Celebration of World Falun Dafa Day in Bengaluru. May 13th was a significant day for individuals worldwide who experienced positive transformation through the ancient spiritual practice of Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong.
Bengaluru: Master Li Hongzhi introduced this practice to the general public in 1992, which has been embraced by over 100 million individuals in 120 countries. Falun Dafa’s main teachings are available in more than 40 languages.
The practice involves a set of five simple meditative exercises that includes slow, gentle movements and meditation. These exercises are taught free of charge and help enhance physical health, spiritual well-being, and moral character. However, the cultivation of one’s character has been the primary focus of Falun Dafa, with the exercises serving as a secondary aspect.
Falun Dafa has placed a strong emphasis on improving one’s moral character by adhering to the principles of “Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance.” The practice’s positive influence extended beyond the individual to the community and society as a whole.
Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, and the practice itself received recognition globally with more than 1500 awards and proclamations. Notably, Mr. Hongzhi was nominated for prestigious accolades such as the Nobel Peace Prize and the Sakharov Award for Independent thought. This widespread recognition is a testament to the positive impact Falun Gong had on individuals and communities worldwide. He turned 72 on 13th May 2023. .
Transforming India
Falun Dafa was introduced in India in 2000 and was officially registered in 2004. Since then, the exercise and meditation practice has made its way into schools and colleges across the country, receiving a warm welcome from various institutions. Notably, the Police academies in Delhi and Hyderabad embraced Falun Dafa, and the practice was introduced to senior executives of numerous large organizations. Interestingly, even jail superintendents requested the introduction of Falun Dafa’s exercise and meditation practice for the inmates.
Tribulation in the country of origin
After Falun Gong’s introduction in 1992, it rapidly gained popularity in China, with millions of individuals embracing the practice due to the significant health benefits and moral improvement they experienced. Even high-ranking government and armed forces officials were among those who practiced Falun Gong.
However, as the practice’s popularity grew, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) became increasingly suspicious of Falun Gong. On July 20th, 1999, the then-General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Jiang Zemin, banned Falun Gong and launched a brutal persecution campaign against its followers. For over 18 years, Falun Gong practitioners in China were subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment by the CCP, using various forms of torture to coerce them into renouncing their beliefs.
Celebration of World Falun Dafa Day in Bangalore
More than 180 Falun Dafa practitioners from different parts of India and some from other countries came together to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. The celebration included an indoor rally and experience-sharing conference on 13th.
During the experience-sharing conference, practitioners shared their health and spiritual experiences. During the indoor gathering on 14th May Mr. Prakash Belawadi spoke about how when countries become powerful only by increasing their military power and spreading fear and control in the world, it loses its power and might in a matter of time. One clear example of that is the USA and now we see the same power tactics being played out by China within its own country and outside its country. He also went on to emphasize that the world is moving towards Artificial Intelligence and its various various applications in the world. What would be the business of humans in the world? What AI cannot do is being empathetic, being intuitive, we have to invest in being better humans and our ancient practices like Falun Dafa is the only way forward. Another Speaker Mrs. Jija Singh, the first lady IPS officer of the state condemned the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China on a video message. The third speaker of the day Dr. Akhil Scaria, Director Jems school Chintamani spoke about the need for changing the way children learn at the grassroot level, he emphasized that children are increasingly digitized. What becomes very important is the very simple virtuous life. Today we have to create the new avatars by working at the grassroots levels. Falun Dafa is one practice that leads children from darkness to light and henceforth strive towards enlightenment. A
A short documentary titled “On the Thirteenth of May,” which highlights the significance of this day for Falun Dafa practitioners around the world, was screened.
What people say
As the 31st anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the public approached on May 13th, it’s worth noting that this ancient meditation discipline had been embraced by people from over 130 countries. Those who practiced Falun Dafa spoke highly of its virtues, and it was easy to see why.
In many countries, political leaders joined in World Falun Dafa Day celebrations to show their support for freedom of belief and acknowledge the contributions of practitioners to their communities. Former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary and board member of the Freedom House, Mark Palmer, summed up the incredible phenomenon of Falun Dafa: “It was the greatest spiritual movement in Asia at that time, characterized by unparalleled courage and importance.”
