|
|
| (38 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | '''Falun Gong''' ({{zh-tsp |t=法輪功 |s=法轮功 |p=Fǎlún Gōng}}; literally "Practice of the Wheel of Law") is also known as '''Falun Dafa''' ({{zh-tsp |t=法輪大法 |s=法轮大法 |p=Fǎlún dàfǎ}}; lit. "Great Law of the Wheel of Law") is a system of [[qigong]] introduced by [[Li Hongzhi]] in 1992. ''Falun'' is also sometimes translated as [[dharma wheel]] or [[chakra]]. Central to Falun Gong is five sets of [[meditation]] exercises (four standing, and one sitting). A few years after its public introduction in 1992, Falun Gong quickly grew to become one of the most popular forms of qigong in Chinese history, and has been growing in popularity around the world.
| + | {{Ebapproved}}{{Copyedited}}{{Paid}}{{Approved}}{{Submitted}} {{Images OK}}{{Status}} |
| | | | |
| − | The [http://www.falundafa.org/eng/falun.htm Falun emblem] is the symbol of the Falun Dafa. The central character is the Chinese "wan", also known as [[manji]]. To western eyes it resembles the [[swastika]] used by Nazi Germany (except that it faced right and was rotated 45 degrees). In fact, the swastika is one of the oldest known symbols dating back 10,000 years, and it's frequently found on Hindu Iconography and ancient statues of the [[Buddha]] [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0f/Buddha_image_-_stone_-_with_disciple.jpg]). There is no connection between Nazism and Falungong whatsoever.
| + | [[Image:Li Hongzhi 1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Li Hongzhi]] |
| | | | |
| − | Falun Gong has been the focus of international controversy since the government of the [[People's Republic of China]] began a nationwide suppression of Falun Gong on [[July 20]], [[1999]]. Concerns were triggered especially when 10,000 practitioners assembled in peaceful protest at the Central Appeal Office at Foyou street, outside [[Zhongnanhai]]. The assembly was prompted by reports of violence and harassment inflicted upon practitioners by Chinese police in the city of Tianjin, as well as a ban on publishing Falun Dafa materials. Not since the [[Tiananmen Square protests of 1989|Tiananmen Incident]] in 1989 had so many people gathered together to protest the government{{fact}}, and the government's reaction to that particular incident was not sympathetic.
| + | [[Category:Public]] |
| | | | |
| − | There being no concept of membership or organization in Falun Gong practice, the actual number of practitioners is unknown. After the persecution began, the number of Falun Gong practitioners in China was estimated by the government at 1-2 million or even less; however, according to a state-conducted survey in [[1998]], there were several tens of millions of practitioners in China. Falun Gong sources claim that there were at least 70-100 million practitioners. Some believe that after the July 1999 crackdown, the Chinese government began publishing what is claimed to be a lower number to downplay Falun Gong's presence in Chinese society. The [[New York Times]] mentioned a figure of 70 million in at least two articles, both released 27th of April, 1999 - one of them written by Seth Faison and another by Joseph Kahn, who professed that "Beijing puts the tally of ... followers at 70 million". Renee Schoof, writing for the [[Associated Press]] (26th of April, 1999), mentioned a figure of "at least 70 million, according to the State Sports Administration".
| + | '''Falun Gong''' (Chinese: 法轮功: meaning "Practice of the Wheel of Law"), also known as ''Falun Dafa'' (Chinese: 法轮大法: "Great Law of the Wheel of Law"), is a system of ''[[qigong]]'' meditation introduced by [[Li Hongzhi]] in China in 1992. Falun Gong has grown rapidly to become a very popular form of religious practice in modern China; however, in 1999 the movement was declared illegal by the [[People's Republic of China]] and its materials and activities banned. Despite the controversy surrounding the practice, Falun Gong's successful growth illustrates the continuing appeal of new religious movements in Asia in the twenty-first century. |
| | + | {{toc}} |
| | + | ==Origins== |
| | + | Founded by [[Li Hongzhi]] on May 13, 1992, Falun Gong was met with immediate acclaim and nominated twice as the "Star Qigong School" in the 1992 and 1993 Asian Health Expo in [[Beijing]]. The practice originally surfaced in the institutional field of alternative Chinese [[science]], not religion, as the Chinese government considers ''qigong'' as a medical science. |
| | | | |
| − | The CCP has burned and destroyed books and other materials about Falun Gong, and blocked access to internet resources about the topic. Several reported cases of illegal imprisonment and torture of practitioners have been reported. Treatment of Falun Gong practitioners has been regarded in the West as a major international [[human rights]] issue affecting [[freedom of religion]] and [[freedom of speech]].
