were killed for upholding the principles of Truth, Compassion and Tolerance. Practitioners also sent righteous thoughts and practiced the meditation exercises.
The lighting could have been described as “perfect” by the professional photographers, but the atmosphere was solemn yet peaceful. There was a strong sense of purity and stillness that encouraged onlookers to watch in respect and ask about the purpose of the event.
This event had an impact on Falun Gong practitioners and the general public. From the angle of the practitioners, it seemed the turnout of the media was ample and the hearts of the Australians were touched. Factors that are worth noting included the hearts of practitioners who organized the events, it was a combination of Western and Chinese practitioners working hand in hand, that resulted in the outcome. A general sense of making a difference and presenting an event that was an attempt to touch people’s hearts. It was prominent to everyone that Falun Gong was a peaceful practice, and the practitioners that were at Bondi Beach displayed dignity and well-being.
Media outlets that covered the event included Channel 9, Reuters, Associated Press (AP), Agence-France-Presse (AFP), Courier Mail and Sydney Morning Herald. Events with a media turnout are not always guaranteed, and when planning activities the two important lessons that have been learnt is that they are not treated as “publicity stunts” and the principles of Truth, Compassion and Tolerance is always paramount. Considering others is a prevalent in the teachings of Falun Dafa, and when we attempt to present our message about the persecution of Falun Gong in China, the local environment and be able to convey a significance of incidents.
Also 2SM radio station interviewed practitioners about the purpose of the event. It seems all forms of communication were used to deliver our important message of April 25’s significance, radio, newspapers and television audiences were able to access the information and had an opportunity to help make a difference.
Posting date: 29/Apr/2003
Original article date: 27/Apr/2003
Category: Open Forum
