{} Falun Gong: An Ancient Practice in the Modern World

Have you ever heard about Falun Dafa and wondered, “What exactly is this?” If your answer is yes, you’re far from alone. Falun Gong, known as Falun Dafa, was introduced in China in the 1990s. This blog post aims to tell the truth about this cultivation practice.

What is Falun Gong?

Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong) is a high-level Buddhist cultivation practice founded by Master Li Hongzhi. It is a cultivation practice combining meditation and qigong exercises with a moral philosophy based on assimilating the universe’s characteristics—”Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.” Accordingly, this cultivation aligns with the universe’s evolution.

Falun Dafa directly targets the human mind, or “character” (Xinxing), which is key to the growth of “Gong” power. ‘The higher the character, the higher the gong.’ This is the absolute truth in the universe. Character includes virtue (virtue is a kind of white substance) and the transformation of karma (karma is a kind of black substance). Cultivation involves renouncing desires and attachments in ordinary people; it also means bearing hardships, and there are many things to cultivate to improve levels.

The Symbol of Falun Dafa – Falun

The rotating Dharma Wheel has all the characteristics of the universe. It is a miniature image of the universe. Mr.Li thoroughly explained Falun’s structure in the book Zhuan Falun. The 卍 symbols in Buddhism, Yin Yang symbols in Taoism, everything in the ten directions of the world, nothing is not reflected in the Dharma Wheel. The Dharma Wheel rotates in (clockwise) to absorb the amount of energy from the universe and transform it into “gong,” or energy; the Dharma Wheel rotates out (counterclockwise) to radiate energy, save sentient beings, and correct all wrong states; people near the practitioner all benefit.

The Three Principles of Falun Dafa

Three guiding principles are central to practicing Falun Dafa, which provide the foundation for self-improvement and inner cultivation.

• Truthfulness (Zhen 真): This principle refers to being true in thoughts, words, and actions. It’s about living an authentic life, being honest with oneself and others, and embracing truth as a path to spiritual enlightenment.
• Compassion (Shan 善): Compassion is about nurturing a heart of kindness and empathy towards all beings. It means transcending self-interests to foster understanding, love, and tolerance. It’s the cornerstone of building harmonious relationships.
• Forbearance (Ren 忍): Forbearance, often translated as tolerance or patience, calls for enduring hardships with grace and maintaining inner tranquility amidst adversities. It’s about demonstrating resilience and having the strength to uphold one’s principles in challenging situations.

The practice of Falun Dafa involves integrating these principles into one’s daily life. By aligning one’s thoughts and actions with Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, practitioners strive to achieve higher moral and spiritual refinement. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or someone curious about different philosophies, these principles offer valuable insights for personal growth.

Falun Gong Books

Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, has written several other books besides Zhuan Falun. These works and others have been translated into over 40 languages and disseminated worldwide. Please refer to the following website for Falun Gong’s books & writings. Each of these books provides insights into the practice of Falun Gong and how it can help us to improve our lives and create a better understanding of this spiritual practice.

Falun Dafa’s five exercises

Falun Gong practice involves studying the principles in its teachings and practicing five gentle exercises. These exercises strengthen Falun Gong’s cultivation and harness the powerful energy bestowed upon practitioners by the master. The practice of Falun Gong offers four standing exercises and a sitting meditation:

Master Li emphasizes the importance of practicing these exercises to enhance spiritual cultivation and unlock innate potential. By diligently practicing the five gentle exercises, Falun Gong cultivators can experience rapid development in their gong strength and even acquire extraordinary abilities.

One remarkable aspect of Falun Gong’s practice is the cultivation of a Falun (or Law Wheel). It’s a highly potent energy center that perpetually rotates in the lower abdomen of practitioners. This Falun automatically collects energy from the universe and converts it into ‘gong.’ Gong is a form of high-energy matter within the cultivator’s innate body.

Through the diligent practice of slow-moving exercises and meditation, Falun Gong practitioners cultivate their inner energy, align themselves with Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance principles, and embark on a transformative journey. These exercises, coupled with the profound teachings of Falun Gong, offer practitioners a comprehensive system for personal growth, attaining spiritual perfection, and enlightenment.

