(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners held a free introductory class at the Parramatta Library in Sydney’s second largest Central Business District on August 19, 2025. Several local city councilors, a candidate in the past Federal election, and Sydney residents participated in the activity.
The councilors praised the principles of Falun Dafa—Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance—and encouraged residents in the community to learn the exercises.
Mayor of Parramatta Martin Zaiter sent an email to thank practitioners for holding the free class and wished the event a success.
Practitioners held a free class to introduce Falun Dafa at the Parramatta Library on August 19, 2025.
Councilor: Falun Dafa Benefits the Body and Mind
Sameer Pandey, a councilor for Parramatta (center first row), watched the video instruction for the Falun Gong exercises.
Sameer Pandey, a councilor for Parramatta, attended the session. He said in some prepared remarks, “Falun Dafa puts into practice the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. It advocates balance and tranquility, and improves people’s physical, mental and spiritual health. It also benefits society.”
Mr. Pandey also said Falun Dafa has deep historical roots. It is practiced by people all over the world, and that Falun Dafa’s free classes will benefit more people. He encouraged attendees to keep doing what they learned during the class. “If we put these values into practice in everyday life, it will bring positive change,” he said.
Falun Dafa Awakens the Soul
Ganesh Loke, a candidate in the last federal election, praised Falun Dafa for awakening people’s souls.
Ganesh Loke and his wife attended the class. He said that, in today’s fast-paced society, “Truth and courage” are exceptional qualities, and through putting the principles of Falun Dafa into practice, people are able to connect with their true inner self. “The principles of Falun Dafa—Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance—can awaken our souls.”
Ganesh has participated in Falun Dafa rallies and parades to raise awareness of the persecution on many occasions. He said that attending the class was another way to show his support for the practice. He said, “Supporting Falun Dafa is not just standing together with adherents. More so, it is speaking out for human rights and a show of the universal values of courage and freedom.”
He urged people, “We must not only discuss kindness, we must put it into practice; we not only hope for change, we must become one who bring about change.”
Courtney Nguyen, a liberal party candidate in this year’s federal election, drove over an hour in the rain to attend the class. She thought it was worth the trip and said she plans to come again if another class is held.
Councilor: The Values of Falun Dafa Are Crucial in Today’s Society
Judy Greenwood, a councilor, expressed her respect for Falun Dafa in an email and wished participants a “meaningful and enriching” experience.
She also wrote, “I want to express my sincere respect for Falun Dafa and the principles it promotes. The emphasis on self-discipline, inner peace, and compassion resonates deeply with many who seek personal growth and a more harmonious way of living. I admire how the practice encourages understanding, tolerance, and peaceful resolution of differences—values that are incredibly important in today’s world.”
Councilors Sreeni Pillamarri and Dr. Hayley Frence also expressed best wishes for the activity through emails.
Attendees Feel Relaxed, Hope for More Classes
For many people who came to the class, it was the first time they’d heard of Falun Dafa. In the short two-hour class, they paid attention to the exercise instruction video where Dafa’s founder Master Li demonstrated the movements. Afterwards, they learned the exercises through one on one instructions given by practitioners. Many attendees said they felt great and relaxed after learning the exercises.
Practitioners teach attendees the exercises.
Maria Byrd works at the Parramatta Library and came straight to the class after work. She said learning the five sets of exercises made her mind clearer and she felt much more relaxed.
Kathy Broad said she loved the experience. “It made one feel very relaxed, especially the stretching movements in the first exercise.” She hopes to bring her children to future classes.
Sujan Regime has always been interested in meditating. However, doing the Falun Dafa exercises gave him a different experience. “It was amazing!” He hopes to know more about the principles and meaning behind each set of exercises.
After the class, many people said they hope practitioners will continue holding these activities so that more people in the community can benefit.
Background
Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Its teachings are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings and exercises have experienced improved health and well-being.
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