Values & virtues
Epoch Times
Continued from Page 30 Extreme methods of torture in labour camps also include abusive tube feedings, “rack” torture, rape, impaling of fingernails with bamboo sticks, burning with red-hot iron rods—and many more. Many practitioners have been driven to insanity and death. Unshaken Beliefs The story of Falun Gong is about 100 million people in China who believed in being truthful, compassionate, and tolerant. It’s the story of a belief that Jiang said in 1999 he would destroy in three months. Yet, for Chen and many others, the story of Falun Gong is not a sad one. It’s about 100 million people who stood strong, even when every state-run media in China spread lies about them, even when every security bureau in China was assigned to destroy them, and even when the communist regime’s lies
spread abroad and the entire world seemed against them. And it’s a story of how Falun Gong did not fight back. The parades, vigils and commemorative events all tell one story—one of unshaken will amid suffering, of people who, in the face of a hatred that sought to blanket the world with lies, were able to remain kind and calmly tell the world the truth. And now, the crimes committed by leaders of China’s communist party and security bureaus are being uprooted and shown to the world. Erping Zhang, spokesperson for the New York Falun Dafa Association, expressed his thanks to those who have supported Falun Gong, including several countries and non-government organisations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations. The UN and many countries have passed several resolutions condemning the persecution in China.
He noted, “We have seen great support from around the world.”
“Why haven’t [the Chinese Communist Party] defeated Falun Gong? Because good people trying to be better people is, in fact, the most powerful and enduring force.” Liam O’Neill, spokesman of the Falun Dafa Information Centre
Brighter Prospects The persecution in China is still taking place and, according to the numbers has grown worse over the last year, said Wang Zhiyuan, spokesperson of the World Organisation to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong. To date, over 63,000 accounts of torture and over 3,700 deaths from torture and abuse have been confirmed, although the Falun Dafa Information Centre believes the true death toll is much higher. In addition, independent investigators believe tens of thousands of practitioners have been murdered as their organs have been taken for use in transplantation. The mounting evidence collected since 2000 has prompted the UN Special Rapporteurs and UN Committee against Torture to confront the
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Chinese government on the issue multiple times since 2006 (see http://organharvestinvestigation.net). There are many Falun Gong practitioners, however, including Wang, who believe that very soon the oppressed will outlast the oppressor - when the persecution ends, the truth will come to light and the crimes of China’s leaders will be taken to the world stage. Liam O’Neill said, “The CCP has the world’s largest army and the world’s largest public security apparatus. It has a total monopoly on the media and near total control of the Chinese Internet.” “Why haven’t they defeated Falun Gong? Because good people trying to be better people is, in fact, the most powerful and enduring force,” O’Neil said. For more information on Falun Gong and the persecution in China, visit the Falun Dafa Information Centre at www.faluninfo.net.
Confucius and Socrates
The Courage to Stand on the Side of Truth Courtesy of The Lady (2011 film)
By Tangfeng Minghui.org In the Analects of Confucius, Xianwen, Emperor of Northern Wei (454-476 AD), described an emperor of the Chinese/ Xianbei Dynasty Northern Wei, who responded to fundamental questions of law. “A benevolent man worries not, a learned man is not perplexed, and a brave man fears not,” Xianwen said. Courage is an essential virtue for establishing a perfect realm. Historical records speak of many courageous people in both Western and Chinese cultures. Folk tales speak of the approximately 100 Mohist disciples who would sacrifice their lives for the truth without hesitation. There was also the warrior, Jing Ke, of the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) who is immortalised in a song: “The wind whirled to the west and felt extra cold, as soon as the brave soldier left on his quest from which there was no return,” in reference to his quest to assassinate the king of the Qin Dynasty. Zilu, one of Confucius’ favourite students, was bold and straightforward. But Confucius said, “He is fearless but it is not worth mentioning.” In fact, Confucius appreciated a different kinds of courage. Mencius also said, “Do you
Real courage is not belligerence, but rather to stand on the side of truth. As long as one sticks to the truth, even when facing power and violence, one will never be discouraged or give in. want to be brave? I have heard from Confucius about being brave: ‘If you look inward, and find justice is not on this side, then, even if the other party is not a humble person, I would not threaten him. “If after examination, I feel that justice is indeed on my side, then even if the other side is mighty, I will go ahead.’” (The Works of Mencius, Gongsun Chou Vol. I) Confucius’ Efforts on Behalf of the People Confucius guided his students by following such principles throughout his entire life.
According to legend, Confucius was tall and strong, but was always kind to everyone. He was very patient with his students and very modest and prudent. If he made a mistake, he would apologise to his students. When the Zhou Dynasty began to decline, Confucius tried to promote benevolence and persuaded the king to educate the people by promoting etiquette and music. Confucius also tried to restore and establish a centralised government in his home state, the State of Lu, but failed. He then travelled throughout the land to promote his political views. He went to the states of Zhou, Qi, Wei, Cao, Chen, Cai, Song, Ye, and Chu, but the authorities did not accept his views and instead ridiculed him. He was surrounded by those that mocked him and frightened him, and he felt trapped and suffered from hunger. People told him to give up. But the downward spiral of deteriorating moral standards could not affect Confucius. Slander and poor attitudes cannot change the aspirations of saints. Confucius always considered protecting the heritage of his culture to be his destiny, and took the implementation of righteousness as his responsibility. He told his students, “If virtue existed nowadays, I would not try to change things.” In order to spread his ideas
Aung San Suu Kyi (played by Michelle Yeoh) calmly faces armed soldiers in the film biopic, “The Lady”. The brave, charismatic Burmese dissident is a non-violent proponent of democracy, and an international symbol of peaceful resistance in the face of oppression.
and educate the people, Confucius opened the first private school at the time. No matter whether a student was poor or rich, intelligent or slow, all could attend his school. When he was in his seventies, he concentrated on finishing and revising some ancient books. Since then, Confucianism has had a far-reaching impact on China’s history, culture, personality, thought, and much more.
Philosopher Socrates In 594 BC, the Athenian statesman Solon created republican politics in the form of civic elections and jury proceedings. However, ethics, good morals, and faith were not of importance at that time. Many prosecutors and judges, elected among farmers and businessmen, only recognised the law and the sciences. They did not have a humble heart that believed in gods.
A Look at the Ancient Greek
See Article on Page 38