On May 11th Falun Gong practitioners from across Ireland will descend on Dublin to Celebrate world Falun Gong Day. Tuesday May 13th will be the 16th anniversary of the introduction of Falun Gong to the public. The celebrations will involve a parade through Dublin city Centre on Saturday the 11th of May.
Zhao Ming,from South Dublin said, "May 13th, which is both my Master's birthday and the date of his first public lecture to teach Falun Gong to the public, is very important to me."
Ming has practiced Falun Gong for fourteen years and said he originally practiced Falun Gong for health benefits but after studying the teachings in the practice he understood it more deeply.
"Falun Gong is so important to my life, it has made me so healthy, understanding the meaning of life, and knowing the truth of universe."
According to the Falun Gong website, www.falundafa.org, Falun Gong involves learning five simple exercises and adhering to the principles of truth, compassion and tolerance in ones daily life.
Ming was in China when the persecution of Falun Gong began and was detained in a labour camp and tortured for twenty two months without trial. He said that he wished the Irish government would openly condemn the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Light and hope
Falun Gong practitioner Chen Xuwei, is from North Dublin. He has practiced Falun Gong for four years and said, "On May 13th Falun Gong practitioners from around the world celebrate because Falun Gong has brought hope and light to their lives."
Mr Chen said that the persecution of Falun Gong in China has had a big impact on his personal life, "It has influenced my life greatly. Because of nine years of persecution and suppression, I cannot return to my home country and my home. I am also longing for a reunion with my parents, wife and son, sister and brother."
Mr Chen said, "I wish the Irish government can leverage stronger influence in the world by diplomatic methods help us to stop the Regime in china's illegal persecution."
Zhao Ming said the parade in Dublin on Saturday will be bright and colourful with traditional Chinese dancing and drumming. He encouraged members of the public to come and join the celebration.
He also said that Falun Gong is taught for free around the country and encouraged members of the public to try it for themselves.
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