• Religion -> Eastern Religions and New Religions

• 0 Comment

What is Falun Gong and what do its practitioners believe in?

Ladonna Scatchard

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice that originated in China in 1992. Its practitioners follow a set of teachings that include meditation, exercises, and moral principles. The practice is based on three main principles: truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

Falun Gong is often described as a form of qigong, a traditional Chinese practice that involves movement, breathing, and meditation techniques. However, Falun Gong emphasizes spiritual cultivation and moral improvement over physical health.

The practice gained popularity in China in the 1990s and early 2000s, and at its peak, it was estimated to have between 70-100 million followers. However, the Chinese government launched a crackdown on the practice in 1999, branding it a "cult" and banning its activities.

Falun Gong practitioners believe that the practice helps to improve physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual cultivation. They also believe in the existence of supernatural phenomena, such as karma, past lives, and other dimensions.

The teachings of Falun Gong emphasize the importance of living a moral life, cultivating compassion and kindness, and striving for spiritual growth. Practitioners are encouraged to follow a set of moral principles, known as the Falun Gong teachings, which include things like being honest, kind, and patient.

Despite the crackdown on the practice in China, Falun Gong has continued to spread around the world. Its practitioners are active in promoting human rights and raising awareness about the persecution of Falun Gong in China.

Overall, Falun Gong is a spiritual practice that emphasizes moral principles, spiritual cultivation, and physical health. Its practitioners believe in the importance of kindness, compassion, and truthfulness, and strive to live a virtuous life.