| + | As Falun Gong practice spread, Li stipulated that it could never be used for fame or profit and he emphasized that practitioners may only teach the system voluntarily. This insistence allegedly caused a rift with the China Qigong Research Society, the state administrative body under which Falun Dafa was initially introduced, and Li withdrew from the organization. In 1996, Li Hongzhi took up invitations to teach the practice in numerous countries in [[Europe]] and [[Asia]]. As of 2006, he resides in the [[United States]]. |
| | | | |
| − | ==Origins and beliefs== | + | ==Teachings and Practice== |
| − | [[Image:LittingGirlMeditatingFG.jpg|thumb|250px|One of the slow-moving hand gestures of [http://www.falundafa.org/eng/exercises.htm Falun Dafa's fifth exercise].]] | + | Li Hongzhi makes use of many religious concepts in his writings and the teachings of Falung Gong are an electic mix of [[Buddhist]] and [[Daoist]] elements. The major text of Falun Gong is the ''[[Zhuan Falun]]''. [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/pdf/zfl_en.pdf] In Chinese, Falun means "Wheel of Law" in reference to the ''Dharma'' wheel or ''[[Chakra]]'' of [[Buddhism]]. However, Li Hongzhi interprets the Falun to be a miniature of the [[universe]], and once it is installed into the abdomen, it turns continuously. When the Falun turns clockwise, it absorbs energy from the universe into the body; when it turns counter-clockwise it eliminates waste from the body. |
| | | | |
| − | Falun Gong was introduced to the public by [[Li Hongzhi]] on [[13 May 1992]], at the Fifth Middle School, [[Changchun]], China. In China, he only taught the practice for three years. Falun Gong was nominated twice as the "Star Qigong School" in the [[1992]] and [[1993]] Asian Health Expo in [[Beijing]]. As Falun Dafa practitioners themselves started promoting the system, Li stipulated that it could never be done for fame or profit and that cultivation practice always had to be voluntary. He emphasized that practitioners may only spread the system voluntarily and must not accept any fee, donation or gift in return. Li's insistence that the practice be offered free of charge caused a rift with the [[China Qigong Research Society]], the state administrative body under which Falun Dafa was initially introduced, and Li withdrew from the organization. Falun Gong quickly grew in popularity to become one of the most popular qigong systems in Chinese history. As of 1996, Li Hongzhi took up invitations to teach the practice in numerous countries in Europe and Asia. | + | ===Fa=== |
| | + | The foundation of Falun Dafa is known as the "Fa" ("law and principles") that are set forth in the book [http://www.falundafa.org/eng/books.htm Zhuan Falun]. Falun Gong teaches that the "Buddha Law," in its highest manifestation, can be summarized in three words—''Zhen'' 真, ''Shan'' 善 and ''Ren'' 忍, which translate approximately as 'Truthfulness (or Truth), Benevolence (or Compassion), and Forbearance (or Endurance)'. The process of cultivation is thought of to be one in which the practitioner assimilates himself or herself to ''Zhen'' 真, ''Shan'' 善 and ''Ren'' 忍. These terms derive from existing Chinese religious traditions. |
| | | | |
| − | According to [[Li Hongzhi]], Falun Dafa is an advanced cultivation system in the "Buddha School" which, in the past, was handed down to chosen disciples and served as an intensive cultivation method that required practitioners with extremely high “Xinxing” (mind-nature) or “great inborn quality.” | + | ===Qi and Gong=== |
| | + | According to Falun Gong, 氣, ''qi'' (which means "breath"), is a natural form of energy. Qigong systems usually teach breathing techniques coordinated with meditative imagery and are often associated with traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese martial arts. Falun Gong teaches that in what they call "high-level cultivation practice," and the practice of ''[[Wu-wei]]''. |
| | | | |
| − | ===Theoretical background===
| + | Falun Gong has five sets of basic exercises to facilitate this process. Central to Falun Gong is the traditional concept of "cultivation practice" ''(xiulian)'' in which the practitioner's goal is said to be elevating their mind nature ''(xinxing)'' to gradually let go of attachments such as selfishness, jealousy, pursuit, lust, zealotry and greed. Li Hongzhi teaches that though the purpose of cultivation practice is not healing and fitness, an illness free state can manifest even from ''qigong'' and that this has directly to do with him. Li states, “We will push you beyond it, making your body reach a state free of any illness.” [http://falundafa.org/book/eng/lecture1.html#1] |