Differentiates Falun Gong from Other Qigong Schools

Emerging at the end of the qigong movement, Falun Gong differs from other qigong schools, Tai Chi, and Taoist practices due to its unique teachings. Although its healing effects initially attracted many, Falun Gong’s popularity extends beyond physical health benefits. Indeed, Falun Gong’s teachings underscore the three principles as the cornerstone of spiritual growth and well-being. Instead of pursuing supernormal powers, the focus is on character-building and virtue. Accordingly, it’s a practice of self-cultivation.

Unlike some qigong groups that often fostered fanaticism towards their qigong masters, Mr. Li discouraged such devotion and instead urged practitioners to prioritize personal development and become better individuals. Practitioners must cultivate living by Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, letting go of negative attachments, and having responsibility for themselves and others.

One distinguishing aspect of Falun Gong’s teachings is the recognition by the Chinese people of its alignment with the core tenets of Buddhism and Taoism. However, Falun Gong does not impose strict ordinances, burdensome lifestyle restrictions, or the requirement to renounce worldly affairs. Instead, it presents the essence of cultivation in a clear and accessible manner, avoiding the esoteric language often found in ancient scriptures.

Dharma-Ending Period and Fa-Rectification Event

Mr. Li Hongzhi introduced Falun Gong during what Buddhist texts refer to as the ‘Dharma-ending period’ (mofa – 末法). It’s a time requiring moral revitalization and clarification of Buddha’s teachings. According to Falun Dafa’s teachings, we’re now in the ‘Fa-rectification’ phase (zhengfa – 正法), a cosmic era of transformation and renewal.

Fa-rectification is instigated by the universe’s moral decline and degeneration. Since 1999, the Chinese government’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners has emerged as a tangible sign of this deteriorating morality. The Fa-rectification process is designed to reorder life based on spiritual and moral merits, guiding righteous individuals to ascend spiritually. At the same time, those bereft of such virtues face elimination or descent.

Shakyamuni Buddha taught his disciples about this period and the “Buddhist notion of the cycle of the Dharma or the Buddhist law.” He said that when the Udumbara flowers bloomed, the Holy King of Falun would come to the world to preach his teachings and save sentient beings in the world. Jesu also taught about the apocalyptic and providing salvation by a God “in the final period of the Last Havoc.”

What did Mr. Li Hongzhi Teach about This Period?

Master Li said he would be responsible for rectifying the Dharma and disseminating his moral teachings to foster spiritual upliftment. His teachings haven’t emphasized the world’s end or death. Instead, he encourages followers to lead a life of simplicity and moral rectitude. Indeed, Mr. Li hasn’t insisted on the “time of reckoning” or what day the apocalypse comes.

However, Master Li lucidly elucidates complex concepts such as “Fa-rectification,” the cyclical birth and death of the universe, and other profound spiritual teachings. Besides, he also agreed that the variety of teachings from spiritual leaders like Jesus and Shakyamuni Buddha was right and provided detailed explanations to his students. For a deeper understanding of these teachings, visit Falundafa.org.

Mr. Li has made significant contributions to spiritual literature with his profound insights into the cosmos, human existence, and moral values. Two public-facing articles stand out: “How Humankind Came to Be” and “Why the Creator Seeks to Save All Life.”

Falun Dafa Benefits

Falun Dafa is a self-cultivation practice, not a religion or profit-seeking organization. It does not involve itself in political activities. From a societal perspective, Falun Dafa is entirely beneficial, causing no harm. Falun Gong practitioners adhere to these Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance principles. Accordingly, these principles guide their behavior, encouraging constant honesty, kindness, and patience. Therefore, this contributes to reducing crime rates, fostering more positive interpersonal relationships, and ultimately leading to an improved society.

Furthermore, those who practice Falun Dafa typically enjoy good health. Regular practice of the Falun Gong exercises can provide numerous health benefits, such as improved physical fitness, stress relief, and overall well-being. This enhances individual health and reduces the burden on hospitals and the healthcare system. Many practitioners have reported dramatic health improvement after starting the practice.

