Witnessing History, by Jennifer Zeng

I found this book informative not just about the human rights violations that the Chinese authorities are committing in detaining and torturing Falun Gong practitioners like Jennifer Zeng, but also in regard to the teachings of Falun Gong. While some Westerners also practice Falun Gong, which is made up of meditation, exercise, and spiritual teaching, we have not experienced the kind of massive growth of its followers that China has.

Zeng gives an honest account of her understanding of Li Hongzhi‘s teachings, the movement’s originator. The physical exercises are meant to open and purify the body and mind, similar to Tai Chi. The directives regarding behavior say to be truthful, and to have compassion and forbearance. When Zeng is tested through harsh prison conditions, slave labor, and torture through enforced squatting in place for hours without respite, she bears up and is resolved to continue following Falun Gong.

Whether because of her high status (having a graduate degree and having been employed as an investment counselor), Zeng witnesses but is not subject to the more extreme tortures of sleep deprivation, electric shocks and burnings. Eventually she decides to “reform” so she can escape imprisonment. She is encouraged by statements Li Hongzhi made in the news media (from outside China) regarding other disciples who ‘reformed’ and denounced Falun Gong, that since they were tortured they weren’t responsible for their actions. However, Zeng finally becomes convinced that she was responsible and that she retracted from pride and justified her actions out of fear.

Now she lives in Australia and takes part in nationwide protests against China for its treatment of Falun Gong followers. Zeng believes that since China controls by power, then any movement exhibiting strength is an enemy for China’s government. This book is worth reading, if only for the questions it raises.