(Minghui.org) Local Falun Dafa practitioners gathered at Hindmarsh Square in Adelaide, South Australia, on May 11, 2013, to commemorate the14 ^th annual World Falun Dafa Day, which is celebrated every year on May 13. They also celebrated the birthday of Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, which falls on the same day.

The practitioners put up display boards to raise awareness about the persecution of Falun Dafa in China. They also demonstrated the five peaceful exercises of the spiritual practice and handed out informational brochures. People also gladly accepted handmade lotus flowers.

A passerby takes photo with practitioners after learning the facts about the persecution.

People Call for the End of the Persecution

Many people who learned the facts about Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) signed a petition to demand that the communist regime cease persecuting Dafa practitioners in China.

One passerby said: “The Chinese communist regime will collapse soon. One has the right to live freely. We should stop the killing.”

Gayle, a tourist from Israel, also said: “The persecution is evil. I'm shocked and find it hard to believe that this is happening. I thought such things only happenned during World War II. Yet how come this is still taking place today? It is truly shameful that the Chinese Communist Party cannot tolerate Falun Gong. One should have freedom of speech. People need to know the truth, and it should spread far and wide.”

Practitioners Express Gratitude to Master Li Hongzhi

To commemorate the birthday of Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, practitioners enthusiastically shared their cultivation experiences, expressing deep gratitude to Master Li for enabling them to gain physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through the practice.

Barbara, a Western practitioner, said: “Falun Dafa disseminated overseas from China – this great land with a rich culture of cultivation. After practicing Falun Gong, I feel energized and my realm has elevated rapidly. When I read Zhuan Falun, I can feel that Dafa is a powerful cultivation practice. Yet Falun Gong practitioners in mainland China are imprisoned for following a practice that improves their moral standard and physical health. This is astonishing.

“After I began to introduce people to Falun Gong, I received harassing phone calls [from Chinese communist agents] slandering Dafa. The persecution in China has extended to overseas. How dare they interfere with our practice in a free country! I'm not afraid. This made me even more determined to tell people the truth and make them see the evil nature of the communist regime.

“In the past, I liked to be respected by others. After I started cultivation, my heart has broadened. When others make me unhappy, I am able to see things from their perspective and avoid getting into an argument. In my opinion, the whole world benefits from the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”

Ms. Zhang, a Chinese practitioner, shared: “I can sense Master's great compassion and feel grateful. I join practitioners from all over the world in clarifying the truth to people in China. This is an opportunity given by Master for me to cultivate. As long as I do it with my heart, I feel deeply that saving sentient beings is my mission. It seems that whatever I do is not for myself. I will cultivate diligently in the process of saving sentient beings.”

Mr. Teng, another practitioner, said: “I'm so fortunate to be able to practice Dafa! Many people struggle amidst sentiments and desires. It is just so tiring. The evil tries to harm people, but we save them. When I make phone calls [to China] to tell people the facts about the persecution, I harbor one thought: I'm here to save you regardless of the elements interfering behind you. To be able to make more phone calls during this time is the best birthday present for Master.”

Chelsea said: “As practitioners, we must take the initiative to assimilate to Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and not restrict ourselves to just elevating our realm. When we cultivate diligently, Master will be gratified and this is the best birthday gift for Him.”

Mr. Lu said: “Before I started the practice, I was not a social person...I was a very sensitive person and had no joy in life. After practicing Falun Gong, I understood that I must treat others well. Everything happens for a reason and I learned to face problems calmly. I have more friends, smile more often and don't feel burdened anymore. I want to tell everyone: Falun Dafa is very beautiful. Many people haven't taken up the practice because of the persecution.”

It has been 21 years since Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public. Dafa practitioners have persevered amidst tribulations. They continue to tell people the facts in the face of the persecution in China, hoping that everyone will come to learn the truth.