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[From the Editor] On June 1st, 2000, Ms. Gu Linna was prosecuted by the Procuratorate (a legal administration in China) of Qiaodong District in Shijiazhuang City. On June 14th, 2000, under a "special" arrangement, the court violated the legal procedures and secretly brought Ms. Gu to trial without notifying her lawyer and relatives. During the court proceedings, Ms. Gu raised an objection against this illegal action (a secret trial), but it was ignored by the court. About 200 selected people, including those from an anti Falun Gong task force and those from the public securities, were sent by the government to listen to the trial because they feared that Ms. Gu would make a scene in the courtroom. However, with a serene manner, Ms. Gu Linna calmly made a comprehensive explanation, offering her own defense statement for a plea of not-guilty without any prepared documents. This had a profound impression on the people in the audience.

In private, some law professionals in the courtroom said that, from the legal point of view, Ms. Gu Linna's plea of not-guilty stated facts clearly and effectively. They believed that her defense was irrefutable. Even so, they said that her sentence was inevitable because the court had no power to make the final decision on the case. The sentence had already been decided at higher levels. The following is one of the statements she wrote in her own defense [while she was in detention prior to the trial].

Some Explanation of My Protecting the Fa [Falun Dafa] and Assisting the Fa

Ms. Gu Linna

I was arrested by the police because I participated in a Falun Gong news conference and because I was planning to attend a Falun Gong experience-sharing conference. I was accused of "undermining the implementation of the law using an evil cultist organization." I appreciate the opportunity given to me by the judges to explain my thoughts in writing. I think that I should express my opinion to the court about this suspicious accusation against me, as well as the motives and the reasons why I decided not to change my mind [about Falun Dafa].

Falun Gong is not an evil cult

My teacher stated in Some Thoughts of Mine, "evil religion is just evil religion, and it is not up to a government to decide. Should an evil religion be called 'upright' if it conforms to the views of some people in government? On the other hand, should an upright one be defined as evil if it does not conform to their views?''

It is not for any government to decide whether something is an evil cult. This has been demonstrated over the course of history. For example, Buddhism was wiped out during the Huichang's time of the Tang Dynasty, and it was also banned as being part of the "four olds" (old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits) during the "Great Cultural Revolution." However, Buddhism has prevailed for 2,500 years, and, until this day, is acknowledged by the Chinese government. The likes or dislikes of the person in power have never undermined the nature of Buddhism during any period of time. The "burning the books and burying the Confucius scholars" by Emperor Qing, the "down with Confucianism" movement early in this century, as well as the "criticizing Lin and Confucius" movement during the "Great Cultural Revolution" have not diminished the contribution of Confucius to the Chinese history simply because somebody acted on impulses. Also, Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross when he was alive

This is how we view it from the historical perspective. In addition, Falun Gong belongs to the entire human race. There are Falun Dafa Associations and practitioners in many countries around the world. Regardless of the differences in social systems and political views, the standard to judge "righteous and evil" should be the same for mankind. Just as when a specific religion in Japan is considered as an evil cult by the Japanese people, we also think it is an evil cult. However, the Chinese government labeled Falun Gong as an "evil cult," while no other countries have agreed with their appraisal. Why would one nation call it bad and every other nation call it good when it is the same Falun Gong, the same teacher, and the same disciples?

Now let's examine Falun Gong itself. Falun Gong requires every genuine disciple to measure oneself strictly according to the characteristics of the universe, Zhen-Shan-Ren (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance). Starting by being good people, disciples strive to continue improving their xinxing (mind-nature) and become better and better people. This is an inarguable fact that has been recognized by people and has won widespread praise from the public. The public has acknowledged its positive effects through uplifting the moral values in society and improving health of the people. Because of these benefits, during the eight years after Falun Gong was made public in 1992, "The number of cultivators is increasing daily and becoming innumerable," and Falun Gong has been widely spread to Asia, America, Europe, Australia, and many other countries in the world.

Among my colleagues, relatives, friends, and police officers that I have encountered, not a single person thinks that I am evil or bad. They all think that I am a good person. In addition, the people in the society also generally think that Falun Gong practitioners are good people. If each person is a good individually, how can it be considered "evil" when they are viewed as a group? I have studied Zhuan Falun and the Fa that our teacher taught. Every word and sentence in the book is the truth. Which world, which sentence, which paragraph, which section or which lecture is "evil?"

On April 25th, 1999, 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners peacefully waited outside Zhongnanhai (the central government compound) to report to the central government about the situation where 45 practitioners were arrested in Tianjin, and to request that those practitioners be released. On the same day, those 10,000 practitioners all dispersed after the arrested people were released.

