(Minghui.org) A series of events in Sydney helped usher in the 26^th World Falun Dafa Day and the 33^rd anniversary of the public introduction of this peaceful mind-body practice from China. Falun Dafa practitioners celebrated the special occasion on May 8, 2025, by performing the Dafa exercises together on Martin Place, followed by a festive parade through the Sydney central business district.

Falun Dafa practitioners took a group photo at Belmore Park.

The parade stepped off at noon and was led by the Tian Guo Marching Band, followed by a banner team, a waist drum team, and fairy maidens. The parade route wound from Martin Place to Belmore Park, and passed through the main avenues of downtown Sydney. Many people took photos and gave practitioners the thumbs up as the parade passed.

Parade in Sydney celebrates World Falun Dafa Day.

Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance Bring Hope to the World

Shay Rock enjoyed the parads.

Shay Rock praised the parade and explained that one of her friends is a Falun Dafa practitioner from China who experienced the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution. Because of her friend’s experience, she knew about Falun Dafa and practitioners’ courage and perseverance in the face of persecution.

Shay said, “Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance bring hope to the world. It is what we need the most.”

“We cannot change the CCP’s evil nature,” she added, “but we can learn from Falun Dafa. When our belief is persecuted, we can go beyond the oppression and restraint of persecution, stick to our belief, and set an outstanding example for others. For example, if we have five people, we can spread positive energy within this range, and then pass it on to another five people. If we continue to spread it, the world will become more beautiful and pure. This is what we see, and what Falun Dafa practitioners are practicing.

“We often encounter difficulties in daily life, but we must overcome them. Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance have their special power to help us overcome difficulties and continue to work hard.”

Shay concluded, “The Falun Dafa parade is splendid and incomparable. I’d actually crossed the road, but when I heard the pleasant music from the parade, I turned back. Fortunately, I chose to turn back; otherwise I would have missed such a beautiful celebration.”

Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is a Powerful Principle

Griffyn Walters said the parade spreads positive energy.

Parade spectator Griffyn Walters said, “The parade spreads positive energy. I completely support people who safeguard their own beliefs.”

He elaborated “There is a strong sense of community here and the atmosphere is great. The color yellow [that the practitioners are wearing] is perfect. The music from the marching band is great.

“Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are very powerful principles, especially in daily life. I meditate often and think positively, which gives me a lot of positive values.”

Emma believes that the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are important.

Emma said, as the parade went by, “I’ve never seen such a beautiful parade. Their yellow costumes and the fairy dresses are beautiful.”

When she saw the banner emblazoned with “The World Needs Truth, Compassion, Tolerance,” Emma said that this message was very important and that everyone needed these principles. She also said that the waist drum team’s performance was beautiful and traditional, and she enjoyed it very much.

Tourists from the Netherlands appreciate Falun Dafa.

Two tourists from the Netherlands enjoyed the colorful parade. They said they appreciated the costumes and colors. What they liked most were the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, because these values can help them, and others, become better.

Admiring What You Do

Practitioners do the exercises on Martin Place on May 8, 2025.

Practitioners performed the Falun Dafa exercises on Martin Place on the morning of May 8, drawing the attention of passers-by.

Roger Robinson said, “On a gloomy day in a big city, I felt benefited to see people wearing bright yellow clothes and practicing the exercises peacefully.”

Roger Robinson commended the Falun Dafa exercises.

“The atmosphere is very warm and I feel like I am one with them,” Roger shared. “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are beautiful principles. I think we need to respect each other, and I try to practice these values in my daily life. If everyone does this, the world will be a better place.

“I admire what you do and your mission is great. I wish you many blessings,” he said.

Everyone Needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance

Poppy Hill commends Falun Dafa.

“It is great to see practitioners doing the exercises on my way to work in the morning,” Poppy Hill said. “So I am very interested [in Falun Dafa].”

When she heard that practitioners follow Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, she said, “I think everyone needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. They are absolutely necessary for society.”

When she learned that practitioners were celebrating World Falun Dafa Day and congratulating their founder, Master Li Hongzhi, on his birthday, she said, “Happy birthday to your Master! Thank you very much! Please continue to do what you are doing. It’s great! You are a great group!”

Poppy said she would look at Falun Dafa websites to get more information and find a local group practice site.

Sandy Bruns enjoyed the parade.

“I come to the city to do some banking and I see this. I am very happy to see the marching band and these beautiful people. So it is a joy to see this on this rainy day,” said Sandy Bruns.

She remarked, “I was surprised to see so many people practicing Falun Dafa,” and added that she was interested in learning more about the practice.