Turkey: Practitioners in Ankara Invited to Introduce Falun Gong

Practitioners in Ankara were invited by the Artists Association to host a Falun Gong introductory forum on September 30th, 2006. The participants were from various backgrounds, including artists, writers, teachers, anchors of radio stations, businessmen, government officials, retirees and homemakers.

Under the invitation of the Artists Association, practitioners in Ankara were invited to host a Falun Gong introductory forum. In the forum, on-site exercise instruction was offered to the participants

Four Turkish practitioners gave speeches in the forum to introduce what Falun Gong is, what benefits that Falun Gong has brought to mankind and what beneficial changes they have experienced in their minds and bodies. A practitioner read two translated articles of cultivation experience, which were originally written by practitioners in China for the Clearwisdom.net. Participants asked many questions, such as how they can start cultivation, why it is recommended to read Zhuan Falun, what Falun is and whether there is relationship between the swastika pattern and the Nazi symbol. Practitioners provided detailed explanations to all of the questions one by one.

Practitioners also provided an on-site demonstration of Falun Gong exercises. A lot of participants learned the exercises right away. Several of them asked for the schedule of the nine-day training course, left their contact phone numbers and took Falun Gong introductory pamphlets with them. Practitioners highlighted the improvement of one’s nature is the most crucial in cultivation because Falun Gong’s main goal is not to cure diseases, but to provide a cultivation method, which is suitable for people of various ages with different physical conditions.
A participant asked why learning Falun Gong could be free. His question aroused enthusiastic discussions among the participants so that the introductory forum had to extend for more than one hour. Since almost nothing in the world nowadays is free, it sounded very unusual or even suspicious to them that learning Falun Gong is completely free.

A Turkish female practitioner said, “Falun Gong cultivation is very pure. No matter whether it is learning the Fa, practicing the exercises, or cultivating our nature, practitioners help one another. In my life, I have never come across something that has nothing to do with money. Falun Gong makes me feel relaxed and purified. Senior practitioners always help us and never ask for return. As a result, I rid myself of old interpersonal relationship. In the past, money complicated my interpersonal relationship. Because of the concerns of money, I had to take precaution against or keep away from some people. Consequently, I offended others very often unwittingly. Life was really tiresome. However, Falun Gong practitioners are so truthful, so compassionate and tolerant. ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance’ are exactly the principles that I ought to follow in my life. After starting Falun Gong cultivation, I have been trying my best to assimilate myself to these three principles. My physical health has also undergone remarkable improvement.”

Another western male practitioner said, “I am perfectly healthy. So, curing diseases is not the reason why I want to learn Falun Gong. The fundamental reason is that I feel the cosmic principles as revealed by Falun Gong are very right. As long as people conform to the cosmic principles of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance,’ it will be the most upright because human being belongs to the cosmos. This can be explained scientifically.

A western female writer said, “I think the cultivation of mind and body should be started from child-hood because it is the most magnificent. If we do so, our society will not be like it is today.”

Another western female practitioner said, “I suffered from several ailments and felt weak all the time in the past. The torment caused by diabetes made me lose my temper frequently. I was so irritable that my family life was in constant tension. After practicing Falun Gong for merely several days, I felt walking became so relaxed as though I were flying. The fatigue that bothered me in the past no longer exists. I also understand the importance of cultivating my nature and tolerance. Not only does the cultivation bring tranquility to me, it also brings peacefulness to my family. My children and my husband all said I have totally changed. I sincerely thank Falun Gong and Master Li. The principles of Falun Gong are extraordinary. This is why I am standing here to share my experience and recommend you to learn Falun Gong.”

A Turkish western practitioner, who is also a businessman, said “Curing diseases is not the reason why I wanted to learn Falun Gong, either. My wife started the cultivation first and she introduced me to Zhuan Falun. I was highly convinced by the principles of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance.’ When I deal with business, I know I have to value virtues. As a result, I begin to consider others. At times, I am willing to sacrifice my interest in the consideration of the general situations or others people’s interests. But my heart remains calm. In contrast, I would have taken selfish measures to pursue personal interest in the past. When I think of others, my heart is filled with happiness. I am more willing to behave as a good person and provide more help to others. I feel I am living an honest life. I also have become more tolerant and understand others’ difficulties. This is what I could never do in the past. Furthermore, I have never caught a cold after practicing Falun Gong. During these years, I have never been stricken by any sickness. I feel very energetic now. In the past, I always felt tired even though I was not sick.

The introductory forum ended in peaceful music and the participants left the scene reluctantly. The atmosphere was so sincere and harmonious. People said good-bye to one another, hoping to meet someday in the future.