Every year, at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall‘s Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan, an extraordinary sight unfolds. Thousands of Falun Dafa practitioners from all walks of life come together to participate in their annual image and character formation event, and this year is no exception.
On November 17, 2024, over 5,300 Falun Gong practitioners from Taiwan, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Hong Kong, and Macau gathered at the CKS Liberty Square to create a stunning visual representation of their beliefs.
The patterns of the character formation
The patterns of his year’s formation include a Falun emblem with a diameter of approximately 67 meters (219.8 feet) and three characters representing truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance (zhen, shan, ren 真, 善, 忍).
In the center is a large swastika (srivatsa 卍) symbol surrounded by four smaller swastikas and four Tai Chi symbols. Below are three characters for truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, each 27 meters (88.5 feet) wide and 18 meters (59 feet) high.
Planning and coordination of the character formation
Months of preparation go into organizing these vibrant displays of Falun Dafa‘s emblem and principles. Practitioners collaborate tirelessly to create intricate formations conveying truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.
With meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication, nearly 100 practitioners took three days to stick over five thousand plastic mats, each 60-70 centimeters (23.6-27.5 inches) in diameter, to the ground of the Liberty Square, transforming it into a living canvas of beauty and spirituality.
The event was the culmination of intensive preparation and labor. On the morning of November 17, approximately 5,300 Falun Gong Practitioners from all walks of life assembled at the square and, in an orderly fashion, entered the designated spots to form the images and characters, demonstrating their commitment to the values of Falun Dafa. The atmosphere was filled with purpose and camaraderie as practitioners worked side by side, united in their mission to convey the essence of their practice to the public.
The meanings of the formed patterns
The Falun emblem, known as “falun” in Chinese, meaning “law wheel,” is a significant symbol within the practice. The emblem incorporates both Buddhism and Taoism elements, including the traditional Buddhist “srivatsa” and the Taoist “taiji.” This rich symbolism reflects the deep cultural roots of Falun Dafa and its emphasis on harmony and balance.
The formation also featured the characters for Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. These principles are theoretical concepts for practitioners and guiding tenets that influence their actions and interactions with others. By showcasing these values in such a public and visual manner, the practitioners aimed to inspire others to reflect on the importance of these qualities in their own lives.
The significance of the character formation
The annual image and character formation event not only highlights the artistic talents of its participants, but also radiates positive energy, inspiring onlookers to embrace the virtues of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.
Through harmonious formations and the promotion of universal values, this gathering serves as both a powerful testament to the importance of this cultivation practice and a poignant reminder of the brutal persecution faced by Falun Gong practitioners in China.
Moved by the magnificence and spirit of unity demonstrated by Falun Gong practitioners, many visitors expressed deep admiration for the activities. Among them is Mark, an American who came to Taiwan with some friends from Cambodia. He said, “I think it’s just so peaceful, colorful and majestic. It’s very beautiful.” Some others also voiced their support for an immediate end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
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