Falun Dafa promotes ethical and moral values, fosters health and well-being, and contributes positively to society. It is a spiritual practice that helps individuals to strive for self-improvement and enlightenment while encouraging harmonious relationships and a healthy society.

The National Sports Commission of China began its probe into the Falun Gong spiritual practice

May-October 1998, a chief investigator was sent to northeastern China to research Falun Gong. Finally, on October 20, 1998, he said, “We are certain that the activities and results of Falun Gong are of the highest quality. It has made an incredible amount of progress in improving the morality and steadiness of society. This needs to be properly acknowledged.”

February 1999, an official from China’s National Sports Commission said in an interview with U.S. News & World Report that the number of Chinese people participating in the activity may be as high as 100 million. The official drew attention to the amount of money saved by China’s national health care system due to the practice and declared that Premier Zhu Rongji was “quite glad about that.”

The Results of the Falun Gong Health Survey Conducted in Mainland China in 1998

A survey conducted in mainland China in 1998 compared the health of individuals before and after practicing Falun Gong. Up to 31,030 patients (about 90.3% of the participants) with different ailments before the practice were categorized into complete recovery, relief of disease symptoms, and no change. In Guangdong, Beijing, and Dalian, 82.7% of the 28,517 practitioners experienced a full recovery, 16.2% had moderate improvement, and 1.2% reported no changes. The survey indicated a remarkable 98.8% success rate in curing certain disorders.

Survey of Practitioners’ Health in North America in 1999

In 1999, a survey was conducted among 202 practitioners from the United States, 32 from Canada, and one international practitioner. The North American practitioners had a relatively young average age of 38.9 (with a standard error of 13.6), ranging from 4 to 78 years old. The survey showed that 97% were of Asian descent, while 3% were Caucasian. The gender distribution was nearly equal, with 58.3% female and 41.7% male. Over 80% of the practitioners who responded held master’s or doctoral degrees. Notably, 18 practitioners were smokers before starting the practice, and all of them ceased smoking after an average of 4.58 days. Additionally, 100 practitioners stopped drinking alcohol after beginning the practice, two individuals consumed fewer than three drinks per week, and one participant did not respond.

A Survey of the Healing Effects of Falun Gong in Taiwan Conducted in 2002

In 2002, Dr. Hu Yuhui, a Falun Gong practitioner and a researcher in medical economics at National Taiwan University, conducted a joint survey with other medical personnel on the benefits of practicing Falun Dafa. The survey focused on case histories of Falun Gong practitioners and utilized stratified sampling, with 20% of towns and cities selected for research. 1,210 (75%) questionnaires were answered and returned. The results showed that after starting the practice of Falun Gong:

• 72% of respondents only used their medical card once per year, representing a nearly 50% reduction compared to the past.
• 81% quit smoking, 77% quit drinking, 85% quit gambling, and 85% completely stopped chewing betel nuts.
• The satisfaction rate regarding personal health increased from 24% to 78%, while the satisfaction rate for carrying out daily activities increased from 36% to 81%. Furthermore, the percentage of respondents who reported feeling nervous or depressed dropped from 33% to 3% after practicing Falun Dafa.

The Rehabilitative Effects of Engaging in Falun Gong Practice

According to research, 70% of practitioners who previously suffered from illnesses experienced complete or partial recovery, with the overall effective rate reaching over 98%. The average recovery rate for different illnesses among practitioners surpassed 70%. While “incurable diseases” such as cancer, lupus, and Parkinson’s disease also had a recovery rate of 66%. The holistic benefits of Falun Gong were also evident in the significant improvement in practitioners’ psychological and mental well-being. Many practitioners reported rapid health improvement after starting their cultivation.

For more details on the surveys, you can visit Falun Gong and Health Benefits.

Falun Gong, a practice that promotes the well-being of the mind and body, has been praised by practitioners worldwide. In China, a survey conducted in 1998 revealed that cultivating Falun Gong helped individuals prevent severe illnesses. Similarly, a separate study conducted among Falun Gong practitioners in North America in 1999 yielded similar results. In 2002, a study explored the positive impact of Falun Gong’s practice on physical and mental well-being, showing significant improvements reported by participants.

