(Minghui.org) On May 16 and 17, 2026, Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) practitioners from San Francisco did the exercises together and held Fa-promotion activities at various practice sites throughout the San Francisco Bay Area to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

In parks all over the Bay Area, the peaceful Falun Dafa exercise music—along with the practitioners’ graceful, serene movements—prompted passersby to pause and watch. Captivated by the practitioners' tranquil demeanor, many people reached for their mobile phones and took photos.

On May 16, practitioners in San Francisco gathered in Ocean Park celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Practitioners in Sunnyvale did the exercises at Ortega Park to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day on May 16.

On May 17, practitioners in Fremont did the exercises in Central Park to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Practitioners in San Francisco did the exercises in Golden Gate Park on May 16.

Tourist from China: This Is “Completely Different From What I Heard Back Home”

Ms. Kong, a visitor from China, was passing through San Leandro Park when she was captivated by the Falun Gong practitioners’ serene exercise demonstration and stopped to learn more. She remarked that her previous understanding of Falun Dafa in China was primarily from official propaganda. However, after seeing the practitioners do the exercises that day, she felt it was “completely different” from what she had heard in China.

Ms. Kong thought that the Falun Dafa exercises and meditation were peaceful and healthy, “much like a workout, and very beneficial for the body.” She added that she was deeply impressed by the practitioners’ kindness and calm demeanor. She admitted that, while she was in China, she had no opportunity to come into contact with Falun Gong like this, so she didn’t know much about it. Seeing it firsthand made her realize how much the reality differs from the Chinese Communist Party’s propaganda.

After a practitioner told her about local Falun Dafa practice sites and activities, Ms. Kong expressed an interest in learning more and said she would return to participate in future events if the opportunity arose.

Psychiatrist: Profound Appreciation for Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance

When Giorgio Mauro, a psychiatrist from the Netherlands, learned about Falun Gong practitioners’ resistance to persecution, he expressed his profound appreciation for the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of the practice.

Giorgio Mauro

Dr. Mauro said he was shocked and deeply saddened by the CCP’s suppression of people who pursue kindness, peace, and self-improvement and remarked, “If we want to stop all of this, people must take action.”

Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance resonated with him deeply, as he believes they are essential values that help people return to goodness and inner peace.

From a philosophical perspective, he noted that suffering arises when humans stray from the source of life because of selfishness; yet suffering is actually a reminder for people to return to love and kindness.

Dr. Mauro also noted that, having practiced yoga for many years, he felt a deep affinity for Falun Dafa, believing that both practices emphasize harmony with cosmic energy and inner balance. He expressed the hope that, in the future, more people would come to understand Falun Dafa’s peaceful principles and the truth about human rights abuses in China.

“These Principles Are More Important Than Ever”

Daniel and his wife Jorlyan both support Falun Gong

When asked about his views on Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, Daniel said, “I agree with them. These principles are more important than ever. People today aren’t as compassionate or honest as they used to be.”

He believes that there is too much violence in today’s society and that people lack tolerance and patience.

“Falun Dafa has spread worldwide over the past 34 years,” a practitioner told him, “but due to the CCP's long-standing suppression of religious freedom, those who practice it in China continue to face persecution.

“That is wrong,” said Daniel. “People should have religious freedom. Everyone has their own convictions, and I believe we should all be free to choose them.”

Daniel’s wife, Jorlyan, spoke about her impressions of the Falun Gong exercise demonstration: “It is very peaceful. The music is beautiful; it is a form of meditation that brings a sense of calm.”

She believes meditation is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being: “It is one of the best things you can do for your health.”

Restricting Religious Freedom Is Wrong

Kevin Valenzuela commented on the importance of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance in today’s society, viewing them as values that all major religions should embrace and that should be an integral part of everyone’s life. He believes that people should be kind and compassionate, care for, and be tolerant of one another.

Hearing about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, including human rights abuses, such as unlawful detention and forced organ harvesting, he expressed shock and condemnation.

Kevin said that restricting religious freedom is wrong, that in China or anywhere else in the world, people should have the right to practice their faith freely and openly. As long as they do not harm others, they should be respected.

“Falun Dafa Helped Me Find the Meaning of Life”

Anna Skibinsky, a biomedical scientist with the US federal government, recounted that, while working on her graduate degree in Boston, she learned about Falun Dafa from Chinese students at Harvard University who practiced it. She read Zhuan Falun and learned the exercises and said Falun Dafa helped her find the meaning of life.

Anna Skibinsky meditating with other practitioners in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day on May 17

Anna said that, although she had a good education, a loving family, and a comfortable life, she always felt a sense of emptiness and did not understand the true meaning of life.

After learning about Falun Dafa, she realized that she lacked a spiritual practice that fostered inner growth and improvement. “The superficial things of this world cannot truly bring happiness,” she said, adding that Falun Dafa helped her find her life’s direction.

She said that the most significant change she experienced in the early days of her practice was realizing that “life is far more than what meets the eye,” which gave her a deeper understanding of life. As she continued to practice, she gradually attained inner peace and a sense of ease by holding herself to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and letting go of various attachments.

Anna said that, although the pressures of life and work remain, Falun Dafa has taught her to look within when facing conflicts or difficulties, enabling her to approach life with a more peaceful and rational mindset.

A Computer Engineer Recalls How He Discovered the Practice

Zhiwei Li, a computer engineer in Silicon Valley, began practicing Falun Dafa in January 1996. At a friend’s recommendation, he attended a Falun Dafa “Nine-Day Introduction” and then read Zhuan Falun. He said he read the book in one night and was deeply moved because it used simple, easy-to-understand language to answer questions about life and doubts about faith he had long been unable to resolve.

Zhiwei Li thanks Master Li for imparting Falun Dafa.

Zhiwei said that, in the past, he hadn’t understood certain teachings in the Bible. For example, “... whoever strikes you on the left cheek, turn the other to him also.” Even after consulting with a pastor, he still didn’t truly understand.

After reading Zhuan Falun, he realized that the suffering and tribulations people encounter serve to repay karma, which is why life is full of hardships.

At the time, he was going through a divorce and in great emotional pain. He felt the world was unfair, and he was suffering physically and mentally. After he started to practice Falun Dafa, he came to realize that life’s hardships are not random but a way to clear away karma. As a result, he let go of the resentment and pent-up emotions he had harbored for so long, his mood brightened, and his health improved.

After practicing for over 30 years, Zhiwei said that on World Falun Dafa Day he sincerely thanks Master Li for imparting the Fa. He expressed his determination to continue practicing steadfastly, no matter what challenges he may face.