(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in Toronto were invited to participate in the Tayo Immersive Filipino Cultural Experience at Mel Lastman Square in North York from June 15 to 16, 2024.

They set up a booth where they displayed the book Zhuan Falun in both Chinese and English. They played an exercise-teaching video CD, and provided copies of the Minghui International magazine and other introductory materials about Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong). Many visitors stopped at the booth to learn about Falun Dafa.

After listening to the practitioners’ introduction, many people learned the exercises and said they felt positive energy. Others said they would visit the Falun Dafa website to learn more. Some people asked practitioners about local group practice sites. A number of visitors had heard about Falun Dafa before and greeted practitioners when they saw their booth. After listening to practitioners’ stories about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution in China, many people expressed sympathy and said they hoped that China would get better.

Learning About Falun Dafa

Joyce learns about Falun Dafa at the Tayo Immersive Filipino Cultural Experience.

Joyce is a student who lives in North York. When she passed by the Falun Dafa booth, a practitioner handed her an introductory flyer, introduced the practice to her, and told her that she could learn the exercises for free online. Joyce was interested and started chatting with the practitioner.

Joyce said, “This is the first time I’ve heard about Falun Dafa. After listening to the introduction, I learned that it is a practice for improving both body and mind. I’m interested and I think this practice can achieve a kind of harmony, which is very important.”

The practitioner also told her that the principles of Falun Dafa are Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Joyce agreed with these principles, adding, “Some people say that ‘keeping sincerity makes people free.’ When you speak the truth and express your true thoughts, there is no burden in your heart because your words and actions are consistent. I feel that compassion is not just about sympathy and feeling for others, but also about putting yourself in others’ shoes and doing good things. Even small things can have a good impact on others. As for forbearance, I think it means being patient and calming down to improve yourself. By following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, everyone can achieve a harmonious state, and society will become better.”

Joyce also learned the exercises with the practitioner. Afterwards she said, “Even though I’m in a noisy environment now, I still feel full of energy after learning. I feel the potential of this practice. It can help me improve my energy and immunity, and it can also help me relax my body and mind.” She said that she would learn more about this cultivation way and practice Falun Dafa after returning home.

The World Will Benefit from Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance

Michael (first from left) and his wife (second from right) learn the exercises. 

Michael and his wife stopped at the Falun Dafa booth. After listening to a practitioner’s introduction, they asked where they could learn the exercises. The practitioner told them about the free online class (LearnFalunGong.com) and also said they could learn the exercises for free at the booth. So the couple followed along with the practitioner and learned the exercises.

Afterwards, Michael’s wife said, “I feel very good. Meditation allows people to talk to their hearts. The stretching and relaxing movements in the first set of exercises relaxed my muscles.” Michael added that he paid attention to the stretching and relaxing parts of the first set of exercises. He said they were unique and he felt that his hands were full of energy.

The practitioner explained that besides doing the exercises, Falun Dafa asks practitioners to conduct themselves according to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Michael commented, “I think the world can benefit from these three words – Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. These three words are exactly what the world lacks.” Michael’s wife said, “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance can bring peace to the world.”

When they heard about the persecution of Falun Dafa in China, Michael’s wife was surprised and asked why Falun Dafa practitioners were persecuted. Without waiting for the answer, Michael said, “The Chinese Communist Party stands in opposition to Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. The truth is always covered up.”

Hopes China Gets Better

Celin appreciates Falun Dafa.

Celin also heard about Falun Dafa for the first time. After she learned about Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, Celin said, “Among these three words, ‘Forbearance’ is special. I like and agree with these three words. After returning home, I will visit the Dafa website to learn more.”

Celin expressed concern when she heard about the persecution. “It’s sad to hear this” she said. “The country where I was born also has a government that persecutes people, so I can understand your pain. I hope things get better in China.”

Carla said she felt refreshed after she did the exercises. 

Carla, from Aurora, said she was drawn by the exercise demonstration when she passed by the Falun Dafa booth. A practitioner handed her a flyer and told her about Falun Dafa. When Carla learned that she could learn it for free at the booth, she joined practitioners and learned the first four sets of exercises. While she was learning the exercises, her two children also followed along with her.

Carla said, “This is the first time I’ve heard about Falun Dafa. After learning the exercises, I feel very relaxed and I am full of energy. I will go to the Falun Dafa website to learn more when I get home.”