Falun Dafa Around The World: A Global Reception

Falun Gong and Mr.Li Hongzhi have received international recognition for significant contributions to health, peace, and social stability.

Before the crackdown in China, even the Chinese government recognized its positive effects. Falun Dafa has saved the Chinese government millions in healthcare costs. Chinese officials also honored this practice with numerous awards for improving health and fitness. They recognized its contributions to social stability due to its focus on moral principles.

In addition to domestic acknowledgments, Falun Gong and Mr. Li Hongzhi have been commended around the globe. Falun Gong has been honored for promoting peace, health, and spiritual well-being.

Falun Gong practitioners and organizations that raise awareness about the persecution in China have received several human rights awards. These include the “Human Rights Torch Award” (Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong) and various awards from Amnesty International for efforts to expose human rights abuses in China.

Numerous cities and states worldwide have celebrated “Falun Dafa Day” or “Falun Dafa Week” to recognize the practice’s contributions to their communities. Many of these proclamations commend Falun Gong’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and their impact on community health and harmony.

Awards and Recognitions in China Before the Crackdown

Falun Dafa’s Global Acclaim: Awards and Honors from Around the World

Falun Gong and Mr. Li have garnered significant international recognition and received numerous awards for worldwide contributions to individuals’ spiritual and moral well-being.

During a speech in Chicago in June 1999, Master Li Hongzhi expressed his perspective on worldly fame. He said, “A practitioner regards worldly recognition lightly. The significance of the award holds no personal value to me. However, for Falun Dafa, the award carries profound meaning. It represents the acknowledgment and understanding of Falun Dafa by humanity and society.” He expressed his hope that more compassionate individuals would embrace the path of Falun Gong cultivation.

Master Li and Falun Dafa have earned many many awards, including recognition from local governments and organizations across China, Canada, the US, and other countries. These accolades commend his remarkable contribution to enhancing people’s mental health through this cultivation practice. To explore more awards, please visit the following links:

• Governmental Awards and Recognition of Falun Dafa from China and the World
• Awards and Media Report Master

Falun Dafa in China Before 1999

Before the onset of persecution in 1999, Falun Dafa had become a significant part of Chinese society, with tens of millions of people practicing this cultivation, bringing noticeable improvements in their minds and body. For many, Falun Gong answered profound questions about life, the universe, human society, and ethics, which resonated deeply within a society seeking moral guidance.

By 1999, just seven years after its public introduction, the Chinese government estimated between 70 to 100 million people were practicing Falun Gong. In a country of 1.3 billion people, this meant that one in every thirteen people was a practitioner. The practice had permeated all layers of Chinese society, including the top echelons of the Chinese Communist Party, the military, and various elite fields.

However, this popularity and the practice’s independent ideological stance eventually sparked suspicion within the Chinese government. The Ministry of Public Security began secretly gathering so-called “evidence” against Falun Gong, which would eventually culminate in the brutal persecution launched in 1999. This era of Falun Gong’s prominence before the crackdown stands as a testament to its profound influence on Chinese society.

Falun Gong Has Been Persecuted in China

Since July 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has severely suppressed Falun Gong. This marked a turning point in its relationship with the state. Before this, Falun Gong enjoyed considerable popularity in China. Estimates put this cultivation practice’s practitioners between millions to tens of millions. The Chinese government even acknowledged its health benefits.

However, its growing popularity led to increasing scrutiny by the Chinese government. A major concern was the sheer size of the practice and its independence from state control. The CCP perceived this as a potential threat to its authority.

In this period, the Chinese Communist Party, led by then-president Jiang Zemin, launched a nationwide crackdown on Falun Gong. Practitioners were arrested and detained en masse, and the state media began a propaganda campaign to defame and delegitimize the practice. The Chinese authorities declared Falun Gong, a “heretical organization” and used various tactics to eliminate the practice.

The persecution attracted international condemnation, and Western media coverage helped to raise awareness of the issue. However, Chinese government officials have refused to end the persecution, and practitioners continue to suffer human rights abuses today.

