(Minghui.org) May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day and this year is the 30^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the world. City Council Member Nithya Raman of Los Angeles issued a letter congratulating the anniversary and commending the courage of Falun Dafa practitioners in protesting the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution.

Letter from City Council Member Nithya Raman of Los Angeles

The letter reads, “Through its core principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance and its emphasis on spiritual enlightenment, Falun Dafa has been a positive force in society. Its meditation exercises have benefited many members in our community. We applaud Falun Dafa practitioners’ efforts to defend universal values of human rights and freedom. They have tirelessly raised public awareness and resisted persecution of their faith peacefully over two decades. Their courage and persistence is admirable. The City of Los Angeles congratulates Falun Dafa practitioners on these anniversaries and wish them the best in all future endeavors.”

Background: What Is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—and learned the five exercises have experienced improved health and well-being.