Looking back to simplicity and freedom. More so in these times the world needs truthfulness Compassion and Forbearance.
The memories of childhood were that of simplicity and freedom, exactly like my hometown, Coonoor where I was brought up. It seemed to me that the eccentric of the people was a replication of the town itself … humble, honest and gentle. Seeing back, I recall how my mind over and over again wandered away into the hugeness of the mountains. I at all times had questioned from where all of life and presence came from! As time passed, I moved to a city for my studies and then a job; life was a complete contrast compared to the serene life I had earlier. Trying to adapt to new ways I longed for the peaceful surroundings that I once had. Looking for ways and methods to experience a calm, which is untiring was very tough to find, almost the whole thing I came across was superficial and narrow.
During 2017, I started practicing Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong, a traditional self-cultivation practice of both mind and body based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance). Within a few weeks I was drawn to do exercises and meditation, from which I felt energetic, extremely conscious and connected to myself in many ways. Suggested by my friend who introduced the practice to me, I started reading the book, Zhuan Falun written by Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa. The book led me back to the question I asked all along. I employed the principles in my life to become a better person and my world has truly changed for ever. I understood that to change fundamentally I had to uplift my mind and body, it became something I couldn’t part ways with.
During one of my trips to New York, I met a girl from China, we spoke a little and I shared my experience of how I feel like a changed person after practicing Falun Gong. I sensed her being a bit apprehensive when she heard that, all she told me was that it wasn’t good and not to practice it. I was taken aback as I benefited greatly from the practice, just like millions of other people around the world.I realised then that I knew very little about why Falun Gong is being oppressed in China.
Looking up for information, I found that the Chinese Communist regime had unleashed a nationwide campaign to eradicate the practice since July 1999. Falun Gong’s increasing popularity and independence threatened the Communist regime, which believed in opposing ideologies. Since then the state’s security started tracking down, arresting, and detaining practitioners. Hundreds of thousands have been detained in labour camps, prisons, and brainwashing centers.
While in detention, many have been routinely persecuted, facing numerous forms of traumatic abuse as part of the regime’s efforts to force practitioners into renouncing their faith. After watching the documentary ‘Human Harvest’, what came across to me as most horrifying is the killing of Falun Gong practitioners for their organs ! It is beyond conception that how the Communist government has made a market and earning profits through trading live organs. Many are been targeted through strong nationwide persecution for over 20 years and continued till date.
Today in China, Falun Gong remains a subject which is unspoken of. Many people still have faith in false propaganda and fake data spread by political party, that creates fear in them or or even act indifferent towards Falun Gong practitioners.
In an attempt to know the reality, I found the truth. It only felt rightful to clarify the facts and raise awareness on this issue of human rights abuse, to put an end to this inhumane persecution. So people can make informed decisions and not be misled by false propaganda.
The circumstances existing in China is a glaring disparity for most of us, especially for people like me having wonderful memories of my hometown, where they still live a life of peace and simplicity as they are free to have basic right to belief ! On the contrary I found answers to my quest through the wonderful practice of Falun Gong. Amidst troubled times I found the greatest gift … and through my experiences I came to realise, the truth can never change … even if our surroundings change ! More so in these times the world needs truthfulness Compassion and Forbearance.
Monica Tomas
(Monica Tomas is a successful fashion model from hill town of Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. She started her modelling career from Mumbai. Presently, she is in New York working with an international modelling agency).
