Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual discipline that has captivated global attention since its inception in China in 1992. Integrating meditation, slow-moving exercises, and moral teachings, Falun Gong advocates for self-cultivation through the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance (Zhen, Shan, Ren).
Unlike many modern spiritual movements, Falun Gong emphasizes both physical and spiritual growth, offering a path for individuals to improve their health, elevate their moral character, and seek enlightenment. This practice quickly gained millions of adherents worldwide but has also faced significant persecution in its country of origin, China.
This in-depth article examines the origins, philosophy, practices, global spread, and cultural significance of Falun Dafa.
What’s the difference between Falun Gong and Falun Dafa?
“Falun Gong” is simply another name for “Falun Dafa.” They refer to the same thing — the Buddhist-based spiritual practice originating in China. “Falun Dafa” is the formal name of the practice, whereas “Falun Gong” is a more colloquial term made popular in China.
1. Origins of Falun Gong
Historical Background
Falun Gong emerged during China’s qigong boom of the late 20th century. Qigong, a system of breathing, exercise, and meditation rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, saw a resurgence as a health and fitness movement. Master Li Hongzhi officially introduced Falun Gong to the public in Changchun, China, in 1992. Unlike many other qigong practices, Falun Gong emphasized spiritual cultivation alongside physical well-being.
Founder: Master Li Hongzhi
Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, was born in Gongzhuling, Jilin Province, in 1951. He developed the teachings of Falun Dafa as a synthesis of traditional Buddhist and Taoist principles, emphasizing self-cultivation and moral character. His writings, primarily found in the book Zhuan Falun (Turning the Law Wheel), provide a comprehensive framework for practitioners.
He first taught the practice of Falun Gong to the general public in 1992 in northeastern China in the city of Changchun. He is the recipient of numerous awards and citations for his efforts to promote human betterment. He is a four time Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and has been nominated by the European Parliament for the Sakharov Prize For Freedom of Thought.
- More details about Mr. Li Hongzhi – the founder of Falun Gong
Timeline Highlights of Falun Dafa:
- 1992-1994: Falun Dafa was promoted through lectures, books, and demonstrations, gaining millions of practitioners in China.
- 1999: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) banned Falun Gong, labeling it a “heretical organization,” sparking a widespread crackdown and international human rights concerns. But Falun Dafa has gained the attention from the world with more and more practitioners worldwide.
2. The Core Principles of Falun Gong
Fundamental Principles of Falun Dafa
The practice revolves around three universal values:
- Truthfulness (Zhen): Being honest and truthful in thoughts, words, and actions.
- Compassion (Shan): Showing kindness and empathy toward others.
- Forbearance (Ren): Practicing patience, tolerance, and resilience in challenging situations.
These principles guide practitioners in their daily lives, fostering moral integrity and inner peace.
Spiritual Goals of Falun Dafa
Falun Gong aims to help individuals purify their hearts, elevate their moral standards, and achieve spiritual enlightenment. Adherents believe that by following the principles of Zhen, Shan, and Ren, they can accumulate “virtue” and dissolve “karma,” ultimately improving their lives and their spiritual destiny.
The Minghui website says:
It is a discipline in which “assimilation to the highest qualities of the universe—Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance)—is the foundation of practice. Practice is guided by these supreme qualities, and based on the very laws which underlie the development of the cosmos.”
3. Practices of Falun Gong
Exercises and Meditation
Falun Dafa includes five sets of exercises, each with distinct movements and purposes:
- Buddha Stretching a Thousand Arms: A gentle warm-up to open energy channels.
- Falun Standing Stance: A standing meditation to cultivate energy.
- Penetrating the Two Cosmic Extremes: Movements to connect the body to cosmic energy.
- Falun Cosmic Orbit: A set of dynamic, circular movements.
- Reinforcing Supernatural Powers: A seated meditation to deepen inner tranquility.