On June 14th, 1999, various media reprinted the article "The main points of discussion between central and national general officials and Falun Gong practitioners" by the Xinghua News Agency. The article stated rumors about the police's plans to arrest people, the prohibition against practicing Falun Gong for members of the Communist Party and Communist Youth League, and that so-and-so would be extradited are all untrue. It said that every person has the freedom to believe or not believe any type of practice

On July 20th, all Falun Gong contact people around the country were arrested at the same time.

On July 22nd, the Civil Administration sent out a notice: Falun Gong is an illegal organization. The central government sent out a notice: party members must break away from Falun Gong. The media started to attack Falun Gong far and wide and the Ministry of Public Security issued an arrest warrant for my teacher [Li Hongzhi].

At the end of October, the Chairman of the state publicly accused Falun Gong of being an "evil cult" in a press conference in France. Two days later, People's Daily published an editorial article Falun Gong Is an Evil Cult. Afterwards, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress made a decision that concluded that Falun Gong was an "evil cult."

This process was incomprehensible and gave people an impression that the government had become confused in determining the nature Falun Gong: Was Falun Gong "evil" when it first came to public? Was it not recognized as "evil" by the government and the whole society during the period in which 100 million people were practicing it? Or was it true that, of the 8 years in which Falun Gong has spread, for the first 7 years it was good, then from April 25, 1999 to July 1999 it developed into an illegal organization, then in another 3 months it become an "evil cult?"

Some people think that the origin [of the Chinese government's persecution of Falun Gong] was the "4/25" collective appeal of 10,000 practitioners. On June 18th of last year [1999], when I reported the situation to the central government's office of appeal as a representative of Shijiazhuang Falun Gong practitioners, I said to the person in charge: The consensus of the media indicated that the "4/25 collective appeal" of 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners had damaged the image of the government. But, looking at this from another perspective, you can say that Falun Gong practitioners have helped the government establish the trust of the public, as well as international prestige. Facing the peaceful appeals from the people, the Prime Minister came out in person to ask about the situation and talked to the representatives of the practitioners several times. Meanwhile, 10,000 practitioners waited quietly for the result on the sidewalk. After the problem was resolved, practitioners completely dispersed within half an hour. Ten thousand people quietly came, waited, and left. With this kind of situation, the media could completely report it as the government having resolved the problem in a just and decisive manner. International communities would think that this government is democratic, open, and extraordinary, and that the Chinese citizens are courageous, righteous, and outstanding. The person in charge smiled as he thought that my way of looking at things was very interesting.

As a matter of fact, it is true. In Chinese history, there were examples like this where the loyalty of the people and openness of the leaders harmonized with each other and became one integrated unit. In everyday people's words, it is called "Two good things lead to one great thing." I said to the person in charge: "Falun Gong practitioners are a very solid foundation for the stability of the society. One of the most convincing facts is that since 4/25, Falun Gong practitioners as a whole have been enduring tremendous pressure from various aspects. This kind of pressure would be unbearable for ordinary people, but Falun Gong practitioners have never resorted to any harmful conduct. The society has seen no instability caused by a Falun Gong practitioner. The only thing that any Falun Gong practitioner has done is to report the situation to the various levels of the government." The person in charge of the central office of appeals nodded his head and firmly replied: "What you said is true." What Falun Gong practitioners are doing is to tell the truth of Falun Gong to the various levels of government and to the entire society, and meanwhile displaying our firmness in cultivation to the society in the form of group practice, group study, and experience sharing conferences.

Prior to when Falun Gong was labeled an "evil cult," and prior to the July 22nd and June 14th incidents, all of these activities were legal. But after July 22nd they became illegal. Police often used "disturbing the social orders" as reasons to arrest practitioners who appealed or kept practicing. But appealing is every citizen's rights, responsibility, and duty. Group exercising, group study, and experience sharing conferences are the three forms of cultivation practice that Falun Gong practitioners have adhered to over the last seven years, during which the social order was in a great shape. Only after Falun Gong was alleged an evil cult, has the term "undermine the implementation of the law using religion or evil cultist organization" in article 300 of Criminal Law been indiscriminately applied. But even though this is the case, the conduct of Falun Gong practitioners is still not sufficient to be considered violating the law.

The above is my personal understanding regarding my actions relating to the article 300 of the Criminal Law.

Falun Gong is not an "evil cult" (above are some simple clarifications from various perspectives). This is a truth that is unchangeable by anyone, any organization, any power, any force, or under any pressure.

None of my conduct violated the law

As a disciple, especially on the important issues, we absolutely hold ourselves to our teacher's teachings. Nobody is allowed to take advantage of Dafa [for his or her own pursuit]. Teacher exhorted us solemnly: "The intention of taking advantage of Dafa is itself an unforgivable sin." (from Dafa Cannot be Exploited )

As far as "undermining the implementation of the law," it should be understood as "conduct that breaks the law." Now I will talk about whether my conduct constituted undermining the implementation of the law or breaking the Criminal Law.

