Political leaders have praised the peaceful nature of meditation practice Falun Dafa on the 32nd anniversary of its dissemination.
Councillors and political leaders from across Sydney have issued letters of support for annual celebrations commemorating the spread of the spiritual discipline, Falun Dafa, that has benefited millions in over 100 countries and regions.
The councillors, including a letter by Blacktown City Council in western Sydney, heralded World Falun Dafa Day, an annual celebration on May 13, commemorating the practice that teaches the core tenants of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
The recognition from the Blacktown City Council, the most populous city in the state, reflects a motion initiated by Councillor Jess Diaz, passed unanimously by nine council members present at a weekly council meeting in April.
“Your teaching of gentle exercise and meditation provides people with more ways to improve their physical and mental well-being,” the letter addressed to the Falun Dafa Association of Australia on May 4 read.
“Your devotion to practising your cultural traditions contributes to our diversity, and is one of our Blacktown City’s greatest strengths.”
As the first Filipino lawyer admitted as a barrister in Australia, Mr. Diaz appreciates the freedom and opportunities the country has offered to people.
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He believes the principles of Falun Dafa, which are also exemplified in the unwavering faith of its adherents in the face of persecution, serve to enhance the cohesion and wellbeing of the community.
“I have no doubt that Falun Dafa’s way, in a strong contrast to loud and undisciplined protests and chants, is more effective in highlighting the message of peace to the world and in keeping unity and prosperity in Australia, where many of us sought refuge.”
Federal MP Backs ‘Peaceful Advocacy’
Federal Labor MP for Parramatta Andrew Charlton said he acknowledged the “principle of peaceful advocacy, particularly by those observing World Falun Dafa Day.”
“The Australian values of freedom and tolerance for others has contributed to our nation’s multicultural success.
“I reaffirm my commitment to these values as thousands of practitioners observe this year’s World Falun Dafa Day.”
He wished for adherents to enjoy a day of “peace and reflection.”
Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, was a popular spiritual discipline in mainland China in the 1990s, widely known for its health benefits through gentle exercises and morally uplifting principles based on “Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance.”
May 13 marks the 32nd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction by the founder Mr. Li Hongzhi.
According to an official estimate, the number of its adherents in China had reached 70-100 million by 1999.
In the same year, the Chinese Communist Party, perceiving its growing popularity as a threat, launched a brutal extermination campaign that continues to this day, including illegal detainment, torture, and organ harvesting.
Promoting Peace, Harmony in the Community
Councillors Sameer Pandey and Phil Bradley from the City of Parramatta, celebrated the peace and harmony that the principles of Falun Dafa brings to the community.
Mr. Bradley, member of the Greens, also called on the Australian medical community to help raise awareness of reports of forced organ harvesting.
Similarly, Councillors Sarkis Yedelian from Ryde, Kevin Crameri from Penrith, and Sreeni Pillamarri from Hornsby Shire thanked adherents for their contribution to the local communities.
“Improving mental, moral, and physical wellbeing using the principles of truth, compassion, tolerance.
“The world owes a lot to Mr. Li Hongzhi,” Mr. Crameri wrote.
They also noted the perseverance of practitioners in the face of a brutal persecution campaign, with Mr. Yedelian saying he stands against the persecution of Falun Dafa since 1999.
Mr. Pillamarri wrote that “their commitment to seeking harmony and their resilience in the face of adversity are widely admired by our communities.”
Meanwhile, speaking at a Sydney rally celebrating World Falun Dafa Day on May 6, Cumberland City Councillors Helen Hughes and Paul Garrard also heralded the principles of the faith group and condemned the persecution taking place in China.
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