SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 550 WHEREAS, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a spiritual practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture and Buddhist traditions, which millions of people around the world have incorporated into their lives; and WHEREAS, In 1992, Falun Dafa was introduced to the public in China by founder Li Hongzhi; by the end of the decade, it had attracted around 100 million followers, and today it is practiced in more than 70 countries across the globe; and WHEREAS, Falun Dafa emphasizes the attainment of spiritual growth through the study of Falun Dafa teachings and through gentle exercises and meditation; its teachings encourage learners to let go of unhealthy attachments as they strive to attune their lives to the universal qualities of truth, compassion, and forbearance; and WHEREAS, Since 1999, tens of millions of Falun Dafa practitioners in China have been persecuted for their beliefs and have lived under the threat of abduction, imprisonment, or worse; Falun Dafa members have courageously stood up for their right to practice, and in so doing, they have demonstrated the value of life and human dignity in the face of oppression; and WHEREAS, Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, has worked tirelessly to convey the tenets of Falun Dafa in a way that transcends cultural and racial boundaries; the movement was introduced to the state of Texas in 1994, and since then, over a dozen practice sites have been established within the state; local Falun Dafa members have enriched the lives of many fellow Texans by sharing their beliefs and practices through workshops, clubs, and cultural events; and WHEREAS, Followers of Falun Dafa constitute an important part of the diverse cultural fabric of Texas, and Falun Dafa Day provides a fitting opportunity to recognize their inspiring devotion to the teachings of their faith and to the ideals of peace and freedom; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby recognize May 13, 2023, as Falun Dafa Day and extend sincere best wishes to all practitioners of Falun Dafa who call our state home. Paxton ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 11, 2023. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate