HR1040 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1040 LRB097 21430 GRL 69433 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a discipline of personal beliefs that incorporates exercise, meditation, and principles based on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance; its millions of practitioners work to attain inner peace, good health, and better skills to deal with stress and conflict in life; and

WHEREAS, Although rooted in ancient Chinese spiritual tradition, Falun Gong was first taught publicly in China by Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of the practice, in 1992; Falun Gong spread quickly through word-of-mouth, with tens of millions of Chinese citizens finding greater health and spiritual well-being through the practice; and

WHEREAS, Falun Gong actively works to bring about a peaceful resolution to the persecution of Falun Gong in China and improve the future of the world's most populous country; these actions have led to 4 Nobel Peace Prize nominations for its founder, Li Hongzhi; and

WHEREAS, Since 1992, over 100 million people of all ages and backgrounds in over 80 countries worldwide have become healthier, happier, and more altruistic through their practice of Falun Dafa; and

WHEREAS, Falun Dafa practitioners throughout the State of Illinois and the nation at large dedicate countless hours to their communities through free meditation lessons, Chinese cultural productions of music and dance, and participation in local events; and

WHEREAS, On May 13, 2012, thousands of people throughout the United States will celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and commemorate the 20th anniversary of the introduction of one of the world's most popular meditation and cultivation practices; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the week of May 13, 2012 as Falun Dafa Week in the State of Illinois in honor of Falun Gong and its work in bringing physical and spiritual well-being to the people of this State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Falun Gong as a symbol of our esteem and respect.