This video was produced by LearnFalunGong.com with Master Li’s authorization. It is the full set of Falun Dafa exercises demonstrated by Master Li. If you have learned the exercises but have not yet memorized the movements, feel free to follow along. Once you have memorized the movements, you can then do the exercises with eyes closed while listening to the exercise music and Master Li’s prompts.
These exercises are simple to learn and can be practiced individually or in groups.
Moral Cultivation
Moral self-improvement is as important as physical practice in Falun Gong. Practitioners are encouraged to confront their shortcomings, let go of attachments, and align their lives with the teachings of Zhen, Shan, and Ren.
Falun Gong teaches that moral cultivation involves refining one’s thoughts, actions, and intentions to align with these virtues. Practitioners are encouraged to look inward, identify and let go of selfish attachments—such as greed, anger, or jealousy—and handle conflicts or hardships with patience and kindness. This process is believed to eliminate negative karma, a concept understood as the accumulated consequences of past misdeeds, while generating virtue through good actions and endurance of suffering. The ultimate goal is spiritual elevation, often described as a return to one’s “original, true self” or even attaining a higher state of being.
The practice draws from traditional Chinese concepts of self-cultivation, blending influences from Buddhism, Taoism, and qigong traditions. Unlike some qigong practices that focus primarily on physical health, Falun Gong places greater emphasis on moral and spiritual development, viewing the five meditative exercises as secondary to the cultivation of character. Practitioners believe that by living according to Zhen, Shan, and Ren, they can achieve not only personal harmony but also contribute to a broader cosmic order, as these qualities are seen as inherent to the universe itself.
This moral framework is detailed in the primary texts, Falun Gong and Zhuan Falun, written by its founder, Li Hongzhi. These books emphasize that genuine cultivation requires effort and sincerity, beyond mere adherence to rules, and that moral improvement is a prerequisite for any higher spiritual or physical benefits, such as health or enlightenment. For practitioners, this path is both practical—applied in everyday interactions—and profound, aiming for a transformative alignment with universal truths.
4. Global Spread and Popularity
Initial Growth of Falun Gong
Falun Dafa grew rapidly in China throughout the 1990s, gaining 100 millions of adherents within a few years. Its popularity was attributed to its perceived health benefits, simplicity, and focus on moral cultivation.
The initial growth of Falun Gong was remarkably rapid and organic, emerging in China during the early 1990s against the backdrop of a broader qigong boom. Introduced to the public by Master Li Hongzhi on May 13, 1992, in Changchun, Jilin Province, Falun Gong combined meditative exercises with a moral and spiritual philosophy based on the principles of Zhen (Truthfulness), Shan (Compassion), and Ren (Forbearance). This resonated deeply with a population seeking physical health, spiritual meaning, and traditional values amid China’s rapid modernization following the Cultural Revolution.
Master Li Hongzhi began teaching Falun Gong through public lectures and workshops, starting with a modest group of attendees—reportedly just 180 people at his first seminar. His approach was accessible: the exercises were simple to learn, free to practice, and paired with teachings that drew on familiar Buddhist and Taoist concepts, adapted into a modern framework. Word of mouth played a crucial role in its spread, as early practitioners reported health improvements—such as relief from chronic illnesses—and a sense of moral clarity, which they attributed to the practice. This grassroots enthusiasm fueled its expansion beyond Changchun to other cities across China.
In 1993, Falun Gong gained legitimacy when Li affiliated with the state-run China Qigong Scientific Research Society (CQRS), which allowed him to conduct lectures under its auspices. This association provided a platform for wider recognition, and by the mid-1990s, Li had delivered over 50 lecture series across the country, often attracting thousands per session. The practice’s lack of formal membership fees or rigid organizational structure made it appealing to a broad demographic—workers, intellectuals, retirees, and even some Communist Party members. Estimates suggest that by 1996, millions were practicing, with numbers ranging from 2 million (conservative official figures) to claims of 70 million by practitioners, rivaling the Communist Party’s membership at the time.
