Falun Gong

Definition

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice that combines meditation, slow-moving exercises, and moral teachings centered on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. It emerged in China in the early 1990s and gained rapid popularity as a new religious movement, often noted for its emphasis on self-cultivation and personal improvement, as well as its tensions with the Chinese government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Falun Gong was founded by Li Hongzhi in 1992 and quickly became popular in China with millions of adherents by the late 1990s.
2. The practice incorporates traditional Chinese beliefs and practices such as qigong and emphasizes spiritual and physical health.
3. In 1999, the Chinese government initiated a nationwide campaign to suppress Falun Gong, labeling it a 'heretical organization' due to its rapid growth and perceived challenge to state authority.
4. Falun Gong practitioners often engage in public protests and international advocacy to draw attention to their persecution and promote human rights.
5. The movement's literature, including Zhuan Falun, serves as both a guide for practice and a philosophical foundation for its followers.

Review Questions

• How does Falun Gong integrate traditional Chinese beliefs into its practice and teachings?
  • Falun Gong integrates traditional Chinese beliefs by incorporating elements from qigong, a practice focused on cultivating life energy through meditation and exercises. The emphasis on moral principles like truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance reflects Confucian values. This blend allows practitioners to engage in both physical wellness through exercise and spiritual development through ethical living, making it appealing to those seeking holistic self-improvement.
• Discuss the impact of the Chinese government's persecution of Falun Gong on its global presence and followers.
  • The Chinese government's persecution of Falun Gong has significantly impacted its global presence by mobilizing international awareness around human rights issues. As practitioners faced crackdowns, many sought asylum or support abroad, leading to the establishment of networks advocating for their cause. This increased visibility has resulted in a broader understanding of the movement outside China, influencing public opinion and international relations concerning religious freedom.
• Evaluate the role of moral teachings in Falun Gong and how they contribute to its identity as a new religious movement.
  • Moral teachings are central to Falun Gong's identity as they provide practitioners with a framework for personal development rooted in the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. These values encourage self-reflection and ethical behavior, fostering a sense of community among followers. By emphasizing moral cultivation alongside physical practices, Falun Gong differentiates itself from other new religious movements that may focus primarily on ritual or doctrine, establishing a unique position within contemporary spirituality.

Related terms

Qigong: A holistic practice involving meditation, breathing techniques, and physical exercises to cultivate life energy (qi) and improve health.

Zhen-Shan-Ren: The core values of Falun Gong, which translate to 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance,' guiding practitioners in their moral development.

Persecution: The severe oppression and crackdown on Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese government beginning in 1999, which has led to widespread human rights abuses.