| − | The content of Li Hongzhi's books include commentaries on questions that have been raised in China's qigong community. Falun Gong originally surfaced in the institutional field of alternative Chinese science, not religion. The debate between what can be called "[[naturalism (philosophy)|naturalist]]" and "[[supernaturalism|supernaturalist]]" schools of qigong theory has produced a considerable amount of literature. Xu Jian stated in The [[Journal of Asian Studies]] 58 ([[4 November]] [[1999]]): "Situated both in scientific researches on qigong and in the prevailing nationalistic revival of traditional beliefs and values, this discursive struggle has articulated itself as an intellectual debate and enlisted on both sides a host of well-known writers and scientists — so much so that a veritable corpus of literature on qigong resulted. In it, two conflicting discourses became identifiable. Taking “discourse” in its contemporary sense as referring to forms of representation that generate specific cultural and historical fields of meaning, we can describe one such discourse as [[rational]] and [[scientific]] and the other as [[psychosomatic]] and [[metaphysical]]. Each strives to establish its own order of power and knowledge, its own “truth” about the “reality” of qigong, although they differ drastically in their explanation of many of its phenomena. The controversy centers on the question of whether and how qigong can induce “supranormal abilities” (''teyi gongneng''). The psychosomatic discourse emphasizes the inexplicable power of qigong and relishes its occult workings, whereas the rational discourse strives to demystify many of its phenomena and to situate it strictly in the knowledge of modern science." The Chinese government has generally tried to encourage qigong as a science and discourage religious or supernatural elements. However, the category of science in China tends to include things that are generally not considered scientific in the West, including qigong and [[traditional Chinese medicine]].
| |
| | | | |
| − | Theories about the cultivation of [[dantian|elixir]] (''dan''), "placement of the mysterious pass" (''xuanguan shewei''), among others, are also found in ancient Chinese texts such as The Book of Elixir (''Dan Jing''), Daoist Canon (''Tao Zang'') and Guide to Nature and Longevity (''Xingming Guizhi''). Falun Gong's teachings tap into a wide array of phenomena and cultural heritage that has been debated for ages. It is noteworthy that the definitions of many terms usually differ somewhat from Buddhist and Daoist traditions.
| + | Li Hongzhi states that he installs a ''falun'' in the [[elixir]] field of the lower abdomen ''([[dantian]])'' of practioners. Falun Gong practitioners believe that through the gradual improvement of their ''xinxing'' (mind-nature) they develop 功 (gōng), which they use to mean "cultivation energy" (this is an unconventional use of the word, which in Mandarin Chinese means "merit" or "achievement" and by extension is part of compound terms describing a disciplined regimen, where it can mean "study" or "practice"). However, rather than denying the more commonly accepted definition of the word, Falun Gong broadens its semantic meaning. Gōng, unlike ''qi'', can also purify one's body, suppress illnesses, transforms the human body from the most microcosmic level (in systems that cultivate longevity), grows upward in the shape of a column above one's head, and is considered necessary in practicing towards enlightenment (or ''kaigong'', "the unlocking of gong"). |
| | | | |
| − | Noah Porter (2003) quotes Andrew P. Kipnis (2001) and states: "Thus, to the Western layperson, qigong of all sorts may seem to be religious because it deals with spiritual matters. Because Li Hongzhi makes use of many concepts from Buddhism and Taoism in his writings, this may make Falun Gong seem even more like a religion to the outsider; Falun Gong grew initially into a space termed scientific [in China], but was insulated from the spaces formally acknowledged as institutionalized science in Western countries" ([http://www.lib.usf.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-06122003-113105/unrestricted/FalunGongInTheUS-NoahPorter-Thesis.pdf], p38-39)
| + | ===Ethics=== |
| | + | Falun Gong lays emphasis on virtue ''(dé)'', to be a good person in all environments, and always think of others before doing things. Li Hongzhi often criticizes the state of modern society’s supposed moral degeneration. He echoes Buddhism by stated that the current era is the [http://www.drba.org/dharma/btts/9xxentrydetail.asp?wid=89 "Dharma Ending Period"], in which humankind is undergoing great moral degradation. The Falun Gong movement recognizes the existence of [[karma]] as well as [[heaven]] for those who cultivate themselves properly. Thus, Falun Gong believes in the act of retribution, and all good and evil deeds will be paid in return in the due time. Li does not claim that viruses and bacteria are not behind people's illnesses, but he professes that they are not the root cause. The true cause of disease is considered karmic. The book ''Zhuan Falun'' says, "Nobody should blame others for it, as everyone has added fuel to the flame" (''Zhuan Falun'', 134). |