The growth was also supported by the publication of key texts, Falun Gong (1993) and Zhuan Falun (1995), which codified the teachings and became widely circulated. Practitioners formed informal networks, gathering in parks for group exercises and sharing Li’s writings, often copied by hand or mimeographed due to high demand. The Chinese government initially tolerated or even praised Falun Gong for promoting health and morality, aligning with state efforts to reduce healthcare costs and revive traditional culture.
International Expansion
In the late 1990s, Falun Gong began spreading internationally as adherents moved abroad or shared its teachings through global conferences and public demonstrations. Today, it is practiced in over 100 countries, with its books and materials translated into numerous languages.
The international expansion of Falun Gong began in the mid-1990s as its founder, Li Hongzhi, shifted his focus from teaching in China to spreading the practice globally. This expansion accelerated after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) banned the practice in 1999, prompting practitioners to seek refuge and establish communities abroad. What started as a modest outreach evolved into a worldwide movement, driven by a combination of Li’s international lectures, the diaspora of Chinese practitioners, and the group’s response to persecution in China.
Master Li Hongzhi laid the groundwork for this expansion in 1995, when he gave his first overseas lectures in Paris at the invitation of the Chinese ambassador to France, followed by talks in Sweden. These early efforts targeted Chinese embassy staff and expatriates but soon broadened as Li traveled to major cities across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North America, including Hong Kong, Sydney, Bangkok, Houston, and New York.
The lectures, compiled in Zhuan Falun and translated into over 40 languages by the late 1990s, made the teachings accessible to a global audience, appealing to both Chinese immigrants and non-Chinese individuals drawn to its blend of qigong exercises and moral philosophy.
The 1999 crackdown in China was a pivotal moment. As the CCP labeled Falun Gong a “heretical organization” and launched a brutal suppression campaign, practitioners fled or were forced underground. This persecution galvanized the overseas community, transforming Falun Gong into a transnational movement with a dual mission: preserving the practice and raising awareness about human rights abuses in China. Practitioners established a decentralized, “formless” structure—eschewing formal membership, fees, or rigid hierarchies—and relied heavily on the internet to coordinate activities, disseminate teachings, and forge a global network.
By the early 2000s, Falun Gong was practiced in over 70 countries, with estimates of its international community ranging from hundreds of thousands to potentially millions, though precise numbers are elusive due to its informal nature.
Recognition and Awards of Falun Dafa
Falun Gong has received recognition for promoting physical and mental well-being. In various countries, local governments and organizations have commended its contributions to community health and moral upliftment.
Falun Dafa has been the subject of many citations, awards, and proclamations, conferred by government officials and a variety of organizations around the world. Many who practice Falun Gong have been the recipients of service awards in their communities and at their workplaces.
The practice’s founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, is a four-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and was nominated by the European Parliament for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. He is also the recipient of Freedom House’s International Religious Freedom Award.
5. Persecution in China
Political Context
The rapid rise of Falun Gong and its independence from state control alarmed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In 1999, the CCP launched a nationwide crackdown, labeling the practice as a “heretical organization.”
Despite its peaceful nature, Falun Dafa practitioners face challenges, particularly in China. Reports of suppression include:
- Detention and forced labor.
- Intense propaganda campaigns.
- Restrictions on online materials and gatherings.
Outside China, Falun Dafa practitioners continue to advocate for freedom of belief and highlight human rights abuses.
Human Rights Concerns
Since 1999, Falun Dafa practitioners in China have faced severe persecution, including arrests, torture, and reports of forced organ harvesting. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned these actions, calling for an end to the repression.
These concerns have been widely documented by human rights organizations, practitioners, and international bodies, painting a picture of systematic repression that violates fundamental freedoms. Below are the key issues:
1. Arbitrary Arrests and Imprisonment
Since the CCP banned Falun Gong in July 1999, labeling it an “evil cult,” tens of thousands of practitioners have been arbitrarily detained. The crackdown began after a peaceful protest by over 10,000 adherents outside the Zhongnanhai government compound in Beijing on April 25, 1999, seeking legal recognition. In response, the CCP established the “610 Office,” an extralegal task force to eradicate the group. Practitioners have been rounded up in mass arrests, often without formal charges or fair trials, and sent to prisons, labor camps, or “re-education” facilities. Estimates suggest that at peak times, Falun Gong adherents comprised up to half of China’s labor camp population, with human rights groups reporting at least 2,000 deaths in custody by 2009 due to abuse, though practitioners claim the number is much higher.
