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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a spiritual |
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practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture and Buddhist traditions, |
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which millions of people around the world have incorporated into |
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their lives; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1992, Falun Dafa was introduced to the public in |
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China by founder Li Hongzhi; by the end of the decade, it had |
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attracted around 100 million followers, and today it is practiced |
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in more than 70 countries across the globe; and |
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WHEREAS, Falun Dafa emphasizes the attainment of spiritual |
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growth through the study of Falun Dafa teachings and through gentle |
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exercises and meditation; its teachings encourage learners to let |
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go of unhealthy attachments as they strive to attune their lives to |
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the universal qualities of truth, compassion, and forbearance; and |
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WHEREAS, Since 1999, tens of millions of Falun Dafa |
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practitioners in China have been persecuted for their beliefs and |
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have lived under the threat of abduction, imprisonment, or worse; |
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Falun Dafa members have courageously stood up for their right to |
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practice, and in so doing, they have demonstrated the value of life |
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and human dignity in the face of oppression; and |
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WHEREAS, Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, has worked |
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tirelessly to convey the tenets of Falun Dafa in a way that |
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transcends cultural and racial boundaries; the movement was |
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introduced to the state of Texas in 1994, and since then, over a |
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dozen practice sites have been established within the state; local |
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Falun Dafa members have enriched the lives of many fellow Texans by |
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sharing their beliefs and practices through workshops, clubs, and |
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cultural events; and |
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WHEREAS, Followers of Falun Dafa constitute an important part |
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of the diverse cultural fabric of Texas, and Falun Dafa Day provides |
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a fitting opportunity to recognize their inspiring devotion to the |
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teachings of their faith and to the ideals of peace and freedom; |
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now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature |
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hereby recognize May 13, 2023, as Falun Dafa Day and extend sincere |
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best wishes to all practitioners of Falun Dafa who call our state |
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home. |