The purpose of the news conference was to present the truthful situation of Falun Gong to the world, while the purpose of the experience sharing conference was to share experiences among practitioners.

Up to now what I have talked about to the People's Procuratorate is my genuine thinking on these matters, including my personal understanding about the true situation of Falun Gong. What I am going to talk about next is the motives for my conduct and why I will not change my mind, which can be understood as sharing my experiences. As far as the content of what I wrote today, it is sincerely written to the People's Procuratorate. I don't think I am violating the law, and I don't think you would find cause to arrest me or prosecute me simply because I've talked about my true thinking (although you have already arrested me). Then, would it be violating the law to tell the same content to my relatives and friends, or my fellow practitioners? What about telling my colleagues, my managers, and various levels of government? Then, what about telling news reporters (I myself am a news reporter) and foreign news reporters? Then, would it be violating the law if I wrote to People's Daily or posted it on the Internet?

In addition, I didn't say very much in the Falun Gong news conference. The experience sharing conference wasn't really carried out, and thus I didn't say anything.

Of course, everyone has the freedom not to listen and the freedom to refuse to publish [our statements], but I think I also have the right to tell the truth. As long as my political rights have not been deprived, I still have "the right of freedom of speech, publishing, gathering, assembly, demonstration, and protest" [granted by the Constitution].

Article 16 of Criminal and Litigation Law states, "Foreigners who commit crimes should be investigated, and the criminal responsibility should be assigned accordingly. It is suitable to apply the rule of this law." It is an important principal of our legal system that everyone is equal before the law. There were foreign reporters and practitioners of foreign nationality participating in the events described above [the news conference]. They were all released and sent back home after the local police found out what was happening. (I am definitely not saying that they should be arrested or sentenced.) However, from this perspective, in the eyes of the law, the people who handled these cases subconsciously know that our actions do not qualify as violating the law!

To sum up my conclusion on examining the charge of "undermining the implementation of the law using an evil cultist organization:"

(1) Falun Gong is not an evil cult;
(2) I will never exploit Dafa [for my own pursuit];
(3) None of my conduct violated the law.

Therefore, I request People's Procuratorate to make a decision of not prosecuting me for my conduct.

Why I have an unshakable faith in cultivating Falun Dafa

Next, let me explain my motives of protecting the Fa and assisting the Fa, as well as why I have an unshakable faith in cultivating Dafa.

I have always been searching for the meaning of life with my heart and soul. I have written poems, essays, and novels. I have been a factory worker, a teacher, a bank clerk, a journalist, and a show host. I have always been searching but have not found where my life belongs. Since I was very young, I had felt that death is something unthinkable, and I always thought that life should be eternal and have broader dimensions. I had always thought that human nature should be of ultimate benevolence and perfection. However, during the course of constantly pursuing and gaining fame and interest, and becoming more mature, I found that the good, traditional moral concepts were being lost within my own nature. With a hidden sadness, I had no other choice but to gradually face such a reality: there is no way to break through the human being's cycle of birth, age, illness, and death, and there is no way to go beyond the dimension in which human beings live. I felt that it is so insignificant and helpless to be a human being and this sadness was engraved in my bones and soul.

To be able to listen to our great teacher teach the Fa and the [Falun Gong] exercises in person is an opportunity that made my entire being grateful forever. All my sadness, my feeling of helplessness, and my sorrow vanished instantly. Teacher sent the truth that I have spent my life searching for right to my doorstep. Teacher told me that by starting from being a good person, constantly assimilating to the requirements of Zhen-Shan-Ren (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance) at the various levels, one is able to constantly ascend and break through to reach higher realms. Teacher has given me the ability to go beyond various dimensions and has given me an everlasting life and everything an everlasting life can have. What is more, Teacher also offers these things to all sentient beings in this universe selflessly and without asking for anything in return. I suddenly came to understand, my teacher is the greatest teacher in the universe and the Fa that my teacher taught is the ultimate Fa in the universe. What I have been searching for one life after another is Falun Dafa. In this life, I was born for cultivation and will die for cultivation.

The above is what I had realized when I listened to Teacher's lectures for the first time. If that can be taken as my rational understanding, then during the six years of genuine cultivation practice I gradually came to understand that Dafa has created various prosperous living environments for all living beings at different levels in this immense universe, including the level of mankind. Dafa has created everything, given everything, and is perfecting and harmonizing everything.

