What is Falun Dafa, or Falun Gong?
Falun Gong (法輪功), also known as Falun Dafa (法輪大法), was founded by master Li Hongzhi (李洪志) in 1992. Falun Gong began as a series of qigong like exercises which combines elements of Taoism, Buddhism, and Christianity in its beliefs. Falun Gong’s slogan is "真善忍”, or "Truth, Compassion, Tolerance". Among the more unflattering unscientific practices touted by Falun Gong is the avoidance of medicine. Falun Gong’s chief literature is Zhuan Falun or "Turn Law Wheel" (轉法輪), which was written by Li Hongzhi in 1992. Falun Gong places divine importance on master Li Hongzhi, who initially teaches his disciples that he has godlike powers, watches over all of his disciples, and is the messiah who can save them from the coming apocalypse. Master Li Hongzhi also use to practice faith healing in his lectures.
Falun Gong started in China, but was banned by the Chinese government in 1999 after a series of massive protests by Falun Gong members against critical literature and publications as well as the Chinese government headquarters in Zhongnan Hai, Beijing. During this period, Falun Gong claims it has suffered thousands of deaths; however, it still claims to have 100 million underground practitioners in China.
Falun Gong is active in the west. It is now largely a political group well connected to other anti-Chinese groups such as various democracy, human-rights, and independence groups. It receives funding from the US government in the form of NED, and runs media branches that denounces China such as New Tang Dynasty Television (新唐人電視臺), Epoch Times (大紀元), Divine Performing Arts (神韻藝術團), and hundreds of websites. Falun Gong practioners are very visible in western countries in the form of street protests, University clubs, and publications. They evangelize Falun Gong as well as against the Chinese government. Recent initiatives taken by Falun Gong include a campaign that purportedly made more than 80 million peoople quit the Chinese Communist Party, which would have accounted for 102% of the party.
Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is an ancient practice for mind and body, originating in pre-historic China. The practice involves some slow, gentle movements and a meditation. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, and free of charge. A central component of Falun Gong practice is conforming to the greatest extend to the universal principles of Truthfulness, Benevolence, and Tolerance.