| | | | |
| − | ===Beliefs and teachings=== | + | ===Enlightenment=== |
| − | | + | If practitioners follow the requirements of the Fa and can meet the moral standard of higher realms, they are said to attain Consummation (or Enlightenment). In Li Hongzhi's earlier teachings the focus was on an individual practitioner reaching Consummation. In 1999, Li Hongzhi stated, “The vows of Gods in history are being fulfilled. The Dafa is judging all beings.” Underlying this prediction is the teaching that the entire cosmos is undergoing a process called “Fa-rectification” – a kind of renewal of the cosmos into the most original, purest state of being. “All of the cosmos’ beings have strayed from the Fa, so they have to be rectified with Fa,” stated Li in Switzerland (Li Hongzhi, ''Falun Buddha Fa: Teaching the Fa at the Conference in Switzerland'', 1998 [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/switzerland1998.htm]). This process is said to affect all sentient beings (as well as matter) in the universe: they are being repositioned according to their moral goodness or ''xinxing'' (mind-nature). Those who have taken the side of the Chinese Communist Party in persecuting the Buddha Law are said to perish by the natural force of this process “when the Fa rectifies the human world,” meaning, when this process breaks through from the microcosm, while all others will be provided benevolent resolutions. In 2001 [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/jjyz2_28.htm] Li Hongzhi made clear that this Fa-rectification would target people based on their moral qualities: |
| − | ====Holistic argument====
| + | <blockquote> |
| − | It is generally believed by its followers that Falun Gong requires intensive and in-depth study in order to attain a competent understanding of its content. Over 2000 pages of Li Hongzhi's published lectures are available online. Practitioners generally view Falun Gong in terms of an alternative [[ontology]] and [[epistemology]], not religious practice. They disagree with quoting Li out of context and encourage a coherent insight into his teachings as a whole. Practitioners point out that their own understanding has developed over a repeated and careful study, as well personally experiencing the "miraculous" effects of Falun Gong practice. Critics tend to highlight particularily controversial issues and statements, frequently in an attempt to provide striking examples of the incredulousness of Li's cosmology. His position as the only teacher-master of Falun Gong has also been disputed, and some opine that his apparent power over the practitioners' worldview is suspect.
| + | Moreover, when an Enlightened Being descends to the world, it is usually at a time when people’s morals are declining day by day, when people’s sins and karma are enormous, or when people’s morality is degenerate. Once the saved ones have attained the Fa and left, the dregs of humanity and the degenerate world that are left behind will be weeded out. (Li Hongzhi, ''Essentials for Further Advancement II'', [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/jjyz2_28.htm]) |
| − | | + | </blockquote> |
| − | ====The central place of Practice====
| |
| − | | |
| − | Central to Falun Gong is the traditional concept of "cultivation practice" (''xiulian'') in which the practitioner's goal is said to be elevating their mind nature (''xinxing'') and gradually letting go of attachments such as selfishness, jealousy, pursuit, lust, zealotry and greed.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====Fa====
| |
| − | | |
| − | The foundation of Falun Dafa are teachings known in traditional Chinese culture as the "Fa" ([[Dharma]]), or "law and principles" – that are set forth in the book [http://www.falundafa.org/eng/books.htm Zhuan Falun]. Falun Gong teaches that the "Buddha Law", in its highest manifestation, can be summarized in three words – ''Zhen'' 真, ''Shan'' 善 and ''Ren'' 忍, which translate approximately as 'Truthfulness (or Truth), Benevolence (or Compassion), and Forbearance (or Endurance)'. The process of cultivation is thought of to be one in which the practitioner assimilates himself or herself to ''Zhen'' 真, ''Shan'' 善 and ''Ren'' 忍. Li Hongzhi points out that [[Buddhism]] teaches "Shan" (Compassion) and [[Taoism]] lays emphasis on "Zhen" (Truth).
