Recent Update on the Situation in Vietnam

(Minghui.org) The Minghui Editorial Board recently published a notice advising practitioners in Vietnam not to organize or participate in events such as parades, artistic performances, large-scale public gatherings, or mass leaflet distribution. The Falun Dafa Association also followed up with an announcement.

Nevertheless, some practitioners in Vietnam, such as those in the Hồng Ân group, still frequently organize performances in various places that feature celestial maiden dances, singing, waist drumming, war drums, and lion dances combined with truth clarification. As a result, these activities in provinces such as Lạng Sơn, Quảng Ninh, and Hải Phòng have drawn considerable attention.

Within the practitioner community, there have also been mixed opinions about whether the Hồng Ân group is adhering to the principles and recommendations outlined in the 2018 article by Master Li (the founder of Falun Dafa) titled “To the Practitioners of Vietnam.” Some believe the group had obtained written approval from local authorities, while others expressed concerns about the potential long-term effects on the broader cultivation environment.

Regarding plans for a major event on May 13 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, the Hồng Ân group invited hundreds of practitioners from various areas. After the Minghui Editorial Board published the notice mentioned above, some practitioners suggested canceling or postponing the event. However, according to discussions shared within provincial practitioner groups, some Hồng Ân members continued to argue that the notice only applied to the “3T” group and did not concern them. They also labeled those who urged them to stop as “ill-intended” and accused them of being manipulated by evil spirits. Some claimed that objecting to Hồng Ân was equivalent to sabotaging Falun Gong itself.

There is a website that has been known among veteran practitioners to be operated by special agents and destructive to the Vietnamese cultivation environment. After an article was published on this website questioning the notice from the Minghui Editorial Board, some people circulated it among practitioners. Those who did so included Ms. Thanh, leader of Hong An Hải Phòng.

These actions have raised concerns among practitioners. At the time of writing, the situation remained fluid. Some individuals chose to leave the Hồng Ân group after reading the notice from the Minghui Editorial Board, while the organizing group continued to move forward with plans for the upcoming event. In addition, Hồng Ân members are continuing to spread false claims to discredit Minghui and attempt to recruit new members or convince former ones to return. We hope that the broader cultivation community can understand the issue and promptly stop Hồng Ân.

When someone is eager to prove him or herself, it is hard for the heart to remain calm. One may not be able to accept different opinions since one just wants to validate him or herself. Such a situation can easily be taken advantage of by bad people. When a practitioner ignores the big picture while validating oneself, he or she could damage the environment of the cultivation community. If that is the case, even if one might have a good intention, the result could be the opposite.

Many practitioners have pointed out this issue and tried to stop it out of kindness. We should remember Master Li’s words: “We say that when you take a step back in a conflict, you will find the seas and the skies boundless, and it will certainly be a different situation.” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun) When we calm down, give ourselves some time, and compare ourselves to the requirements of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, we will be able to see our exact problems related to xinxing and improve ourselves.

Master said,

“I’ve often said that when two people have friction between each other, each one should examine him or herself. Not only should the two people with the friction examine themselves, but also the bystanders who happen to observe the incident should. That’s when you will really improve by leaps and bounds.” (“Teachings at the Conference in Singapore”)

Therefore, it is unlikely that the notice from Minghui Editorial Board is irrelevant to us practitioners in Vietnam. In fact, if we calm down and evaluate the situation, we will have a better understanding. After all, we are responsible for our own cultivation, and whoever cultivates will improve.

This article is meant to review the situation objectively. I hope everyone will regard Dafa as teacher, evaluate the situation with rationality, and make a decision based on righteous thoughts. Thank you.