I have been educated with the views of dialectical materialism and historical materialism since I was a child. After I started practicing cultivation, my understanding of dialectical and historical materialism has actually been expanded to a broader scope, just as the modern science has expanded the concept of matter to invisible electric waves, electrons, and magnetic forces, etc. Meanwhile, things a cultivator may have experienced are what the modern scientific apparatus is unable to detect and what modern philosophies are unable to categorize. Therefore, the concept of matter for a cultivator can go beyond the molecular material world that is made of five elements and reveal the true nature of the universe at both a more microscopic and a more macroscopic level. The historical outlook of a cultivator can go beyond one time period, one historical period, or even the entire human history to see clearly the law of the entire cosmic bodies. The dialectical concept of a cultivator can go beyond the narrow sense of the unity of opposites, and enlighten to the principle of yin-yang and Taichi, the principle of inter-generation and inter-inhibition, as well as the ultimate emptiness and nothingness or the realms of even higher levels. Everything can be broken through, including historical and dialectical materialism itself.

I understand that it is difficult for a non-cultivator to understand the truth of the universe that I have enlightened to during my cultivation practice in mainland China. It is just like others wouldn't believe the fact when Columbus discovered the new continent, or they wouldn't believe when Copernicus discovered that the earth is rotating around the sun and Bruno was burned to death because of his belief [in the heliocentric theory]. After all, the discovery of the new continent and the heliocentric theory were not closely related to the life and existence of people at the time.

However, when I know that Dafa has given us our lives and everything in our living environment, while some of the lives in Dafa want to slander Dafa, reject Dafa and eliminate Dafa; when I know that the very thought on one's mind when one hears Zhen-Shan-Ren (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance) will determine one's future and every person will select his or her position for the future during the rectification of the Fa, whether it is just talking irresponsibly or is under pressure, a person will be responsible for everything he or she does after I know all these, if I still do not step forward to protect Dafa and tell the truth to people who do not know, wouldn't I be too irresponsible? Reporting the situation to the government and this article I wrote today to the People's Procuratorate indicate my trust in the government. Telling the society about what is on my mind is my responsibility and duty to the society.

What's more, the way Dafa disciples and I use to protect Dafa completely complies with the requirements of Zhen-Shan-Ren (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance). We did not protect Dafa with force or violence. We did not protect Dafa with slogans or shouting nor did we think of protecting Dafa by overthrowing the government or with any harmful behaviors that violate the principles of Dafa, violate any human laws, or violate the standards of human behavior.

To put it frankly, Dafa disciples and I are protecting Dafa only in order to say one message to the society and to the world: Teacher is good! Dafa is good! Our great teacher comes to the human world to give the Dafa of the universe to all sentient beings with a compassionate heart. Please cherish it, cherish this opportunity that occurs only once in ten thousand years.

Teacher said, "When all sentient beings treasure Dafa, they are treasuring their own lives and being compassionate to all sentient lives."

Teacher said, "there is a price to pay even for doing good deeds," many Dafa disciples and I have been forbearing in order to tell the truth about Falun Gong to society, and we will continue to forbear. I know that I am insignificant and I know it is useless no matter what I say to those who are still apathetic and still do not understand. But I am carrying out my duty. After I know that Dafa of the universe has come to the human world, after I know how important is one's thinking and behavior to one's life during this cosmic climate of suppressing Falun Gong, I therefore tell the things I know to those kind people who still do not know or do not understand or comprehend. I feel that I owe everyone if I do not tell them this. If a person does not listen, it is his or her own problem. However, I found that many people have good hearts and I feel gratified.

In order to prevent me from enduring too much for this, many kindhearted leading cadres, police officers, and clerical workers have been spending a lot of effort to change my mind. I am very grateful for those kindhearted people. Everyone thinks that everything will be all right as long as I change my mind. I don't want to discuss the relationships between the legal implication of recanting and being acquitted. With a kind intention I want to say that my unshakable faith in cultivating Dafa is also being responsible to everyone. This is because ruining a cultivator is sinful, while helping a cultivator is boundless beneficence. More importantly, because Dafa should forever be given the highest importance, I have to be responsible for Dafa. Even though I am insignificant, I am a life within Dafa.

Cultivation is a very serious matter, and also the most magnificent thing in the human world. Cultivation is not child's play. When I started to practice cultivation six years ago, I took a vow of unremitting efforts in cultivation even if one day I had to go to jail for it. Such deeply rooted belief is truly unshakable. In addition, the principles at various levels of the universe that I have realized, understood, and enlightened to, are not something that can be counteracted by the suppression of the human world.

I am not an assistant [of Falun Dafa], instead I am only an ordinary practitioner. I hardly even participated in the group practices, group studies, and experience sharing conferences. I was often touched by those assistants who were, over the years, voluntarily helping practitioners and bringing a tape player everyday [to the practice sites] with an unremitting effort, regardless of the weather conditions. However, being firm is the only thing I can do now for Dafa, for society, and for all sentient beings. I think my unshakable heart for practicing Dafa is the way to be responsible for society, which includes you, me, him, etc.

I do not wish to be punished for my firm resolution.

April 25, 2000