2. Torture and Ill-Treatment
Reports of torture are widespread and consistent across accounts from former detainees, human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, and Falun Gong sources such as the Minghui website. Practitioners have described being subjected to beatings, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, forced feeding, and psychological coercion to renounce their beliefs. For example, a former detainee recounted being kicked so severely that his leg took three months to heal and threatened with death disguised as suicide. The United Nations has also raised alarms, with experts in 2021 citing credible evidence of detainees undergoing forced medical procedures, including organ examinations, without consent—practices not imposed on other prisoners.
3. Forced Organ Harvesting
One of the most chilling allegations is that Falun Gong practitioners have been targeted for forced organ harvesting. Investigations, including the 2019 China Tribunal led by Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, concluded that this practice has occurred on a significant scale, with Falun Gong likely being the primary source of organs for China’s transplant industry. The Tribunal found evidence of prisoners being killed for their organs, a claim supported by unusually short wait times for transplants in China and corroborated by testimonies from former prisoners and medical personnel. The CCP denies these allegations, but the lack of transparency and independent access to detention facilities fuels ongoing concern. The European Parliament and U.S. Congress have condemned this practice, calling it “state-sanctioned” and “inhumane.”
4. Suppression of Religious Freedom
Falun Gong’s spiritual teachings, rooted in Buddhist and Taoist traditions and centered on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, are seen by the CCP as a threat to its atheist ideology and authority. The group’s independence from state control and its rapid growth in the 1990s—reaching an estimated 70 million practitioners—prompted the ban. The CCP has since used propaganda, censorship, and legal measures, such as Article 300 of the Criminal Code (punishing “using a heterodox religion to undermine the law”), to justify suppressing Falun Gong. This violates international guarantees of freedom of belief, expression, and association under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which China signed but has not ratified.
5. Transnational Repression
The persecution extends beyond China’s borders. Practitioners in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan report harassment, surveillance, and intimidation by Chinese agents or proxies. The CCP has pressured foreign governments to extradite practitioners and disrupted Falun Gong events, such as Shen Yun performances, through diplomatic channels or local proxies. Human rights groups have documented cases of practitioners being targeted abroad, raising concerns about the CCP’s global reach and its impact on diaspora communities’ rights to practice their beliefs.
6. Propaganda and Social Isolation
The CCP has waged a relentless propaganda campaign to vilify Falun Gong, portraying it as a dangerous cult responsible for suicides and social instability. A notable example is the 2001 Tiananmen Square self-immolation incident, widely broadcast by state media to discredit the group, though independent analyses and Falun Gong sources argue it was staged, pointing to inconsistencies like the rapid response of authorities and the victims’ lack of prior involvement with the practice. This smear campaign has eroded public sympathy in China and pressured families, employers, and communities to shun practitioners, amplifying their isolation and vulnerability.
7. Lack of Legal Recourse
China’s legal system offers no protection for Falun Gong practitioners. The 1999 Supreme People’s Court directive instructed courts to harshly punish those involved with “heretical organizations,” bypassing international legal standards and China’s own constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. Human rights lawyers defending practitioners have themselves been detained or disbarred, as seen in the 2015 crackdown on over 300 lawyers. This leaves practitioners defenseless against state abuses.
International Response
The United States, European Union, and United Nations have repeatedly called for an end to the persecution, with resolutions and statements condemning the CCP’s actions. Advocacy groups like Freedom House and Falun Gong-affiliated organizations continue to document abuses and press for accountability, though the CCP dismisses such criticism as interference. Despite this, the lack of concrete action—such as sanctions or independent investigations—has allowed the repression to persist, now marking over 25 years since it began.
