History of Falun Gong

Falun Gong Meditation in Manhattan New York

== History of Falun Gong ==

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a modern spiritual practice that combines meditation and qigong exercises with a moral philosophy centered on the tenets of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice was first introduced to the public in China by Li Hongzhi in 1992.

Early Development

Falun Gong was introduced to the public in May 1992 in Changchun, Jilin Province, by its founder Li Hongzhi. The practice quickly gained popularity, spreading through word of mouth and the support of the Qigong boom in China during the early 1990s. By the mid-1990s, Falun Gong had attracted millions of practitioners across China.

Popularity and Spread

Falun Gong's teachings were disseminated through free lectures, books, and videos. Practitioners often gathered in parks to perform the exercises and share experiences. The practice was initially supported by the Chinese government and received several awards for its health benefits.

Government Crackdown

In 1999, the Chinese government began a nationwide crackdown on Falun Gong. On July 20, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a campaign to eradicate the practice, citing concerns over its rapid growth and the potential for social instability. The government declared Falun Gong an "evil cult" and initiated a widespread propaganda campaign against it.

Persecution

The persecution of Falun Gong practitioners involved a range of human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, forced labor, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Reports of organ harvesting from detained Falun Gong practitioners have also emerged, leading to international condemnation and calls for investigations.

International Response

The crackdown on Falun Gong has drawn significant international attention and criticism. Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented the abuses and called for an end to the persecution. Several governments and international bodies have also condemned the Chinese government's actions and called for the protection of Falun Gong practitioners' rights.

Current Status

Despite the ongoing persecution in China, Falun Gong continues to be practiced worldwide. The practice has spread to over 70 countries, with practitioners organizing events, protests, and activities to raise awareness about the persecution and promote the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

See Also

• Li Hongzhi
• Qigong
• Chinese Communist Party
• Human rights in China
• Organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners in China