Japan: Practitioners Offer Support to Earthquake Survivors

The recent earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accident in Japan has shocked and saddened everyone. As of April 18th, 2011, nearly 150,000 victims were still staying in more than 1800 disaster shelters. During recent weeks, a group of Falun Gong practitioners went to the disaster area and introduced Falun Dafa to the victims to help them experience relaxation and healing amidst the tragedy.

On April 9th, more than 30 Chinese Falun Gong practitioners left Tokyo for shelters in Miyagi Prefecture and nearby.

Ten of the practitioners went to a shelter about 60 kilometres (about 37 miles) from the number one nuclear power plant in Fukushima. It is a spacious indoor sports center. The victims are residents from within 20 kilometres of the nuclear power plant. The ongoing crisis of the nuclear power plant accidents causes them great anxiety. Walking into the shelter, one can feel the tenseness in the atmosphere.

Falun Gong practitioners teach the exercises in a shelter about 60 kilometres (about 37 miles) from the number one nuclear power plant in Fukushima	Falun Gong practitioners teach the exercises in a shelter about 60 kilometres (about 37 miles) from the number one nuclear power plant in Fukushima

These practitioners are from Tokyo and lived there for many years. They received help from Japanese people in their life and wished to share the Falun Gong practice, which they think is the best way to relieve stress, with the victims.

When the exercise music began, victims sitting on floor got up and joined in learning the Falun Gong exercises

Shelter staff, who are also victims, learn the Falun Gong exercises

Many victims of all ages in the shelter carefully learned the practice. The shelter staff, who are victims as well, also lined up to learn the Falun Gong exercises.

Victims carefully following Falun Gong practitioners' exercise movements

Falun Gong practitioners teach the exercises at the East Matsushima shelter

Falun Gong practitioners teach the exercises at the East Matsushima shelter	Falun Gong practitioners teach the exercises at the East Matsushima shelter

A practitioner said afterwards, “I noticed that people gradually appeared refreshed and smiling after the practice.” Some elderly people said, “I felt cold just moment ago. After practising the exercises, I feel very warm and relaxed.” Commenting on the peaceful movements, a man in his 60s said, “No wonder it is traditional culture of several thousand years.”

Falun Gong practitioners teach the exercises at the Natori City shelter

Group photo of Falun Gong practitioners with the earthquake survivors at the East Matsushima shelter after the practitioners taught the exercises

As of April 18th, Falun Gong practitioners visited several dozen shelters in Sendai, Ishinomaki City, Kesennuma City, East Matsushima, Fukushima City, and taught the victims the Falun Gong exercises. Some areas were damaged by the tsunami. Some shelters had few volunteers due to radiation leaks. However, the victims in the shelters frequently saw Falun Gong practitioners during the past two weeks.

Before the practitioners left the shelters, the victims expressed their appreciation, “We thank Falun Gong practitioners from Tokyo for their teaching of the beneficial practice and their sincere hearts.” People stood and applauded warmly while nodding their heads to express their appreciation.