Article about Falun Gong Published in Roquetta, the English Magazine for the Balearic Island of Menorca

On holiday here recently from their home in Edinburgh were Stefan Byfield, elder son of Hannah and Graham Byfield, and his wife, Rosemary. Stefan is a brilliant photographer, who has traveled to many parts of the world in the course of his work, and Rosemary works with handicapped children.

Nowadays, photography is more of a hobby for Stefan, although he does some work for International Newspapers such as the Epoch Times; he and Rosemary have become totally involved with the protest against the Chinese persecution of practitioners of Falun Gong, an extraordinary 'traditional practice to improve mind and body', which relaxes and clears the mind of stress. Also known as Falun Dafa, it was 'introduced to the Chinese public in 1992, since when it has grown to become the most popular form of qigong, even surpassing Tai Chi, which brings improved health and inner peace to tens of millions of people in over 60 countries.' It has recently blossomed in Britain and is practised in the major towns.

Stefan and Rosemary are impassioned about trying to help the dreadful situation in China, where innocent people are persecuted for practising Falun Gong, a series of strong, peaceful exercises, which they usually practise in public places, have a powerful healing effect and help them to cope with their stressful lives. When it began to become popular, the government said it considered it to be...conflicting with Communist ideology, so the persecution began. People are torn from their homes and taken away to be imprisoned and tortured, often leaving bewildered children not knowing where to turn. This terrifying situation has been condemned all over the world by governments and human rights organisations, but it is proving almost impossible to combat.

Stefan and Rosemary try to make people aware of what is going on by publicising the situation in print, accompanied by photographs, and also on a website. A group of artists recently produced an exhibition of poignant and terrible paintings about the situation, which is touring the world. In Edinburgh they teach Falun Gong, which Stefan first came across when living in Cheltenham, and followed it up on the Internet. In the course of his travels, which over ten years took him often to Asia, especially to Singapore and Hong Kong, he had come across these fascinating ancient wisdoms, which, with their spiritual elements, enhance the body and nourish the mind. "Falun Gong is totally peaceful", he said 'The few simple exercises help one to explore and discover oneself, and leave one feeling refreshed and energised."

Both Stefan and Rosemary had tried yoga but never felt entirely satisfied by it, but when they discovered Falun Gong, which is considered a 'higher science' their lives changed, and now it dominates their lives. They definitely feel stronger, better people and intensely aware, their minds released from resentment, guilt, or conflict.

They are photographed above demonstrating the exercises, which are done slowly and fluidly to gentle, slightly oriental music. They said they hope to return towards the end of this month, when they will be happy to give classes. Anyone interested in these may telephone Hannah on xxxxx, and more information can be obtained about Falun Gong on www.falundafa.org.