Sweden: Falun Gong Welcomed at an Iranian New Year Gathering

On Tuesday March 13th, 2007, a few thousand Iranian people attended the annual Iranian New Year gathering in Sweden. Falun Gong practitioners have joined this celebration activity every year. This year was no exception.

The lively scene at the Falun Gong stand attracted journalists	Many people learn the Falun Gong exercises	Talking to practitioners about Falun Gong

The party started at 6:00pm. Just after practitioners set up a Falun Gong stand, a Chinese girl and her Iranian boyfriend approached. A practitioner walked forward to say hello to them and wished them a Happy New Year. The practitioner also said to the girl, "You look so familiar, have we met before?” The girl replied:, "Yes I remember you distributing newspapers on the street.” They quickly started to chat together. The girl left China about six months ago. She likes Sweden very much.

When the practitioner mentioned Falun Gong, the girl asked, "Why is Falun Gong practised by so many people around the world and why does China ban it? Is Falun Gong really like what the newspapers and TV in China say?” The practitioner cited her own personal experience to tell the girl about the beauty of Falun Gong and the brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. When the girl heard about the Chinese regime’s organ harvesting from living Falun Gong practitioners, she was very shocked. The practitioner told her, “When you go home, please read the Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party and you will understand everything. There is nothing the Chinese Communist Party would not do. Do you know the Epoch Times website? Over twenty million people have quit the Chinese Communist Party.” The girl said, “I heard about this. My mother quit the Party. I joined the youth league but I haven’t withdrawn yet.” The practitioner told her, “It is better to withdraw from it as soon as possible. I can help you do it fwith the Internet.” The girl happily replied, “That’s great. Thank you.” She and her boyfriend left happily with various leaflets about Falun Gong and a beautiful paper lotus flower.

Practitioners folded paper lotus flowers and demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises at the stand. The gentle and beautiful exercise demonstration attracted the attention of many people. A lady at the neighbouring stand also came over to learn the exercises. When she finished learning, she found a reporter taking photos. She quickly went to the reporter, “Where will the photo be published? It is so interesting!” Among people learning the exercises were three lovely children. They were copying the movements very seriously. One of them also called their father to come to learn with them.

The practitioners also performed lotus dancing on the stage. People enjoyed the beautiful music and dancing. They were also very happy to receive Falun Gong material and wanted to learn about Falun Gong. A few people bought Falun Gong books.

Four hours activity quickly passed. It was about 10:00pm. All the practitioners leaflets were given out. When practitioners were about to leave, a gentleman came to them and wanted to learn about Falun Gong. Practitioners patiently explained Falun Gong to him and gave him the last of the leaflets, which was not given out before because it was slightly bent. He carefully folded the leaflet and put into his bag. After saying, “Thank you” many times, he left with satisfaction.

Practitioners were all pleased to see that people from different cultures had an opportunity to learn the truth about Falun Gong.