Falun Gong Brings Tranquility to Times Square

Something unique happened on Times Square on Saturday. From the morning until late afternoon, it became calm.

Han Couture fashion show at Times Square during the  World Falun Dafa Day 20th anniversary festivities in Times Square, New York, on May 12, 2012.  Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times

NEW YORK—Something unique happened on Times Square on Saturday. From the morning until late afternoon, it became calm. Beneath the flashing billboards and amidst the bustling of tourists, hundreds of people sat in meditation while soft Chinese music played above low voices.

The event was one of several throughout the city marking the 20th year since Falun Gong was introduced to the public in China. Meditation lasted through the easy afternoon, and turned to music and Chinese dance as the day drew on.

And although this was a celebration, people standing on corners with fliers for passersby also had a story they hoped to tell. 

“This is a celebration of 20 years of traditional culture, spread to the world,” said Margareta Nordh, who came from Sweden to join the events. “Cultivation is about becoming a better person and leaving the bad things behind.”