Taiwan: Falun Gong Increases in Popularity in Chiayi, Taiwan

On May 12th, 2007, the day before Mother's Day, Falun Gong practitioners from Chiayi County were invited to demonstrate the exercises at Guogou Elementary School in Budai Township and Citizens' Hall in Puzi City. The demonstrations received a warm welcome from the local community.

The principal of Guogou Elementary School, Mr. Wu Changfa, remarked after watching the Falun Gong exercise demonstration, "Falun Gong's principle is Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance. It is very close to the purpose of education. That's why we invited Falun Gong practitioners to demonstrate the exercises in our school."

The Mayor of Puzi, Ms. Huang Lizhen said, "I found that all Falun Gong practitioners are kind and open. I believe Falun Gong can bring warmth to society. I hope the activities organised by Citizens' Hall will include Falun Gong in the future."

In the morning, about one hundred Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated the exercises at the school ceremony at Guogou Elementary School. The peaceful and elegant movements attracted teachers and students' attention. Many nearby residents and fishermen heard about the demonstration and came to watch too. Some fishermen with bamboo hats and towels stood under the sun and watched the demonstration quietly.

Falun Gong exercise demonstration at Guogou Elementary School

Residents and fishermen of Budi Township watching the exercise demonstration on the playground of Guogou Elementary School

Principal Wu said that Falun Gong is a righteous exercise and he has been supportive of Falun Gong all along. Every summer he invites Falun Gong practitioners to host the "Falun Gong Summer Camp for Teachers." In an interview, Mr. Wu said that the school's education director Mr. Fang had participated in the summer camp and felt that Falun Gong is very good. He is inviting more students and teachers to practise Falun Gong now.

Mayor Huang Lizhen visited the "Truthfulness Compassion Tolerance International Art Exhibit" recently. She was very moved and bought about 20 sets of cards to give to staff members. She also watched the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular. As she has a deep understanding of Falun Gong, she invited Falun Gong practitioners to demonstrate the exercises at this year's Mother's Day celebration.

The first performance was the Falun Gong exercise demonstration. Adult practitioners stood in front of the stage and the young practitioners stood on the stage. Their demonstration won much warm applause.

Falun Gong exercise demonstration at Chiayi City Mother's Day celebration

Ms. Huang talked about Falun Gong in a speech. She said, "Several friends of mine were sick. They practised Falun Gong and regained their health and they regained happiness too. I hope that the mothers and all citizens of Chiayi will learn more about Falun Gong after tonight's performance and I hope they learn the Falun Gong exercises. If everyone is healthy and happy, our society will be more harmonious."