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Revision as of 06:09, 15 May 2003 by Stan Shebs (talk | contribs) (copyedit, add some references)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Falun Gong (法輪功) is a Chinese Qigong practice with influences from Buddhism and Taoism, designed to improve the mind, body and spirit.
It was introduced to the general public in 1992 by Li Hongzhi and grew very swiftly in popularity not only in China but worldwide. It was popularised widely under the Chinese government's supervision for 7 years. An estimate of the chinese government presented in 1998 on the public television (state owned) in Shanghai mentioned that in China alone the number of practitioners were aprox. 70-100 million. The practice is present in more than 60 countries, mainly in those of North America and Europe.
The three basic moral principles of Falun Gong are: 'Zhen, Shan, Ren', which translate approximately as 'Truthfulness, 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", which is actually said to be essentialy different from "Qi") 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 Li's books.
Although the practice was spread widely in China for 7 years, it has been persecuted in the People's Republic of China since July 1999. Some argue that this happened 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 Falun Gong have suffered less or little persecution (in China there are 12 Christian churches currently banned and labeled as "evil sects").
In April 1999, in Tianjin, as a result of a slanderous article in a local paper, Falun Gong practitioners tried to present the real situation. The police used this event to start arresting and beat practitioners. As a response, several days later, in Beijing, a demonstration (estimated at approx. 10,000 people) was conducted outside the Chinese Communist Party headquarters in Zhongnanhai. It is believed by many that the government's efforts at crushing Falun Gong began after this demonstration.
This persecution is currently the subject of complaints by many worldwide human rights groups. Also, since 1999, the group has been subjected to a widespread campaign of government criticism. The campaign was considered by most observers to be largely ineffectual until January 2001, when persons claiming to be Falun Gong members allegedly doused themselves with gasoline and set themselves on fire in Tiananmen Square. However, Li Hongzhi has strongly denied that the persons can have been actual Falun Gong members, since killing is strictly forbidden by the principles and precepts of the movement. Some strange inconsistencies present on the video footage of the incident released by CCTV (the main TV channel in China) call into question the integrity of the material. (like what exactly?) An independent, third-party, investigation by North American media was denied several times by the Chinese government. Many now consider that the whole incident was a media hoax and was set up by/with the Chinese government's consent in its campaign to discredit Falun Gong.
Nevertheless, most observers believe that the incident helped turn public opinion in China against the group and has had the effect of helping the government in intensifying its crackdown.
References
- Li Hongzhi, Zhuan Falun: The Complete Teachings of Falun Gong (Yih Chyun, Fair Winds Press edition 2001) ISBN 1931412537
- Li Hongzhi, Falun Gong (Law Wheel Qigong) (Yih Chyun, 1993)
- Li Hongzhi, Essentials for Further Advancement (Yih Chyun, 2000?)
- Danny Schechter, Falun Gong's Challenge to China (Akashic Books, 2000) hardback ISBN 1888451130, paperback ISBN 1888451270
- Ji Shi, Li Hongzhi & His "Falun Gong": Deceiving the Public and Ruining Lives (New Star Publishers, 1999) ISBN 7801482387