These concerns highlight a broader pattern of religious intolerance and authoritarian control in China, with Falun Gong serving as a stark example of how the CCP targets groups it perceives as threats to its power, regardless of their peaceful nature.
Why is Falun Gong persecuted in China?
Just seven years after being introduced to the public in China, Falun Dafa went from being widely popular throughout the country to becoming the number one enemy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
In July 1999, a brutal campaign targeted the 100 million people practicing Falun Dafa, as well as their relatives, friends, and coworkers. In a draconian crackdown not seen since the Cultural Revolution, book burnings, mass-arrests and imprisonment, torture and forced reeducation were unleashed across China. Virtually everyone in China was either targeted or forced to be complicit.
But why? What led up to the brutal crackdown?
- Falun Dafa’s Massive Popularity and Rapid Growth, Outnumbering CCP Membership
- Falun Dafa’s Complete Independence from the CCP’s Control
- Falun Dafa’s Guiding Principles Incompatible with Communist, Atheist Ideology
- Politburo Leader’s Jealousy and Political Motivations
More details about Why is Falun Gong persecuted in China?
6. Falun Gong in the Modern World
Advocacy and Awareness
Falun Dafa practitioners and supporters have engaged in peaceful advocacy to raise awareness about human rights violations in China. Activities include public demonstrations, art exhibitions, and the use of independent media, such as The Epoch Times and New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD).
Role in Contemporary Spiritual Movements
Falun Dafa continues to attract individuals seeking spiritual fulfillment and personal growth. Its teachings resonate with modern audiences looking for a holistic approach to health and well-being.
In the broader landscape of spiritual movements, Falun Gong stands out for its resilience, adaptability, and dual identity as both a persecuted minority and a proactive global force. It appeals to those disillusioned with materialism or authoritarianism, offering a disciplined path to personal and cosmic harmony.
The CCP’s 1999 crackdown transformed Falun Gong into a symbol of spiritual resistance against authoritarianism. Practitioners’ nonviolent response—through public protests, underground networks, and international advocacy—mirrors the moral defiance seen in movements like Tibetan Buddhism or early Christianity under Roman persecution. This has elevated its status among contemporary spiritual groups, casting it as a martyr-like entity fighting for freedom of belief. The narrative of enduring torture, forced organ harvesting, and exile resonates with global audiences concerned with human rights.
Falun Gong and Health Benefits
Several health studies (carried out in China, the United States, Russia, and Australia), including clinically controlled, peer-reviewed research studies at leading medical facilities, have begun to explore and confirm the positive, and sometimes dramatic, health benefits that so many persons attribute to the practice.
Typical benefits that people describe include increased amounts of energy and reduced fatigue, greater resistance to disease, better sleep, emotional balance, a sense of calm, a positive outlook, improved relationships, greater self-awareness, a deeper sense of meaning in life, and spiritual growth.
Many practitioners claim significant physical and mental health benefits from the practice. Studies have reported improvements in:
- Stress reduction and mental clarity.
- Chronic illness management.
- Overall well-being through regular meditation and exercise.
First Hand Accounts of Health Benefits
7. Criticisms and Misunderstandings
Misconceptions about Falun Dafa
Critics often misunderstand Falun Gong’s spiritual teachings, mistaking them for religious dogma. Others question its founder’s teachings, viewing them as incompatible with certain scientific or modern viewpoints.
Discourse about Falun Dafa varies remarkably widely, so widely as to possibly be disorienting. If you’re apt to just conclude that the truth must lie “somewhere in between” the two common poles (positive and negative attributions), you owe it to yourself to read on.
Responses from Practitioners
Practitioners emphasize that Falun Dafa is not a religion but a spiritual discipline open to people of all backgrounds. They say that its practices promote universal values beneficial to society.
