February 20, 2003
(Clearwisdom.net)
Dear Editor - I am writing to thank you for the nice little write-up in your Monday paper
detailing the "Persecution of Falun Gong" forum that was held at the university Tuesday
evening. Your write-up was clear and concise, and the location was ideal.
The forum was an in-depth look at the injustices suffered by the followers of the peaceful,
spiritual practice of Falun Gong at the hands of the Chinese authorities, who irrationally launched
this persecution mainly out of misguided fear brought about by the sheer number of adherents. Falun
Gong originated in China merely 10 years ago, and quickly gained momentum with participants
currently numbering an estimated 100 million. The peacefulness, family harmony, and good health that
the practitioners experienced, along with the fact that all meditation classes and materials were
completely free contributed to its mass popularity. But when the estimated number of practitioners
began to exceed that of the Communist party membership (60 million) the government became
unnecessarily nervous about losing power, and thereby outlawed the peaceful, non-political movement.
Those people who attended the forum on Tuesday were primarily from the Guelph area; however, those
practitioners who were presenting various topics were not only from Guelph, but also Kitchener,
Milton and even Toronto.
Although some of the facts that were revealed about the brutal actions and attitudes of the
officials in the detention centres and forced labour camps were rather disturbing, the forum also
pointed out how Canada has participated in achieving the early release of eight individuals as a
result of the efforts of the Global Mission to Rescue Persecuted Falun Gong Practitioners. Worldwide
support is gaining momentum, and investigations into the violations of human rights are taking place
by various international organizations including Amnesty International.
The concept of a "self cultivation practice" such as Falun Gong need not be so foreign to
those of us in North America: the book, Zhuan Falun, written by our founder Li Hongzhi, discusses
not only the unprecedented events unfolding today in China, but also provides a fresh understanding
of the enormous potential in the integration of mind, body and soul.
The core of our practice is based on five Qigong exercises similar in appearance to Tai Chi, which
are not only beautiful and relaxing, but provide a sustained form of energy as well. If you ever
happen to come across a practitioner doing the exercises in the park, feel free to ask him or her
questions about Falun Gong, for this person would gladly teach you the movements if you are
interested in learning.
And, that being said, I should point out that the Guelph and area practitioners do the exercises
every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in the University Centre, 5th floor chapel, and we invite everyone
to come and see for themselves what it's all about. There is no cost or obligation, and you can come
or go as you please.
Once again, thank you for including a notice of our forum in your paper. By informing the public
about our presentation, you helped more people learn the truth about what is taking place in China.
And it's through grassroots efforts such as these, in raising awareness, that have led to the rescue
of eight individuals who have family members here in Canada. Every contribution helps.