(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners from the Metro Washington DC area gathered at the National Mall on May 4, 2013 to celebrate the upcoming World Falun Dafa Day (May 13) and the birthday of Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa. The practitioners and students from the DC Minghui School performed poetry readings, music, and dance.

Falun Dafa practitioners from Washington DC celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and wish Master Li Hongzhi a happy birthday.

The celebration took place under clear skies and a pleasant temperature. Falun Dafa practitioners in the Metro Washington DC area gathered at the National Mall near the Aviation Museum at 9:00 a.m. to practice the Falun Gong exercises. The peaceful scene attracted many tourists and passersby. Some asked about the activity and some followed the practitioners’ movements to learn the exercises.

The practitioners also set up a few dozen display boards, illustrating the history of Falun Dafa, from the first introduction to the public in 1992, and including how the practice quickly spread to more than 100 countries and regions around the world. Many tourists viewed the displays and listened to practitioners describe the practice and its history. Some remarked, “It is so beautiful!” and “Truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance are just what this world needs. Everyone should follow these principles.”

Courtney Dowe: Expressing My Gratitude with Song

Ms. Courtney Dowe is a singer-songwriter who started practicing Falun Dafa in 2002. For years, she has traveled the world to sing at concerts. She writes lyrics and composes the music herself, and oftentimes uses her music to raise awareness about the persecution of Falun Dafa.

Before practicing Falun Dafa, Ms. Dowe had been searching for the true purpose of life, but couldn’t find it. “The search for Dafa was like a long, long journey of my life, and finally I understood the meaning of life,” said Ms. Dowe, “It relieved me of my heavy burdens. I can’t find the words to describe the joy of being a disciple of the Master. I just feel so lucky.”

Frances Thornhill: Why Am I So Lucky?

Falun Dafa practitioner Frances Thornhill said repeatedly, “Why am I so lucky?”

It all started one night about a year ago. Ms. Thornhill was on a bus going home. “Usually the passengers on the bus looked somewhat depressed, but I found a young man who was quite different.” She said, “He looked calm and peaceful. He concentrated on reading a book. I guessed there must be something important in the book.”

She moved to the rear of the bus and sat beside the young man and asked, “What are you reading?” The young man told her it was Zhuan Falun. Before he got off the bus, he gave the book to her and he later taught her the Falun Gong exercises.

“My leg used to be painful, and my doctor told me to use a cane. After practicing Falun Dafa I got rid of the cane and can walk normally. I experienced many amazing things,” she said, “I couldn't see things clearly at night before, and sometimes I would drive onto the sidewalk. Recently, I noticed I can see clearly and I don't even need to wear glasses anymore.”

Frances said Falun Dafa also changed her character. She became more calm, and no longer argues with her son, but talks to him rationally. Both at work and at home, she has a higher standard to discipline herself. “Master has given me so much. I don't feel worthy. I want to thank Master from my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Learning Falun Dafa at a Young Age

Two young practitioners, Zachary and Chunjing, were passing out flyers to the tourists. They both said they had learned Falun Dafa when they were just babies.

Zachary, who is 10 years old now, said when he was not feeling well, he would do the exercises. After the exercises, he felt better. He also reads Falun Dafa books every day. He recently found one of his attachments. When he saw other children playing, but he had to stay at home to study, he was jealous. This attachment of jealousy should be eliminated in cultivation. He said he had attended many events and demonstrated Falun Dafa exercises with his parents.

Chunjing said, “After practicing Dafa, I became very happy. But Falun Dafa was treated unfairly in China. I wish the persecution will end soon. I want to tell people the truth of Falun Dafa.”

The two young practitioners wanted to tell Master: Happy Birthday and Falun Dafa Hao! (Falun Dafa is good!)