Health improvements are a recurring theme in practitioner responses, echoing Falun Gong’s early appeal in China. A retired teacher from Taiwan shared, “I had arthritis for years—after practicing for six months, the pain was gone, and I stopped needing pills.” Such claims are anecdotal but widespread, with practitioners attributing recovery from ailments like diabetes, insomnia, or even cancer to the practice. A U.S.-based adherent explained, “It’s not just the exercises; it’s letting go of attachments like fear or stress that restores your body.” While these accounts lack scientific backing and are contested by critics, they fuel practitioners’ conviction in Falun Gong’s holistic power.
Responses to the CCP’s crackdown are marked by a mix of sorrow, defiance, and determination. A former detainee, now in Europe, recounted their ordeal: “They beat me with batons and shocked me with electricity to make me curse Master Li—I refused. Forbearance kept me strong.” Many frame their suffering as a test of faith, drawing parallels to religious martyrs. A practitioner still in China, writing under a pseudonym, said, “Every arrest, every insult—I see it as a chance to eliminate karma and uphold the truth. We’re not victims; we’re cultivators.”
The organ harvesting allegations elicit particularly visceral reactions. A survivor who escaped to Australia described being subjected to unexplained medical tests in detention: “They drew my blood and scanned my organs—I knew what it meant. I’m alive to tell the world.” Practitioners globally see this as a call to action, with one in New York stating, “Exposing this evil is part of our compassion—it’s not just for us, but for all humanity.”
8. Shen Yun and Falun Gong
The CCP has spent nearly 25 years trying to eradicate and demonize Falun Gong and even longer to destroy China’s traditional culture in order to instill Marxism in people. All these efforts can be unraveled by a Shen Yun performance, which showcases authentic Chinese culture, world-class artistry by talented Falun Gong practitioners, and storylines about the CCP’s deadly religious persecution. Therefore, the CCP views Shen Yun’s work as a threat to its legitimacy and sees the company’s success as an existential threat to its hold on power. According to a 2010 internal Communist Party notice, “combatting and suppressing…Shen Yun” is an important priority.
Disinformation is a core tactic used by the CCP to attack its perceived enemies and the campaign against Shen Yun is no different.
9. How to Learn Falun Gong
Accessible Resources
Learning Falun Gong is free of charge. Its books, exercise instructions, and multimedia materials are available online. Local practice groups often hold free workshops and sessions.
Below is an overview of the key accessible resources associated with Falun Gong, based on its public presence and practitioner efforts as of April 2025.
1. Core Texts
- Falun Gong: The introductory book by Li Hongzhi, first published in 1993, outlines the practice’s principles, exercises, and basic philosophy. It’s available in over 40 languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Japanese, and can be downloaded for free as a PDF or e-book from the official Falun Dafa website (falundafa.org). Physical copies are often distributed at no cost by practitioners at public events.
- Zhuan Falun: The primary text, released in 1995, delves deeper into the spiritual and moral teachings, emphasizing cultivation of xinxing (moral character) and the principles of Zhen (Truthfulness), Shan (Compassion), and Ren (Forbearance). Like Falun Gong, it’s freely accessible online in multiple languages on falundafa.org, with audio versions also available for those who prefer listening. Practitioners often recommend starting with Falun Gong before tackling this more comprehensive work.
2. Official Websites
- FalunDafa.org: The central hub for Falun Gong resources, offering free access to Li Hongzhi’s writings, lecture transcripts, and instructional materials. It includes detailed guides to the five exercises (four standing, one seated meditation) with step-by-step instructions, photos, and downloadable videos. The site is multilingual, ensuring global reach, and hosts a FAQ section addressing common questions about the practice.
- Minghui.org: A practitioner-run site launched in 1999, serving as a chronicle of Falun Gong’s history, persecution, and community updates. It features firsthand accounts, news, and articles in Chinese and English (en.minghui.org), with translations into other languages like German and Russian. It’s a vital resource for understanding the human rights dimension, though its content is heavily curated by practitioners and reflects their perspective.
