Falun Gong (also called Falun Dafa) is a spiritual practice from China that combines moral teachings with five gentle qigong exercises. Its core belief is that three qualities, Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance, are the most basic nature of the universe. Practitioners try to live by these values every day, let go of harmful attachments, and improve their character, which they call “cultivation.”
This guide explains what Falun Dafa means, what its followers believe, where the teachings come from, and how they are practiced. It also covers the main criticisms of the teachings and how practitioners respond, so you can form your own view.
Falun Gong Beliefs: Quick Facts
| Topic | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Name | Falun Gong or Falun Dafa (法轮大法) |
| Founder | Li Hongzhi; first taught publicly in Changchun, China, in May 1992 |
| Core principle | Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance (Zhen, Shan, Ren) |
| Main text | Zhuan Falun (published 1995); introductory book Falun Gong |
| Practice | Five exercises: four standing, one sitting meditation |
| Tradition | Describes itself as a “Buddha School” practice, separate from the religion of Buddhism |
| Cost and membership | Free; no membership, fees or formal registration |
| Size in China before 1999 | About 70 million, according to a Chinese government estimate cited by the US State Department |
| Status in China | Banned and persecuted since July 20, 1999 |
What Does Falun Dafa Mean?
The name is Chinese. “Falun” means “Law Wheel,” a symbol of the universe’s principles. “Dafa” means “Great Law” or “Great Way.” “Gong” refers to practice, energy, or the skill built through practice.
So “Falun Dafa” roughly means “the Great Way of the Law Wheel.” “Falun Gong” means “the practice of the Law Wheel.” Both names refer to the same discipline. Practitioners often prefer “Falun Dafa” because it points to the teachings, not only the exercises.
The Falun emblem combines a Buddhist srivatsa symbol (卍) and Taoist yin-yang symbols. The srivatsa here is an ancient Asian religious sign. It has no connection to the Nazi symbol, which was rotated and used in a very different context.
Where Do the Teachings Come From?
Falun Gong appeared during China’s “qigong boom” of the 1980s and early 1990s. Millions of people then practiced breathing and movement exercises in parks. Li Hongzhi introduced Falun Gong to the public in May 1992 in the city of Changchun.
According to a Congressional Research Service report, Falun Gong joined China’s official qigong association in 1993 and left it by 1996. During the 1990s, the practice spread quickly through word of mouth. People from all walks of life joined, including retirees, workers, students and government officials.
What set Falun Gong apart from other qigong styles was its focus on morality. Most qigong taught exercises for health. Falun Gong taught that improving one’s heart and character matters more than the movements. Scholars such as David Ownby (Falun Gong and the Future of China, 2008) and David Palmer (Qigong Fever, 2007) describe this moral and spiritual focus as a key reason for its appeal.
The Core Belief: Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance
At the heart of Falun Gong is a simple idea. The universe has a basic nature, and that nature is Zhen (真, Truthfulness), Shan (善, Compassion) and Ren (忍, Forbearance). Practitioners believe that the closer a person comes to this nature, the higher their spiritual level.
- Truthfulness: being honest, speaking truthfully, and being a genuine person.
- Compassion: being kind, thinking of others first, and wishing others well.
- Forbearance: staying calm under pressure, enduring hardship, and not fighting back with hatred.
In practice, this means daily choices. A practitioner who is insulted at work is expected to stay calm and look within for their own faults. A shopkeeper is expected not to cheat customers. These are ordinary moral standards, but practitioners treat them as spiritual training.
Cultivation of Xinxing (Mind-Nature)
Falun Gong uses the word xinxing (心性), often translated as “mind-nature” or “moral character.” Practitioners believe that gong, or spiritual energy, grows only when xinxing improves. The exercises help, but they are seen as supplementary.
This is why Falun Gong calls itself a practice of “cultivating both mind and body.” The mind part is improving character. The body part is doing the exercises. Without the first, the second is not considered real cultivation.
Virtue (De) and Karma
Two related ideas explain why practitioners welcome hardship. The first is de (德), or virtue, which they describe as a white substance gained by doing good and enduring suffering. The second is karma (业), a black substance created by doing wrong.
Practitioners believe that enduring difficulty with a good attitude transforms karma into virtue. This belief shapes how they respond to conflict. Instead of seeking revenge, they try to see problems as chances to improve.
Letting Go of Attachments
Another central belief is removing “attachments.” These include jealousy, anger, competitiveness, the pursuit of fame, and excessive desire for gain. Practitioners do not have to give up money, family or careers. They are asked to stop being driven by these things.
Cultivating in Ordinary Society
Unlike monks or nuns, Falun Gong practitioners live normal lives. They work, marry, raise children and take part in their communities. The teachings say that cultivation should happen amid everyday life, because that is where a person’s character is truly tested.
There are no temples, priests, or rituals of worship. People usually practice together in parks and read the teachings in small study groups. Everything is free and voluntary. Anyone can join or leave at any time.