Falun Gong Is a Righteous Path, Not a Cult

This spiritual discipline has faced undue persecution by CCP since 1999. A key tactic the government employs to justify its oppressive measures is the dissemination of falsehoods about the practice. The CCP has unjustly tagged Falun Gong as a cult. They’ve falsely accused it of illegal deeds and painted its followers as violent.

Contrary to these baseless charges, Falun Gong promotes peace. It focuses on boosting physical and mental health, developing moral character, and adhering to Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance principles. Its practitioners wholeheartedly adopt these values daily and endeavor to be responsible citizens. Notably, there have been no criminal activities associated with Falun Gong.

These facts elucidate the stark contrast between the CCP’s portrayal of Falun Gong and the reality of this practice. It underscores that Falun Gong is a legitimate spiritual path, not a cult, as falsely claimed by the CCP.

Is Falun Gong a threat to the CCP’s survival?

The Chinese Communist Party won’t accept belief systems outside its control. It views such beliefs as threats to its legitimacy. Throughout Chinese history, the CCP has made continuous efforts to eradicate religion. Party leaders, such as Mao Zedong, saw religion as a threat to their authority and their goal of creating a socialist state. Falun Gong serves as a prime example in this regard. Its core principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance directly contradict the communist ideology of prioritizing self-interest.

The CCP considers Falun Gong’s popularity to seriously challenge its monopoly on power. By 1999, the estimated practitioners in China reached a whopping 70 million, exceeding CCP membership. Falun Gong’s broad following stems from its impact on physical, mental health and moral elevation for its practitioners.

Despite the CCP’s relentless efforts to suppress Falun Gong, its attempts have proven futile. These attempts have only served to amplify the practice’s visibility, resonating with numerous Chinese individuals who feel marginalized and oppressed. Falun Gong’s resilience in the face of adversity has further contributed to its growing appeal and support among the people.

What methods did the Chinese government use to persecute Falun Gong’s followers?

The Chinese government has persecuted Falun Gong for many years. Using various methods, Chinese officials have tortured Falun Gong practitioners. The goal is to coerce them to abandon their beliefs. Some even had their organs harvested for sale on the black market.

Falun Gong practitioners in China have been subjected to various human rights abuses. Many practitioners are detained without trials and sent to labor camps. They endure forced labor, physical and psychological abuse, and coercive reeducation. There have also been numerous reports of torture and even death in custody. Many practitioners have been subjected to forced organ harvesting. This is an alarming human rights violation that international observers have widely condemned.

Chinese officials also pressure the practitioners’ friends and family. They aim to persuade the practitioners to renounce Falun Gong. Practitioners also face “transformation through education” sessions. CCP’s propaganda campaign has also led to discrimination against Falun Gong practitioners.

In recent years, Western media have criticized China’s forced organ harvesting from prisoners, including Falun Gong practitioners. Outlets like The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal have reported these abuses. The United Nations also expressed concern over the Falun Gong persecution in China. The government has also persecuted other religious groups in China. These groups include Buddhists, Uighurs, and Christians. The persecution of religious groups violates human rights and needs to stop.

You can find out what international newspapers have said about this issue by visiting the web pages below:

• Washington Post’s report
• The Wall Street Journal’s report
• Forbes’s report

Promoting Human Rights and Spiritual Freedom: The Impact of Falun Gong in Overseas Regions

Falun Gong’s teachings and exercises suit everyone, so it has thrived in China and worldwide. Overseas practitioners actively arranged and joined protests to spread awareness of Falun Gong’s persecution in China. They strive to tell people about the issue and champion human rights and freedom of belief.

Despite the obstacles Falun Gong faces in China, Falun Gong remains resilient. It has survived and even flourished under adversity. It has attracted global supporters who sympathize with the practitioners. Governments of democratic countries also support them by taking various forms, such as legal advocacy, humanitarian aid, etc.

The global Falun Gong community is a testament to this cultivation practice’s enduring effect and significance. It continually nurtures unity among practitioners and fuels their resolve to persist in their beliefs. They fight for justice and aim for a world that respects and safeguards freedom of belief and human rights.

