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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, The Chinese Communist Party issued an order to ban |
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Falun Dafa in 1999, and since that time, practitioners worldwide |
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have been persecuted for their beliefs and have lived under the |
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threat of abduction, imprisonment, or worse; Falun Dafa members |
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have courageously stood up for their right to practice, and in so |
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doing, they have demonstrated the value of life and human dignity in |
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the face of oppression; and |
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WHEREAS, Under the guidance of Li Hongzhi, members have |
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worked to convey the tenets of the practice in a way that transcends |
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cultural and racial boundaries; the movement was introduced in |
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Texas in 1994, and over a dozen practice sites have since been |
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established in the state; local Falun Dafa members have enriched |
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the lives of their fellow Texans by sharing their beliefs and |
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practices through workshops, clubs, and cultural events; moreover, |
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media outlets, performing arts initiatives, and other |
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organizations affiliated with Falun Dafa have furthered its |
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outreach efforts in the United States and beyond; 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 devotion to the teachings |
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of their faith and to the ideals of peace and freedom; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature |
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hereby recognize May 13, 2025, 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. |