Falun Gong

Falun Gong Meditation in Manhattan New York

Five Exercises of Falun Dafa

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Origins-GuangzhouPractice

610 Office

Ethan Gutmann (left) with Edward McMillan-Scott.jpg

Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa) is a spiritual practice that combines meditation and qigong exercises with a moral philosophy centered on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. It was first taught publicly by Li Hongzhi in China in the early 1990s.

History

Falun Gong was introduced to the public by Li Hongzhi in Changchun, Jilin province, in 1992. It quickly gained popularity, with millions of practitioners across China by the late 1990s. The practice was initially supported by the Chinese government as a form of traditional Chinese culture and health improvement.

Teachings

The teachings of Falun Gong are contained in the book Zhuan Falun and other texts written by Li Hongzhi. The practice emphasizes moral rectitude and the cultivation of virtue. Practitioners are encouraged to abandon negative thoughts and behaviors, and to live in accordance with the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

Exercises

Falun Gong consists of five sets of exercises, including four standing exercises and one sitting meditation. These exercises are believed to improve health, reduce stress, and increase energy levels. The exercises are simple to learn and can be practiced by people of all ages.

Persecution in China

In July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a nationwide campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. The government declared the practice illegal and initiated a crackdown that included arrests, imprisonment, torture, and propaganda against practitioners. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of abuse and extrajudicial killings of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

International Response

The persecution of Falun Gong has drawn widespread international condemnation. Various human rights organizations, governments, and non-governmental organizations have called for an end to the persecution and for the release of imprisoned practitioners. Falun Gong practitioners outside China have organized numerous activities to raise awareness about the persecution, including protests, petitions, and public demonstrations.

Cultural Impact

Falun Gong has had a significant cultural impact, particularly in the areas of art, music, and literature. Practitioners have created works that reflect the principles of the practice and the experiences of those who have faced persecution. The practice has also influenced discussions on freedom of belief and human rights.

See Also

• Qigong
• Human rights in China
• Chinese Communist Party
• Li Hongzhi
• Zhuan Falun