3. Instructional Videos and Audio
- Exercise Videos: Free videos demonstrating the five Falun Gong exercises are available on falundafa.org and YouTube channels like “Falun Dafa Exercises.” These include English narration or subtitles, with versions in other languages like Mandarin, Spanish, and Hindi. The videos range from short tutorials (10-15 minutes) to full sessions (up to an hour), often accompanied by traditional Chinese music composed by practitioners.
- Lecture Recordings: Audio and video recordings of Li Hongzhi’s early lectures (1990s) are accessible on falundafa.org and Minghui.org. These are typically in Mandarin with English subtitles or translations, offering insights into his teachings before the 1999 ban. Some practitioners also share these on platforms like SoundCloud or Vimeo, though availability varies due to copyright and censorship concerns.
4. Physical Practice Sites
- Local Practice Groups: Falun Gong practitioners worldwide host free group exercise sessions in public spaces like parks or community centers. These are informal, open to all, and listed on falundafa.org under “Practice Sites” by country and city (e.g., New York, London, Sydney). Participants can learn the exercises directly from experienced practitioners, often receiving free literature or guidance on starting their own practice.
These resources collectively serve Falun Gong’s mission to educate, cultivate, and advocate. They’re designed for ease of use—whether someone wants to try an exercise, study the philosophy, or investigate the human rights claims—making the practice one of the more accessible spiritual movements today, despite the challenges posed by its banned status in China.
Starting the Practice
- Read the Teachings: Begin with Master Li Hongzhi’s books, especially Zhuan Falun.
- Learn the Exercises: Follow video demonstrations or join a local practice group.
- Apply the Principles: Incorporate Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance into daily life.
10. Falun Gong is a new religious movement or not?
Falun Dafa is often categorized as a new religious movement (NRM) by scholars and observers, even though it is not officially self-identified as a religion.
It presents distinct teachings that differentiate it from traditional religions and philosophies, which is characteristic of NRMs.
- Core Principles: Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance (Zhen, Shan, Ren) serve as the moral foundation of the practice.
- Karma and Virtue: It incorporates concepts of moral cause and effect, where good deeds accumulate virtue, and bad actions generate karma.
- Spiritual and Physical Practices: It combines meditation, qigong exercises, and self-cultivation to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
- Metaphysical Beliefs: Practitioners believe in the existence of a “Falun” (Law Wheel) in their lower abdomen that harmonizes their body with the universe.
These teachings are innovative, blending elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and qigong into a unique framework.
But Falun Gong does not resemble organized religions in terms of formal institutions or rituals:
- No Churches or Temples: Practice is informal, often conducted in parks or at home.
- No Clergy or Hierarchy: Leadership is decentralized, relying on the teachings of Master Li Hongzhi rather than organized clergy.
- Individual Focus: Emphasis is placed on personal spiritual cultivation rather than communal worship.
The movement has become a symbol of resistance against religious persecution, bringing its spiritual philosophy to a global audience.
Conclusion
Falun Gong is a unique spiritual practice that blends ancient wisdom with modern accessibility. Its emphasis on moral values, health, and spiritual growth continues to inspire millions worldwide, despite challenges and misunderstandings. Whether you’re drawn to its meditative exercises, moral teachings, or its message of resilience and hope, Falun Gong offers profound insights into personal and collective well-being.
By understanding Falun Dafa’s philosophy and history, we can appreciate its significance in the global landscape of spiritual and cultural practices.
FAQs About Falun Gong
- Is Falun Gong a religion?
No, it is a spiritual practice focusing on self-improvement and moral principles. - Why is Falun Gong persecuted in China?
Its rapid growth and independence were perceived as threats by the Chinese Communist Party. - Can anyone practice Falun Dafa?
Yes, Falun Gong is open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. - Is Falun Dafa associated with any political movements?
Falun Gong itself is apolitical, though it advocates for human rights and freedom of belief. - Where can I learn more about Falun Gong?
Visit FalunDafa.org for free resources and information.
This article provides a foundation for understanding Falun Gong’s significance, fostering informed discussions about its philosophy, practices, and impact on the world.
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