18th July 2001

In recent months, many local Amnesty International (AI) groups in the UK have invited Dafa practitioners to talk about the persecution of Falun Gong in China. We would like to share our experiences from attending these meetings with you.

Some practitioners found that an informal, less structured approach was best in informing the truth about the situation in China as well for explaining Falun Gong generally. For example, at one meeting, a practitioner had prepared some notes on the different aspects of the persecution, anticipating a more structured approach, and another practitioner had brought along a television to show a video. However, it was found that the equipment did not work and that the people at the meeting had lots of other questions that needed answering first. By answering their questions, practitioners were able to clear up any misconceptions about Falun Gong as well as any obstacles that they may have had to helping the practitioners in China.

Some practitioners discovered that a brief introduction of Falun Gong and its history was sufficient, followed by questions. This leads to an interactive discussion in which all points are covered, the relevant information conveyed, any information gaps are filled, blockages are cleared and action is taken. In this way, nothing is imposed on anyone and the people asking the questions are satisfied that what they needed to know has been covered. Thus, the truth about the persecution can be told, the evil exposed and the principles of Dafa can be expressed. It is very important to listen to what the people are actually asking, and not be wrapped up in one's own thoughts about what you want to say. By genuinely listening to them, you can provide the very answers that will help people have the right thoughts and make the right decisions. If you do not listen, you limit your own compassion towards them.

The members of the local AI groups themselves always asked us what they could do to help. Amongst our suggestions were writing to the government institutions in China and other relevant bodies. We had prepared a list of contact addresses. They could also sign a petition. We emphasized the case of Zhao Ming, a student from Ireland, who has been detained and tortured in China. We also took along additional materials and pictures of victims. Some groups agreed to send letters in support of individual Falun Gong practitoners imprisoned in China.

The people at these meetings were very shocked by the extent of the persecution taking place in China. They were compassionate in their concern for the practitioners. One woman could not understand why the government was persecuting such peaceful people. Before a practitioner could answer, another AI member interjected that the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance were "a slap in the face" that showed those bad people's corruption. When another person asked what kept the practitioners in China going, we were able to talk about the power of the principles of Dafa in the face of such terrible persecution. Some AI members were interested in really knowing about Falun Gong and learning the exercises. Local members of the Head Office were very supportive and took away the truth clarifying materials.