The hour long parade went through the heart of Oxford city, holding the attention of the crowd that lined the streets. In contrast to the noise from other groups that took part, the Falun Dafa group was peaceful, bringing a breath of fresh air.
With the tune ‘PuDu’ playing, the group was lead by two female practitioners holding a big banner with an important message for the people: FALUN DAFA IS GOOD. Closely behind them were three young practitioners holding boards that bore the words: TRUTHFULNESS, COMPASSION, FORBEARANCE. This was followed by two young practitioners in traditional Chinese outfits, each holding a bunch of brightly coloured balloons. Much attention was drawn to a small practitioner, also dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, sitting in a big lotus flower, in the medatation posture The theme then changed to a livelier one with ladies dressed in a variety of Chinese outfits. With flowers in their hair and fans or flowers in their hands, they danced to the tune of ‘Falun Dafa is Good’. At the back of the group was another big banner with the words: TRUTHFULNESS, COMPASSION, FORBEARANCE.
Onlookers found this group most unusual. They read each banner with deep thoughts, savouring the meaning of each of them. Many were busy catching this delightful group on film or on video. Some came forward to take close-up pictures of the children and the dancing ladies. Children were excited to see their peers looking so beautiful and joyful. The crowd cheered and applauded to show their support and appreciation. Practitioners who handed out information leaflets had a hard job of keeping up with the demand.
The parade ended at South Park where much was going on. The stall run by Dafa practitioners was nicely decorated with lanterns, balloons, boards and banners. Two Dafa practitioners offered to paint visitors’ names in Chinese for free. They were kept so busy that in the end another two practitioners took their places to give them a break. Two queues of people picked up Dafa leaflets whilst waiting patiently for their turns to have their names painted on paper bearing Dafa information. Children were given bookmarks with ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance’ printed in Chinese and English. They were eager to take them home to colour in the Chinese characters. In the process of doing so, these universal principles will be firmly fixed in their young and innocent minds. Next to the stall, practitioners were busy demonstrating the graceful Falun Gong exercises, dancing and sending forth righteous thoughts. Many people inquired about the practice.
When the Lord Mayor came to visit the stall, a practitioner painted her name in Chinese. She was again very impressed. Whilst waiting for the ink to dry, she watched the dance presented to her by the practitioners. The Falun Gong book of Zhuan Falun, the Falun Gong ‘PuDu’ music, the book of Proclamations and a bouquet were amongst the gifts given to the Lord Mayor.
Later on in the day, practitioners were invited to show the exercises in the arena. After an introduction of the practice, they demonstrated the five exercises to the music. The elegance of the movements and the soothing music captured the attention of all that came to watch.
The organisers came to the stall many times to thank everyone for such a successful day and praised the peaceful harmony of Dafa practitioners. Their impression of Falun Dafa has helped them get to know Dafa in a positive manner. No doubt this is shared by all those who watched the procession and visited the stall.
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