Morrab Gardens: 18 Years of Community Spirit

In a lunchtime presentation accompanied by a slide show, Yukari shared with fellow Rotary members her experiences of bringing Falun Gong to Morrab Gardens and the difference it has made to the community.

For nearly two decades, Morrab Gardens has been more than a picturesque corner of Penzance. Since 2007, the public park has quietly hosted sessions of Falun Gong, a traditional Chinese practice combining gentle QiGong exercises with moral teachings. Led by Yukari, these gatherings have grown into a fixture of community life, offering both physical wellbeing and a sense of shared values.

A Shelter and a Meeting Place

The choice of Morrab Gardens was practical as well as symbolic. “Sheltered from the rain, open to all, and free to use - it was the perfect place,” Yukari explained during her recent talk. “People should use Morrab Gardens freely as the gardens are for everyone of any age, just like Falun Gong.”

The Practice of Falun Gong

Yukari explained that Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is built on three guiding principles:

• Truthfulness (Zhen) – honesty and authenticity

• Compassion (Shan) – kindness and benevolence

• Tolerance (Ren) – patience, forgiveness, and endurance

The practice involves five simple QiGong exercises, accessible to people of all ages. It is free to learn, with resources available worldwide through FalunDafa.org.

Early Encouragement

Yukari credits the success of the sessions to early encouragement from local figures. Joe, the Head Gardener at Morrab Gardens, offered support from the beginning. The Headmistress of Humphry Davy School also lent her encouragement. Kat and Trev, returning from Australia, helped introduce the free sessions through notices in the local paper.

This grassroots support ensured the practice was not only sustained but welcomed as part of the community fabric.

Positive Impact on the Community

The presence of Falun Gong in Morrab Gardens has had a ripple effect. At one point, police faced criticism for allowing the gardens to become a “no‑go area.” Within a week, however, the renewed community use and positive activities shifted perceptions.

Different people have dropped in over the years - poets inspired by the atmosphere, residents participating in local events, and even individuals struggling with homelessness or alcohol who found calm and encouragement. “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome,” Yukari reflected.

As part of her talk, Yukari played a video of a Meditation at the Morrab Gardens, which can be found here (1min 36sec) 

A Living Tradition

From 2007 to 2025, Morrab Gardens has remained a symbol of openness and resilience. The sessions have shown how a public park can be more than just a green space - it can be a place of healing, learning, and connection.

As Yukari’s 18‑year journey demonstrates, one person’s dedication can transform a community space into something far greater: a living classroom of kindness, patience, and truth.