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====Qigong and gong====
| |
| − | | |
| − | Li Hongzhi states that the term "qigong" is of recent origin; originally, such disciplines had names like "The Dhyana of Vajra", "Ninefold Immortality Elixir method", "Dafa of Cultivating [[Dao]]", "Dafa of Cultivating [[Buddha]]", et cetera, and that the lowest level things of some cultivation practices, the things for healing and fitness, were brought out to the general public under the name "[[qigong]]" to better suit the modern mindset and the ultra-leftist ([[Maoism|Maoist]]) thinking of this time period. According to the QiJournal, it wasn't until 1953, when Liu Guizheng published a paper entitled "Practice On Qigong Therapy", that the term qigong (''ch'i kung'') was adopted as the popular name for this type of exercise system. Prior to that date, there were many terms given to such exercise, such as [[Daoyin]], Xingqi, Liandan, Xuangong, Jinggon, Dinggong, Xinggon, [[Neigong]], Xiudao, Zhoshan, Neiyangong, Yangshengong, etc.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Falun Gong practitioners believe that through the gradual improvement of their xinxing they develop 功, gōng, which they use to mean "cultivation energy" (this is an unconventional use of the word, which in Mandarin Chinese means "merit" or "achievement" and by extension is part of compound terms describing a disciplined regimen. See also: [[kung fu]]). However, rather than denying the more commonly accepted definition of the word, Falun Gong broadens its semantic meaning.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====Qi====
| |
| − | | |
| − | According to Falun Gong, 氣, qi (which means "breath"), is a low level and natural form of energy possessed by all, and it can only be employed to improve one's health - while gōng, unlike qi, can purify one's body, suppress illnesses, transforms the human body from the most microcosmic level (in systems that cultivate longevity), grows upward in the shape of a column above one's head, and is considered necessary in practicing towards enlightenment (or ''kaigong'', "the unlocking of gong"). Qigong systems usually teach breathing techniques coordinated with meditative imagery and are often associated with traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese martial arts. Falun Gong teaches that in what they call "high-level cultivation practice", one must be in ''wuwei'' (a Taoist term for an empty yet conscious state of mind), and any form of mind activity or imagination during meditation is considered an omission. However, a clear state of awareness must be retained: one is not allowed to slip into a [[altered state of consciousness|state of trance]].
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====Third Eye====
| |
| | | | |
| − | Even though the central theme of the teachings is how to cultivate one’s own mind-nature, in several lectures other concepts are discussed, ranging from Buddhas, the [[Third Eye|Celestial Eye]] (''tianmu'') and the root cause of sickness to the structure of cosmic bodies and matter, higher dimensional realities and independent space-times. The book Zhuan Falun says mankind has gone through several cycles of civilization and points out that several relics have been found that don’t fit into the mainstream scientific picture of prehistory.
| + | ==Li as a Saviour== |
| | + | Li is seen by many practitioners of Falun Gong as the exclusive savior of humankind who possesses the supernatural power to heal illnesses. Most notable were his treatments at the Asian Health Fair in 1992 and 1993, which were performed to “promote Falun Gong.” In ''Zhuan Falun'' [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/doc/zfl_en.doc#_Ref441729218] Li states, “If I cannot save you, nobody else can do it.” |
| | | | |
| − | ====Li as a savior or supernatural entity====
| + | In 2003, he added: |
| − | | |
| − | Another feature of Falun Dafa is promotion of Li’s role as the exclusive savior of mankind in this “Dharma ending” period; In Zhuan Falun [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/doc/zfl_en.doc#_Ref441729218]
| |
| − | he states “If I cannot save you, nobody else can do it.” If a Falun Gong practitioner were only to do the exercises, but fail to follow the requirements of the Fa, that person would not be considered a Dafa disciple. Falun Gong practitioners are promised the possibility of becoming "Gods" as long as they safeguard and uphold the Dafa. In [[2003]], Li Hongzhi said:
| |
| | [http://clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2003/2/27/32713.html] | | [http://clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2003/2/27/32713.html] |
| | <blockquote> | | <blockquote> |
| − | "I have truly borne for you the sins you committed over hundreds and thousands of years. And it doesn't stop at just that. Because of this, I will also save you and turn you into Gods. I have spared no effort for you in this process. Along with this, since you'll become Gods at levels that high, I have to give you the honors of Gods at levels that high and all the blessings that you need to have at levels that high."
