Germany: Learning about Ancient Chinese Meditation in Regensburg

Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeast Germany, has witnessed the nation's history for centuries. While the local residents and visitors reflect on the history, Falun Gong practitioners bring this ancient meditation from China to share with the community.

Local residents and tourists learn about Falun Gong

Many passersby stopped at the practitioners' booth near the landmark building Goliathhaus on June 4. Because a nearby rally on media freedom was being held on the same day, many government officials and journalists came by to learn more about Falun Gong. “Since we work in news media, we more or less know about the suppression of your group in China,” said one journalist. He and his coworkers signed petitions calling for an end to the brutality.

A large number of pedestrians said they had learned about the suppression from a program on 3SAT earlier this year. Human Harvest, an award-winning documentary exposing organ harvesting from imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners in China, was aired by the television network 3SAT in Germany in February. One man who left with some materials in the morning returned in the afternoon with his girlfriend, “After I shared this information with my girlfriend, we decided to come back to sign your petitions.”

One woman initially said she never signed petitions on the street. But when a practitioner told her about the severe persecution and organ harvesting, she changed her mind.“Please give me a form. I have to sign this petition,” she said with conviction.

An elderly man from Taiwan said he had heard about the persecution at Falun Gong events in Taiwan. He feels it is important to preserve traditional culture because “it can guide us and the society like a lighthouse.” He said he feels bad that many traditions have been suppressed in mainland China. He said he hoped to meet Falun Gong practitioners again during his trip.

A young Chinese woman talked with a practitioner for a long time. Because of the propaganda attacking Falun Gong by the news media in China, the woman had many questions. Once the practitioner explained how the Chinese Communist Party had been feeding the public with lies for decades, including on the issue of Falun Gong, the tourist concurred and thanked the practitioner, “I think you are doing the right thing. I support you.”