Spreading Dafa in New York on World Falun Dafa Day and Inspiring People to Learn

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2025 marked World Falun Dafa Day and the birthday of Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong).

To celebrate this day of universal significance, Falun Gong practitioners in New York held outdoor group activities across various locations in Manhattan and beyond -- from Penn Station, one of the busiest transportation hubs in the U.S., to the bustling New York Public Library near Bryant Park, to Manhattan’s Chinatown and Flushing.

The sight of Falun Gong practitioners performing group exercises was beautiful and striking.

Figure 1-3: Falun Gong practitioners performing group exercises in front of Penn Station to introduce the practice to the public.

Practitioners do the exercises in front of the New York Public Library.

Practitioners do the Falun Dafa exercises in Flushing.

Practitioners do the exercises in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

On the bustling streets of New York City, the serene music and graceful movements as practitioners did the exercises caught the attention of rush-hour commuters and tourists from around the world. Many paused to watch, take photos, and express their appreciation for encountering such a beautiful practice. Some were eager to learn the exercises and joined the practitioners.

Many people said that if more people practiced Falun Dafa, they would be able to find inner peace and the world would become a harmonious place.

Penn Station: Predestined People Encounter Falun Gong

New York-based music composer Noa Wiley said he felt the energy from a distance and was drawn to learn about Falun Dafa.

One of the Falun Dafa practice sites in New York is located near Penn Station, one of the busiest transportation hubs in the U.S. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, across from the iconic Madison Square Garden, the site sees thousands of people pass by each day.

Noa Wiley, a New York-based music composer, said he felt a powerful energy from a distance that drew him to the practice site at Penn Station. “I sensed the peaceful yet powerful energy from far away - Yeah, it hit me all of a sudden,” he said, “I was curious about what they were doing, and it was amazing, just watching them instantly filled me with energy.”

He elaborated, “I was just planning to sit nearby and write, but as I walked past them, I realized I had to find out what this was and make it part of my daily life.” He continued, “I felt this could help me tremendously. I need to understand what this is and how to be a part of it.”

As he learned that an increasing number of people around the world practice Falun Dafa, he said, “I feel people are awakening to self-realization. I really love all of this.”

He said, “The world should set aside a day for this (Falun Dafa), so everyone can practice together. That would be a powerful thing that connects people on a deeper level.”

Patty, also a New Yorker, said she’s seen the practitioners’ group exercises before. When she passed by today, she decided to join in and give it a try. She said, “I’ve heard about it and seen the practice. There is an exercise-teaching center near my house, and I’ve been thinking about checking it out.”

When asked how she felt, she smiled and said, “It makes me feel relaxed. It’s a great way to calm my mind.” Regarding Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, she said, “Everyone should follow these principles - it is very important, especially in times like these.” She continued, “This is a very gentle and peaceful way to connect people and help calm their anxiety.”

Elena Surguaza (left), a student in New York, and Sesila (right), a tourist from Georgia, joined practitioners and did the exercises

Elena Surguaza, a student in New York, and Sesila, a tourist from Georgia, joined the group practice and followed along. Elena said the movements helped her relieve a lot of anxiety, “It really gave me peace, and I felt extremely calm.”

Sesila also said, “I didn’t think much about it, I just followed along. Then I felt really peaceful. Even though there was noise around us, this practice shielded me from the distractions of the outside world.”

Keely Angel, a yoga teacher and manager of a meditation center in New York, was riding her bicycle with a friend when she saw the group practice. She stopped to take photos and said, “They look very peaceful and calm -- it makes you feel very comfortable and safe.”

Keely expressed interest in learning more about Falun Gong, especially the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. She said, “These principles represent what I strive for. I believe they can also reduce harmful things in the world.”

Walterique Sandows observed that practitioners are from all walks of life

Walterique Sandows, a tourist from Washington, D.C., shared her impression after watching practitioners do the exercises, “I could feel their calm and focus from afar. It really can help you find inner peace.”

She also noticed something special, “I saw that they come from all kinds of backgrounds, ages, and races - older and younger people, men and women, and different races.” After a brief pause, she added, “I feel this can help you understand yourself better and find inner peace.”

Kim Cardino took photos as practitioners did the exercises and praised their peaceful, beautiful energy.

Kim Cardino saw the group practice from a distance and walked over to take photos. She repeatedly said, “So beautiful. I found it beautiful as soon as I saw it. The energy was beautiful. I was across the street, but I felt compelled to come over.”

London Consulting Firm President: The Principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Are Truly Admirable

The New York Public Library is one of the most iconic libraries in the United States. Located on Fifth Avenue next to Bryant Park, it was well known for its grand architecture and the famous lion sculptures at its entrance. On May 13th, practitioners gathered in front of the library to do the exercises.

Natalia Ramsden is the president of a consultant firm in London that provides leadership training to corporate executives. She is also a psychologist, columnist, and expert in brain optimization, and gives lectures around the world.

“It looks wonderful,” said Natalia, when she noticed the group practice while she walked by the New York Public Library. She added, “It seems incredibly calming and gives you a chance to pause in the middle of a busy day. It’s really beautiful.”

She expressed an interest in learning more about Falun Dafa and explained, “It helps me calm down, and I could definitely benefit from it. I think it can support emotional management and help find your calm.”

Regarding Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, she said, “We are living in a time of fatigue and constant distractions. I believe these principles are truly admirable.”

Young Practitioner: Falun Dafa Is the Most Precious Part of My Life

One of the participants in the group exercises in front of Penn Station on May 13th, Miss Zhao, has practiced Falun Dafa since childhood and said, “Falun Dafa is the most precious part of my life.”

She said that after she began practicing Falun Dafa, her academic performance improved. She was given a college scholarship and recognized as an outstanding student. Later, she was admitted to a university in Hong Kong for postgraduate studies, where she earned a MD. Her research has been published in several renowned academic journals.

She said, “Master requires us to do our jobs well. Practicing cultivation has been extremely helpful in my studies, as well as harmonizing my relationships with those around me.”

She said, “I love the outdoor practice here; it feels sacred and wonderful. It brings back childhood memories of practicing in groups outdoors. It’s such a shame that environments like this no longer exist in China.”