| + | I have truly borne for you the sins you committed over hundreds and thousands of years. And it doesn't stop at just that. Because of this, I will also save you and turn you into Gods. I have spared no effort for you in this process. Along with this, since you'll become Gods at levels that high, I have to give you the honors of Gods at levels that high and all the blessings that you need to have at levels that high. |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | Also found is the idea that Master Li has numerous Fashen (spiritual Law bodies) which protect practitioners from harm. These Law bodies “exercise great supernatural power." They surround practitioners at all times and know everything that is on their minds. Li Hongzhi states in the Zhuan Falun [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/zfl_38.htm] :
| |
| − | “If you can really cultivate in the right way, nobody dares to touch you rashly. What’s more, you are under the protection of my Law bodies, so you will never be in any danger.”
| |
| − |
| |
| − | While protecting practitioners, the Master’s Law bodies also cure the illnesses for those who practice at the Falun Gong exercise sites. However practitioners are warned that if they fail to follow the requirements of the Fa, bad consequences will result. In Zhuan Falun [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/lecture2.html#5] Li Hongzhi states that if a practitioner does not follow the requirments of the Fa, his "body will be reset to the level of everyday people and the bad things will be returned to you.”
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | In addition to providing disease-curing benefits, it is believed that cultivation practice will actually prolong one’s life. But there is danger for those who might not live up to
| |
| − | the Fa’s requirements. In Zhuan Falun [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/lecture1.html#7] Li Hongzhi states that when a practitioner continually practices cultivation, his life will be prolonged. However, there is a criterion "that the life prolonged beyond your predestined time to live is completely reserved for your practice. If your mind goes wrong a little bit, your life will be in danger because your lifetime should have long been over", referring to old people who should have passed away already, according to [[predestination|predestined]] life span.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====Enlightenment====
| |
| − | | |
| − | If practitioners follow the requirements of the Fa and can meet the moral standard of higher realms, which, by definition, are more assimilated to Zhen-Shan-Ren, they're said to attain Consummation (or Enlightenment). In Li Hongzhi's earlier teachings the focus was on an individual practitioner reaching Consummation. In [[1999]], Li Hongzhi stated that "The vows of Gods in history are being fulfilled. The Dafa is judging all beings.”
| |
| − | Underlying this prediction is the teaching that the entire cosmos is undergoing a process called “Fa-rectification” – a kind of renewal of the cosmos into the most original, purest state of being. Unlike some have suggested, this concept surfaced even before the persecution: "The purpose of my doing this is Fa-rectification. All of the cosmos’ beings have strayed from the Fa, so they have to be rectified with Fa", stated Li in Switzerland (1998). This process is said to affect all sentient beings (as well as matter) in the universe: they are being repositioned according to their moral goodness or ''xinxing''. Those who have taken the side of the Chinese Communist Party in persecuting the Buddha Law are said to perish by the natural force of this process "when the Fa rectifies the human world", meaning, when this process breaks through from the microcosm, while all others will be provided benevolent resolutions. In 2001 [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/jjyz2_28.htm] Li Hongzhi made clear that this Fa-rectification would target people based on their moral qualities:
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | “Moreover, when an Enlightened Being descends to the world, it is usually at a time when people’s morals are declining day by day, when people’s sins and karma are enormous, or when people’s morality is degenerate. Once the saved ones have attained the Fa and left, the dregs of humanity and the degenerate world that are left behind will be weeded out.”
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | There is controversy over what Li means by the "dregs of humanity and the degenerate world", but
| |
| − | in his more recent lectures and writing he has generally referred to people who have given up their human nature in perpetrating the persecution against Falun Gong:
| |
| − | | |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | “In the Fa-rectification, Master is actually saving all beings, not just the good ones; evil ones are of course included as well. I have often said that during the Fa-rectification I don't hold the past faults of any sentient being against him, and that I look only at a sentient being's attitude toward Dafa during the Fa-rectification. In other words, no matter which beings they are or how huge the mistakes and sins they committed in history, as long as they do not play a negative role with regard to the Fa-rectification, I can give them benevolent solutions and eliminate their sins and karma.”
