Overcoming Hardship: Thoughts after Following the Progress of the Divine Performing Arts

I saw the Divine Performing Arts' performance in Berlin and then followed closely on the Internet the 87 shows in 30 cites on four continents from early January to the end of April. Every show left a deep impression worldwide, and it was not only Chinese people who responded favourably, but also Western audiences who showed great enthusiasm. The Western media published articles praising the shows. It was as if they had discovered something new and rare. Reading these media reports in Chinese and foreign languages, a concept gradually formed in my mind--"overcoming hardship."

What is "overcoming hardship?" Falun Gong has overcome the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s inhuman persecution. I learnt from news reports that members of the Divine Performing Arts are all Falun Gong practitioners. It is well known that the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong has lasted almost eight years. Its practitioners are people who have overcome great suffering and an unprecedented ordeal. What can one say about them?

I live in Berlin. I have had the opportunity to meet people that suffered under the former East German Communist regime. Since the fall of the Berlin wall 18 years ago, they have been battling to keep people from forgetting the crimes committed by the Communist Party, as well as forgetting the suffering of the victims. They are still striving for their rights. They are striving for the opportunity to speak. Their efforts continue to remind people who live in the free society that, just as in the past, there people today who don't live in the freedom that som many of us take for granted.

There was group of people in Germany that was suppressed--the Jewish people. Although far fewer live in Germany today, one can still feel their presence, because Germany holds many annual events to commemorate World War II. The German Prime Minister, President, and politicians attend these activities. They lay a wreath and pay silent tribute to the Jewish people persecuted by the Nazis during World War II. Newspapers also publish articles with pictures on the front page. They were victims of a persecution. Many who remember still have heavy hearts when they recall the suffering of their companions. They keep reminding people not to forget. Their suffering made people unable to forget them.

Then, what are Falun Gong practitioners doing? They not only pro-actively and broadly expose the CCP's persecution, they expose the persecution as they are being persecuted by the Party. This effort has been quite successful. These efforts provide people with information about China's divinely inspired culture and spread information that will lead to a bright future.

The Divine Performing Arts is a group formed by Falun Gong practitioners, and their tour has lasted four months. These shows clarify the truth about the brutal persecution of Falun Gong and call on people to help stop the persecution. At the same time, they bring a great gift to the world through a performance lasting less than three hours. They illustrate a profound, authentic Chinese culture so exquisite, so fine, that people exclaim with admiration. The shows have touched human consciences and moved the hearts of innumerable audience members. Such performers are unique throughout the history of the world.

A kind lady from China, over 60 years old, is visiting her family in Berlin. After she learnt the facts about the persecution of Falun Gong she showed her sympathy. But, it was more than just sympathy--it was admiration. After seeing the Divine Performing Arts performance in Berlin, she told all the Chinese people she met how impressed she was with the show. She is full of praise regarding the Divine Performing Arts. When she heard that all the performers were Falun Gong practitioners, she was surprised, and nodded with a thoughtful look on her face. Since then, she always listens with deep concentration when I talk about Falun Gong. I see in her eyes a yearning that comes from deep inside. She said many times that she holds Falun Gong practitioners' spirits in extremely high regard.

Falun Gong practitioners are not "pitiful" victims, but practitioners of a cultivation system that "overcame hardship." I believe that, in the future, people will be unable to forget them, not only because they were tenacious and did not compromise despite the unprecedented persecution by the CCP, but also because their spirits transcended the torture and hardships suffered during the persecution, and they were able to bring wonderfulness and hope to the human world. The manifestation of their belief of "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance" is touching people's heart. It is perhaps the most important gift they are giving to the world's people.