(Minghui.org) Practitioners demonstrated the Falun Dafa exercises in bustling Times Square in New York on August 3, 2024, and the peaceful scene attracted many local residents and tourists from around the world. 

Some said seeing the Falun Dafa exercises triggered their thoughts about spirituality and healthy ways of living. The tranquility of meditation seemed to carve out an oasis of calm on busy and noisy Times Square. Pedestrians took pictures, praised the exercises, and talked with practitioners to find out more information. Many expressed an interest and respect for the cultivation practice. Some took out their mobile phones and looked at the Falun Dafa website, and others learned the exercises on the spot.

Practitioners do the Falun Dafa exercises on Times Square.

George, a Falun Dafa practitioner who coordinated the event, said the event was held to introduce the benefits of Falun Dafa to more people. He expressed practitioners’ appreciation for the American government and people for their support, especially the Falun Gong Protection Act passed by the House of Representatives this June.

Nicole, a bilingual practitioner, introduced Falun Dafa to people in English and Spanish. She learned Falun Dafa in 2020 after hearing about it from a friend. She said, “I feel more peaceful and I regained control over my mind after I learned Falun Dafa. I’m grateful.” She used to have migraine headaches and had to take pain killers, but they disappeared after she practiced Falun Dafa.

A passerby asked Nicole, “Why do so many Chinese practice Falun Dafa, but their government won’t allow it?” Nicole replied, “One hundred million Chinese practiced Falun Dafa in the 1990s. It was more than the members of the Chinese Communist Party. The Communist Party suppresses and eliminates anything not line with it’s ideology.”

“Are the people who practice loyal to their country?” the person asked. Nicole explained, “The Communist Party and China are two different things. Falun Dafa practitioners love their country, but don’t love the Chinese Communist Party.” The passerby nodded in agreement.

Jack, a tourist from Puerto Rico, was attracted to the activity, “It’s surprising to see such a scene in stress-filled New York. I feel their energy. I heard it’s free. I would like to learn more online.”

Jack and his mother from Puerto Rico would like to learn more about Falun Dafa.

A father and daughter were interested in learning more about Falun Dafa and took information about group exercise sites.

Liliana Heranandec and her mother from Columbia praise Falun Dafa and hope more people will help stop the persecution.

A couple from Long Island praise Falun Dafa.

A tourist from Jamaica likes the meditation.