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | In Philadelphia (2002), Li said:
| |
| − | | |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | "What I wanted was to have no sentient being interfere with the Fa-rectification, or even participate in it. With the Fa-rectification, when it proceeds from the most basic point, from the lowest point, and goes all the way up, for all beings, no matter how bad you are or how much you may have sinned in history, I don’t hold your past faults against you, and I purify you from the most microcosmic point to the surface of your being, and this even includes any thoughts a being may have. I rectify from the bottom up, all the way through. That would have been the best kind of benevolent solution, and not a single being would have fallen, not a single being would have sinned against Dafa and this Fa-rectification. Wouldn’t that have been wonderful? But no, they insisted on doing this, and it’s brought on this disaster in human society."
| |
| | </blockquote> | | </blockquote> |
| | + | Li says that the illnesses of "true practitioners" are directly cured by his ''fashen'' ("law bodies"). These bodies, independent entities who share the main person's thoughts and intentions, are said to be born in the [[dantian]] (the stomach, known as the "cinnabar field" in [[alchemy|alchemical]] [[Daoism]]) when one reaches a very high level in cultivation practice. "Your illnesses will be cured directly by me. Those who practice at exercise sites will have my ''fashen'' to cure their illnesses. Those who study Dafa by reading the book on their own will also have my ''fashen'' to cure their illnesses." [http://falundafa.org/book/eng/lecture3.html#8] |
| | | | |
| − | ===Cultivation of Mind and Body===
| |
| − | Falun Gong has five sets of basic exercises (including meditation, four standing, and one sitting). The exercises are said to strengthen energy mechanisms that continually transform one’s “benti” (a term referring to "one’s physical body and the bodies in other dimensions").
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ====Theory of disease====
| |
| − | The true cause of disease is considered karmic, Li doesn't claim that viruses and bacteria are not behind people's illnesses, but he professes that they are not the root cause. [[Karma]] is thought to be of material existence in higher (more microcosmic) dimensions and is said to be intertwined with previous misdeeds as well as bad emotions and attachments like jealousy, greed, anger and hatred - all kinds of things that are not in tune with Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance, the so-called "characteristic of the universe." Thus, according to Li, only by letting go of these attachments and bearing hardships can one eliminate karma and have the root of their illnesses removed.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ====Theory of healing====
| |
| − | Master Li claims to possess the supernatural power to heal illnesses. Most notable were his treatments at the Asian Health Fair in 1992 and 1993, which were performed to "promote Falun Gong." According to Li, the purpose of cultivation practice is not to heal illness, and people should not hold such attachments if they decide to cultivate Falun Gong. Li says that the illnesses of "true practitioners" are directly cured by his ''fashen'' ("law bodies"). These bodies, independent entities who share the main person's thoughts and intentions, are said to be born in the [[dantian]] when one reaches a very high level in cultivation practice. “Your illnesses will be cured directly by me. Those who practice at exercise sites will have my fashen to cure their illnesses. Those who study Dafa by reading the book on their own will also have my fashen to cure their illnesses.” [http://falundafa.org/book/eng/lecture3.html#8]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Li also collected fees for treating patients from 1992 to 1994. As revealed by Zhao Jiemin, one of Li’s earliest students in “Exposé of the swindler Li hongzhi,” Li treated patients at home and collected money by using a donation box where patients would put in any where from ten to hundreds of Chinese dollars at a time. Zhao paid Li forty Chinese dollars to treat his daughter-in-law’s high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. [http://www.xys.org/xys/ebooks/others/history/contemporary/Lihongzhi2.txt]At the time, the monthly salary for a Chinese worker was about 300 Chinese dollars which equals to US$36.58.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Li Hongzhi teaches that though the purpose of cultivation practice is not healing and fitness, an illness free state can manifest even from the beginning stages of cultivation practice of mind and body, and that this has directly to do with him. At the beginning of Zhuan Falun, Li states “We will push you beyond it, making your body reach a state free of any illness.” [http://falundafa.org/book/eng/lecture1.html#1]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Li Hongzhi states that he installs a falun in the elixir field of the lower abdomen ([[dantian]]) of practioners. Falun means "Wheel of Law" in the [[Chinese language|Chinese]] language, which appears similar to the [[Dharma wheel]] or [[Chakra]]. The falun in Falun Gong is depicted as a wheel consisting of five [[srivatsas]] and four [[taijitu]], as illustrated on the top right-hand corner of this page. The Falun is said to be a miniature of the [[universe]], and once it is installed into the abdomen, it turns continuously. When the Falun turns clockwise, it absorbs energy from the universe into the body; when it turns counter-clockwise it eliminates waste from the body. Li Hongzhi also points out that the falun in Falun Gong is different from the falun or chakras cultivated in Tantric Tibetan Buddhism.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ====Attitude toward mainstream healthcare====
