(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners from Slovakia and the Czech Republic held activities, including a rally, at Hviezdoslav Square in Bratislava on May 10, 2025, to celebrate the 26th World Falun Dafa day. Elected officials from the Slovakia National Assembly came to support the activities.

Marek Tatarko, representing the Falun Dafa Association, was first to speak. He said this year marked 33 years since Falun Dafa was introduced publicly in China, on May 13, 1992, by its founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi. Falun Gong (also called Falun Dafa) and the main tenets of the teachings – Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance became popular around the world. Governments worldwide have taken action to support Falun Dafa. For example, on May 5, 2025, the House of Representatives in the U.S. passed the “Falun Gong Protection Bill” without any objections.

Practitioners introduced Falun Gong to people during activities held on May 10, 2025.

Practitioners demonstrated the five sets of Falun Dafa exercises.

Elected Officials Praise Falun Gong Practitioners

At the rally, Ondrej Dostál, member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, said in his speech, “I want to express my support and solidarity to you, as I have done for the past years.” He praised practitioners for their remarkable dedication and determination in standing by the values - Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, all around the world. He concluded his speech by saying, “I want to express my solidarity, my support, and also my admiration, because the important thing is to endure, and you are showing that you have the determination and also the ability to endure.”

Ondrej Dostál, member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, spoke at the rally.

František Mikloško, member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, supports the practitioners’ efforts to introduce the spiritual practice to residents in the country. “You showed people your spirituality, which you love, in which you live and which does not bother anyone, which does not abuse or oppress anyone. Be true to your convictions, be true to your ideals,” he said. He concluded his speech by saying, “Allow me to express to you my most sincere support.”

František Mikloško, member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, spoke at the rally.

Introducing Falun Gong to Local Residents

Practitioners also did exercise demonstrations and spoke to people about the mind and body practice that day. Many local residents and overseas tourists wanted to hear more about Falun Gong. Some took photos of practitioners doing the exercises while others wanted to know more about the practice. Some learned the exercises on the spot.

Iva and Alena are kindergarten teachers. They stopped at the information booth and read fliers introducing Falun Dafa. They were surprised to discover that the practice taught values similar to their belief. Alena said, “We instill the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance in children from a young age.”

Agnes, a tourist from Hungary, said she has a real estate business and teaches yoga as well. She said to practitioners, “I also teach people to be truthful and compassionate. That’s why I support your action.”

Anna, a retiree, said, “The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance are the foundation of life.”

Patrick, a company manager, was impressed by Falun Dafa’s guidance regarding moral values. He said that Falun Gong benefits society, “Regarding truthfulness, it is a principle I try to live by and instill in my children. Compassion is a quality that distinguishes us from animals, so people must have compassion.”