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Revision as of 14:10, 6 June 2002 by Roadrunner (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Falun Gong is an ancient Qigong practice of the Buddha School designed to improve the mind, body and spirit. It was introduced to the general public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi and grew very swiftly in popularity not only in China but worldwide. The group claims that there are approximately 100 million practitioners in over 50 countries, although other sources put the number far lower.
The three basic moral principles of Falun Gong are: 'Zhen, Shan, Ren', which translate approximately as 'Truthfullness, Benevolence or Compassion and Forbearance or Tolerance'. It is through focusing on these qualities that a Falun Gong practitioner is able to develop their Xinxing (moral character) which then gives them a greater potential to develop high levels of Gong (energy) potency.
As well as a set of moral beliefs, there are five sets of exercises central to the Falun Gong system which are supposed to enhance the circulation of energy in the body. The final exercise, a sitting meditation, also helps to create a tranquil mind and, according to the teachings, strengthens 'Divine Powers' of the individual. All exercises are taught free of charge by other Falun Gong practitioners and are detailed in Mr. Li's books.
The practice has a history of persecution in China since it was outlawed in July 1999 and is generally portrayed by the Chinese government as a dangerous cult. Some argue that this is because the number of Falun Gong practitioners in China grew to a larger number than the membership of the Chinese Communist Party. However others argue that groups similar to Falugong have suffered less or little persecution in China, and that the governments efforts at crushing Falugoing are largely the result of an organized demonstration that the group conducted outside Communist Party headquarters in Zhongnanhai in April 1999.
This persecution is currently the subject of complaints by many worldwide human rights groups. The campaign against Falungong was considered by most observers to be largely ineffectual until January 2001, when persons claiming to be Falungong members doused themselves with gasoline and set themselves on fire in Tiananmen square. Li Hongzhi has very strongly denied that the persons were actual Falungong members. Nevertheless, most observers believe that the incident did turn public opinion in China against the group and has had the effect of rendered the governments effort at portraying the group as a dangerous cult to be far more effective.
- See also - Qigong, Qi, People's Republic of China