Monday, March 19, 2001; Page A16

As a Western practitioner of Falun Gong, I found the characterization of Li Hongzhi as [Chinese governments slanderous words] to be misleading and prejudicial [front page, March 9]. Had the Chinese government not demonized him and criminalized Falun Gong, Mr. Li could move about and teach openly. But the government has chosen to step up its brutal crackdown on Falun Gong. The government has placed these people in mortal jeopardy, not Mr. Li.

On the matter of forbearance -- a concept that, along with truthfulness and compassion, seems to have confounded The Post's reporter -- it is one of three qualities practitioners are encouraged to inculcate. In Falun Gong, one learns to endure hardships as a way to strengthen one's character.

Having heard the stories of mainland practitioners who have survived torture and abuse at the hands of their government, I liken their resolve to Patrick Henry's revolutionary declaration, "Give me liberty, or give me death."

Nathea Lee

Washington