Extract from Dutch Magazine Ode about Falun Gong at the World Social Forum in Brazil

Below is part of an article published in the March 2003 issue of the Dutch magazine “Ode”, which is printed in both English and Dutch. The article contained a report about the World Social Forum, held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, at the end of January 2003. It mentioned that about a 100,000 people joined the 6-day forum. The article showed a lot of photos of where people carried boards showing “Another world is possible”. Amongst them a Falun Gong practitioner:

“Standing in Contact”

Canadian Nicole Milot’s stand draws a lot of attention. Not surprising, considering that she and her colleagues continually offer demonstrations of Falun Gong. This Chinese meditative exercise movement has been a very positive influence in Milot’s life:’It feels like I’m in contact with all that is good, not only outside myself but in others too.’ Those who practise Falun Gong strive for truth, compassion, tolerance and patience. Which is why it is so difficult to understand why it has been banned in China. Milot: ’It probably became too [popular]. If you consider the fact that an estimated 100 million Chinese practise Falun Gong and only 60 million people are members of the Communist Party, it begins to make more sense.’

The [ancient] principles of Falun Gong were reintroduced in China in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. In July 1999, the [practice] was officially banned. Since that time, tens of thousands of Chinese have been arrested and put into to concentration camps. More than 1,600 people have died as a result of police torture. Nonetheless, Milot and her colleagues are introducing the technique in 60-odd countries. With her eyes closed, Milot gives a demonstration. Her serene laugh speaks volumes: “My heart has changed and I’m no longer as agitated. There is more peace in my life.”