(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the San Leandro Cherry Festival parade that took place in the San Francisco Bay Area, California on June 3, 2023. The organizer praised the Falun Dafa contingent as outstanding and said it was the best in the parade.
Practitioners participated in the Cherry Blossom Festival parade.
Practitioners set up a booth and introduced Falun Dafa.
The San Leandro Cherry Festival originated in 1909 and this is its 114th anniversary. The parade kicked off at 10:00 a.m. from the BART train station on Parrot Street, continued along East 14th Street, and concluded at the San Leandro Public Library, covering a distance of one mile.
Throughout the procession, practitioners showcased the graceful Falun Dafa exercises, and the waist drum team performed traditional Chinese waist drumming to the uplifting music of “Falun Dafa Is Good.” Some practitioners distributed informational materials to spectators along the route.
When the Falun Dafa contingent passed by the grandstand, the parade emcee introduced them, “This is the Falun Dafa group. Falun Dafa is a cultivation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Since its introduction in 1992, over one hundred million people have practiced Falun Dafa. It is a simple and easy-to-learn practice suitable for people of all ages.”
Parade Emcee: The Falun Dafa Contingent Is Outstanding
Parade emcee Bob Glaze praised the Falun Dafa contingent.
Parade emcee Bob Glaze has a great appreciation for the Falun Dafa contingent. He said, “I think the Falun Dafa group is outstanding. They are the best group, absolutely fantastic. I often see them in community events. The waist drum team performs with precise and synchronized beats, which is excellent."
Parade Judge: This Is What I was Looking For
Parade judge Hill said that Falun Dafa is what he was looking for.
Parade judge Brian Hill said, “I love the Falun Dafa group in their yellow attire. Their yellow and red costumes look fantastic. As they passed by, I admired their exercise movements.”
Hill gestured with his hands to imitate the Falun Dafa exercise movements. He said, “I’m delighted that Falun Dafa practitioners participated in today’s parade.”
Hill is a professional life coach. Looking at an informational booklet about Falun Dafa, he said, “This is what I was looking for. I have been searching for this, and it’s exactly what I like. Physical and mental health is crucial. I aim to follow the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and be genuine and kind when interacting with others.”
Another parade judge, Jasmine Moore, said that the Falun Dafa group is exceptional. She said, “They are very organized, and I hope to see more groups like them. The principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are excellent. We live in a society full of anxiety, and many people do not adhere to these principles.”
Moore added, “Practicing Falun Dafa can enhance energy and benefit one’s health. Many people have health issues, and practicing Falun Dafa is beneficial for physical and mental well-being.”
Mr. Imire and his wife admired the Falun Dafa contingent.
Gordon Imire and his wife gave practitioners a thumbs-up. Imire said, “I particularly like this group. Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are truly beautiful.” He mentioned that he watched the Shen Yun performance in Berkeley.
Mr. Imire praised practitioners’ exercise team as fantastic. He said, “I should also practice exercises like them.”
The Whole World Needs the Principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance
Luisa said that the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are needed.
San Leandro resident Luisa said, “I am delighted to see that they actively participated in the parade and enjoyed it. I haven’t heard of Falun Dafa before, but the whole world needs its principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. They are fantastic, and their costumes look great.”
Eddie Quintero said practicing Falun Dafa brings him inner peace.
Eddie Quintero learned Falun Dafa a few months ago. He came to the booth and learned the movements from practitioners. He said, “I’m glad that practitioners helped me correct my movements. I feel great after practicing the exercises, and I feel inner peace. I used to get angry easily, but now I have learned better self discipline.”
He mentioned that he now meditates every morning, “I feel relaxed. I purchased the book Zhuan Falun on Amazon. I’ve read nearly half of it.”
People sign up for Falun Dafa classes.
Many people signed up that day for the Falun Dafa workshop scheduled on June 10th at the San Leandro Library. Jimana Gordona was one of them. She said that she saw Falun Dafa’s waist drum team and exercise team in the parade, “I really enjoyed watching the ladies playing the waist drums and the performances of the exercise team. Their music created a sense of peace and harmony. So I signed up to learn the practice, hoping it can help relieve my stress.”
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