India: Falun Dafa Heartily Welcomed by a School in Varanasi

In May 2012, Falun Dafa was introduced for the first time at a well-known school in the city of Varanasi (also called Benares), India, during the school's annual summer vacation camp. The exercises were taught for several days to students of the primary section, from classes 1 through 6. Falun Dafa had previously been introduced to only two village schools in the area, several years ago outside of Varanasi.

A practitioner teaches the Falun Gong exercises to children attending summer camp at a school in Varanasi, India

The children learned the five exercises and about the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They attentively listened to the song “Falun Dafa Hao” [“Falun Dafa Is Good”] and the same melody played by the Divine Land Marching Band. Several teachers also joined in the exercises. One of the teachers said that she started to practise the exercises at home every day. The students as well as teachers deeply appreciated the song “Falun Dafa Hao” and the band, which seemed to resonate throughout the area.

On the last day, when the children were asked what they had learned about Falun Dafa, many made simple, but very moving comments like, "Falun Dafa teaches us to be honest," "I feel very energetic when I practice," "I feel very peaceful in the meditation," and "Falun Dafa teaches us to be good, to think of others, to be truthful, not to tell lies, and to tolerate."

The headmistress said that of all the various activities organised during the summer camp, most of the children liked Falun Dafa the best. The headmistress and a few teachers were given informational materials about the persecution of Falun Dafa in China, which touched them deeply.

On the last day, two little girls gave a rose to the practitioner who introduced Falun Dafa, with a note that read, "We'll miss you a lot." The principal also presented a handwritten poem and a letter of appreciation.

This is the poem:

Respected Ma'am,

Many beautiful things
cannot be seen or touched
they are felt within the heart.
What you've done for us is one of them
and we thank you
from the bottom of our heart.

Thank you.
Headmistress
Junior School

This is the letter:

We are extremely gratified with the sessions of Falun Dafa, during the Junior School Summer Camp held at our school. The initiative is a successful effort as the students and teachers developed an insight about Chinese qigong and meditation. Your effort to make the sessions reachable and practical is commendable. We look forward towards a flourishing exchange in future.

Best Regards,
Headmistress

This school is looking forward to having practitioners visit again to introduce Falun Dafa to the higher classes. Two other schools in Varanasi are also interested in offering Falun Dafa to their students.