Celebrating Falun Dafa Day Around the World

Every year, May 13th is celebrated as “World Falun Dafa Day.” In over 100 countries worldwide, practitioners and supporters unite to honor the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

World Falun Dafa Day is marked by a myriad of festivities from the bustling cities of the United States and Canada to the historic heartlands of Europe. These celebrations often include vibrant parades featuring the gentle Falun Dafa exercises, lion dances, drum teams, and the globally recognized Tian Guo Marching Band. The streets come alive with the rich, serene energy of Falun Dafa, captivating bystanders and promoting an atmosphere of peace and positivity.

World Falun Dafa Day also receives significant recognition from local government officials. Countless greetings, best wishes, and declarations mark the occasion, mirroring the global respect for Falun Dafa. Indeed, hundreds of city officials across the U.S., Canada, and Europe have officially recognized World Falun Dafa Day, acknowledging its community contributions.

The Connection between Shen Yun and Falun Dafa

Shen Yun Performing Arts is a world-renowned company dedicated to reviving the rich heritage of traditional Chinese arts. Under Mr. D.F.’s leadership since 2006 in New York, Shen Yun has mesmerized global audiences with an enchanting mix of music, dance, and storytelling. The company’s goal extends beyond entertainment. It aims to revive traditional Chinese culture and embody the virtues of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

The principles of “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance” serve as the guiding principles for Shen Yun’s artists. The dancers and musicians strive to manifest these virtues on and off the stage, fostering a harmonious and uplifting atmosphere. As representatives of Shen Yun, they embrace humility, integrity, and kindness, cultivating a deep understanding of the ancient Chinese wisdom at the heart of their art.

Shen Yun’s productions delve into the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, encompassing mythical realms, imperial courts, and ethnic dances. Through these performances, spectators gain insights into traditional Chinese values, spirituality, and the enduring pursuit of harmony between heaven and earth. Each piece is meticulously choreographed and accompanied by live orchestral music, seamlessly integrating visual and auditory delight.

For further exploration, please visit:

• Shen Yun Performing Arts
• Shen Yun Creations

Falun Gong and the Channels of Truthful Media

The Epoch Times, NTD, Secret China, etc., are some truthful media, providing accurate and comprehensive news coverage. They also offer much information on health, lifestyle, traditional culture, etc. These substantial media networks are operated and managed by followers adhering to Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance principles.

The individuals managing and operating these outlets are Falun Gong practitioners devoted to guiding the three principles. Their commitment to these values permeates their work, contributing to the credibility and integrity of the information disseminated. They provide the public with reliable and balanced news that contrasts with the often sensationalized mainstream media.

These channels provide vital access to news within China’s Great Firewall. They also expose the persecution of Falun Gong, both human rights issues in China and global affairs. Through their committed journalism, they shed light on truths often concealed within the Chinese mainland.

The news these outlets provide is a testament to the Falun Gong practitioners’ dedication to truthfulness and transparency. They keep the world updated about China’s situation and other significant global events. They uphold the ethos of unbiased, truthful reporting in alignment with the principle of truth.

How Can We Do to Stop the Persecution of Falun Gong Practitioners in China?

The Chinese authorities quickly started to persecute Falun Gong practitioners, and this persecution is still going on to this day. Tens of thousands of followers have been imprisoned, and many have been tortured or killed.

Practitioners have been protesting this persecution worldwide. The Falun Gong protests are typically very peaceful, and the protesters often use silent meditation as a form of resistance. They are calling for an end to the persecution of their fellow practitioners in China and are also working to raise awareness about the plight of practitioners in China. The Falun Gong protests are a powerful example of China’s current human rights struggle.

There are several things we can do to help stop the persecution of followers in China:

1. People can raise awareness about the issue. You can tell people about Falun Gong and the persecution by sharing information with people.
2. You can visit End Organ Harvesting to sign the petition against the Chinese Communist Party’s more than two decades-long horrific crime of illegally harvesting organs from living Falun Gong practitioners. By signing, you help end this inhumane, bloody atrocity perpetrated against these kind-hearted people. Human life is invaluable; each signature potentially saves an innocent life and brings immeasurable blessings. Your support can make a significant difference in stopping these heinous acts.

---

FAQ