To the editor:
I was concerned with the AP release that was the contents of the article in the Journal-World, on Dec. 25, about the arrests of university Falun Gong practitioners. The article notes that several university personnel in China were arrested for using the Internet, most likely to disseminate information about Falun Gong. That is very sad as these people's fate will include terrible beatings, torture and possibly even death for giving out information about a spiritual practice that was banned by the Chinese government in 1999.
Falun Gong was introduced to the public in 1992, in China, and quickly became popular with more than 100 million practitioners in 40 countries. This popularity alone is thought to be why the Chinese government banned the practice in 1999.
The practice consists of five exercises, which include a meditation. The exercises are generally done in public parks. The teachings are based on understanding truth, compassion, and tolerance. (It is similar to the Buddhist school of thought). It is a peaceful, nonviolent practice that prohibits one from killing self or another.
So, by knowing a little about the practice one can spot false statements that are part of the Chinese government propaganda campaign such as the one in the article that says that Falun Gong members are being accused of killing family members.
Cat Rooney,
Lawrence
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