SEYMOUR - Local followers of Falun Gong are getting ready to celebrate Falun Dafa week, while the U.S. embassy of the People's Republic of China has denounced their gathering, calling the practice a dangerous cult.
The town of Seymour recently issued a proclamation declaring the week of Aug. 5 to 11 Falun Dafa week, describing the practice as a "self-improvement practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture."
Meanwhile, Zhang Yuanyuan, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., said he is very distressed about the news.
"I'm very disappointed to hear this. I don't know who could have gotten involved in such a celebration," said Zhang.
According to Zhang, Falun Gong is a dangerous cult in China, and so far, there have been more than 1,660 deaths because of it.
"In this country Falun Gong followers are tricky; they try to hide the past of Falun Gong in China and try to present it as an example of human rights and religious violations, when it is not so," said Zhang.
Zhang added that he hopes local governments stop issuing proclamations to glorify the practice of Falun Gong.
In 1999, the communist Chinese government banned the practice in the People's Republic of China.
First Selectman Scott Barton said the Connecticut General Assembly endorsed the practice by issuing a proclamation as well.
"I believe in human rights, period," Barton said. "In America people have the freedom to practice what they want. Freedom to make choices is very important."
Other side of the coin
One area resident who has been practicing Falun Gong for four years, said it is not a cult because its teachings forbid the killing of any kind of life.
According to the woman, who was born and raised in Beijing, Falun Gong, based on truthfulness, compassion and forbearance, is a system of exercises and teachings that deeply transforms the mind and the body.
She said it is beneficial in improving health.
"Some of the people who practice Falun Gong are sick and they want to get better," she said.
According to the resident, Falun Gong involves four standing exercises and one sitting meditation. Followers also have the option of reading books that explain its principles.
"All people have to do is follow these principles in their daily lives to be well," she said.
The week's celebration will start with an introduction seminar on Monday, Aug. 6, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Seymour Public Library. For information, call 393-1702.