Buddha School, Not Buddhism
Falun Gong describes itself as a practice of the “Buddha School” (fojia). It uses concepts familiar from Buddhism and Taoism, such as karma, enlightenment and reincarnation. However, it separates itself from the religion of Buddhism (fojiao) and from organized Taoism.
Practitioners usually say Falun Gong is a cultivation practice rather than a religion. Many governments and scholars still classify it as a religious or spiritual movement. For example, the US State Department covers it in its annual International Religious Freedom reports. Both descriptions are common, and they reflect different definitions of “religion.”
The Five Exercises and the Teachings
The physical side of Falun Gong consists of five exercises. Four are slow standing movements. The fifth is a sitting meditation. The full set takes about two hours with the official exercise music, but people can do fewer when short on time.
Practitioners see the exercises as a way to strengthen the body and the energy built through moral cultivation. For a step-by-step guide, see our article on the 5 Falun Gong exercises.
The Main Texts
The teachings are written in books by Li Hongzhi. The most important is Zhuan Falun, first published in 1995. It is based on lectures he gave in China and is read regularly by practitioners. The introductory book Falun Gong explains the basic ideas and the five exercises.
All the main books are available for free on the official website, falundafa.org. You can learn more in our guide to Zhuan Falun.
Criticism of the Teachings and Practitioners’ Responses
A fair look at Falun Gong beliefs must include the criticisms. Some come from the Chinese government, which banned the practice in 1999. Others come from Western scholars and journalists.
What Critics Say
- Apocalyptic and supernatural themes: Scholars such as David Ownby and David Palmer note that Zhuan Falun discusses demons, the “end of the Dharma” period, and supernatural abilities. They say these themes go further than most qigong texts.
- Conservative social views: Critics point to teachings that view homosexuality and some aspects of modern culture negatively. Li’s comments on mixed-race relationships have also drawn criticism.
- Medicine: The Chinese government has claimed that Falun Gong tells people to refuse medical treatment. Some Western media reports have raised similar concerns.
- Founder’s authority: Some observers argue that practitioners give great weight to Li Hongzhi’s statements.
How Practitioners Respond
- Personal standards, not rules for others: Practitioners say moral teachings apply to their own conduct. They are not asked to judge, exclude or campaign against anyone.
- Medicine is a personal choice: The Falun Dafa Information Center says the teachings do not prohibit taking medicine. It calls the claim a key piece of Chinese state propaganda.
- No coercion: There are no fees, memberships or penalties for leaving. Practitioners argue this is very different from a controlling group.
- Supernatural ideas are common in Asian traditions: Supporters note that Buddhist and Taoist texts also describe spiritual powers and cosmic cycles.
Readers can weigh these views. For a deeper look at the “cult” label, see Falun Gong Cult: Debunking Misconceptions.
Why Did China Ban a Practice Based on These Beliefs?
By the late 1990s, Falun Gong had become very large. The US State Department’s 2023 religious freedom report on China notes that the government estimated 70 million adherents before the 1999 ban. Falun Gong sources estimate 70 to 100 million.
The Chinese Communist Party saw a popular, independent belief system as a threat. It began a nationwide crackdown on July 20, 1999. As of 2026, the persecution has lasted 27 years. Read more in Why Is Falun Gong Banned in China?
Health note: This article is for general information only. Falun Gong exercises are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a doctor about any health concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Falun Gong practitioners believe?
They believe that Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance are the basic nature of the universe. By living by these values, letting go of attachments and doing five exercises, they aim to improve their character and reach higher spiritual levels.
What does Falun Dafa mean?
“Falun” means “Law Wheel” and “Dafa” means “Great Law” or “Great Way.” Together, Falun Dafa means “the Great Way of the Law Wheel.” Falun Gong, “the practice of the Law Wheel,” is another name for the same practice.
What is Falun Dafa in simple terms?
It is a free mind-body practice from China. It includes moral teachings based on Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance, plus four gentle standing exercises and one meditation.
Is Falun Gong a religion?
Practitioners describe it as a cultivation practice, not a religion, because it has no temples, clergy, worship or membership. Many governments and researchers classify it as a spiritual or religious movement. Both views are common.
Is Falun Gong Buddhist?
Falun Gong calls itself a “Buddha School” practice and uses some Buddhist ideas, such as karma. But it is separate from the religion of Buddhism and does not follow Buddhist monastic rules.
What are the main Falun Gong teachings?
The main teachings are found in Zhuan Falun. Key ideas include Zhen-Shan-Ren, xinxing cultivation, the exchange of karma and virtue, removing attachments, and practicing within ordinary society.
Further Reading
- What Is Falun Gong? 10 Things You Need to Know About Falun Dafa
- Zhuan Falun: The Primary Book Guiding Falun Gong Cultivation
- 5 Falun Gong Exercises: Discover Inner Peace and Vibrant Health
- Why Is Falun Gong Banned in China?
- Falun Gong Cult: Debunking Misconceptions