| |
| − | In Zhuan Falun, Li states: "Can hospitals heal illnesses? Of course they can. If hospitals could not heal illnesses, why would people believe in them and go there for treatments? Hospitals are still able to heal illnesses, but their means of treatment belong to the level of everyday people while illnesses are supernatural. Some illnesses are quite serious, and so hospitals require early treatment if one has such an illness. If it becomes too serious, hospitals will be helpless, as overdoses of medicine can poison a person. Present medical treatments are at the same level as our science and technology — they are all at the level of everyday people. Thus, they only have such healing efficacy. One issue that should be clarified is that average qigong treatments and hospital treatments only defer to the remaining half of life or later those tribulations that are the fundamental cause of illnesses. The karma is not removed at all." [http://falundafa.org/book/eng/lecture7.html#5]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ====Research into health claims====
| |
| − | Surveys conducted on practitioners show improvements in health, the most extensive being a Falun Gong health survey [http://www.falunau.org/healthsurvey.htm] conducted on 12,731 Beijing practitioners in 1998. The survey states: "Our results show that Falun Gong's disease healing rate is 99.1% with a cure rate of 58.5%; Improvement rate is 80.3% in physical health and 96.5% in mental health. The survey indicates that Falun Gong has a significant effect in disease healing and health promotion". However, some claim that the accuracy of the survey suffers from [[methodology|methodological]] problems, as it relied on self-reported rather than medically-verified improvement. In addition, the questionnaire used an inadequate range of answer options, reflecting possible bias. ([http://www.lib.usf.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-06122003-113105/unrestricted/FalunGongInTheUS-NoahPorter-Thesis.pdf], p174)
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Dr. Lili Feng, Associate Professor at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, published findings that Falun Gong exercises boost the immune system and significantly increase cell lifetime expectancy. Her paper concludes: "Our studies suggest that Falun Gong practice alters immunity, cell death, and protein metabolic rate in a systemic fashion. Our findings further suggest that a new paradigm is urgently needed to understand the holistic link between human mind, body and spirit." Professor Feng also cites independent health surveys by five medical institutions in China. The results remain inconclusive and call for further research.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Dr. Lili Feng is a Falun Gong practitioner. She believes that the Falun Gong can save the world from deadly viruses like SARs. When SARs was killing hundreds of people in China in 2003, Feng gave the following statement: “If over 100 million Falun Gong practitioners had been allowed to practice Falun Gong, they would have been able to resist the SARS virus, stop the SARS virus from being transmitted through them, and form a large immunity shield, which could protect more vulnerable people in China. This is the saddest thing for me and brings me to something I must emphasize. What I want to say is this: persecuting Falun Gong is the most evil and foolish act. While this plague prevails over China, what we need most are those people with resistance to the SARS virus.”[http://www.pureinsight.org/pi/index.php?news=1628]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ====Further reading====
| |
| − | All Falun Gong exercises are taught free of charge by practitioners and are also detailed in Li Hongzhi's [http://www.falundafa.org/eng/books.htm books], [http://www.falundafa.org/eng/media.htm#GUANGZHOU lectures] and [http://www.falundafa.org/eng/exercises.htm exercise instruction videos] which may be found free of charge on [http://www.falundafa.org Falun Dafa Websites.]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | ===Ethics===
| |
| − | Falun Gong lays emphasis on its interpretation of good moral nature. Practitioners are required to emphasize virtue (de), be a good person in all environments, and always think of others before doing things.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | In discussing principles of moral conduct, Li Hongzhi often criticizes the state of modern society’s supposed moral degeneration.
| |
| − | Critics of the Falun Gong have pointed out that aspects of Li’s system of morality can be considered elitist and intolerant.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Falun Gong also believes in the act of retribution, and all good and evil deeds will be paid in return in the due time. Because of this, they see the Chinese government crackdown as an act of "evil", and some pro-Falun Gong groups have reported claims of a number of people dying or suffering spontaneously after their alleged involvement in the crackdown of Falun Gong
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Li Hongzhi points out that according to Buddhism, this is the [http://www.drba.org/dharma/btts/9xxentrydetail.asp?wid=89 “Dharma Ending Period"]; that during this period mankind has undergone great moral degradation and that this has to do with vast cosmic changes. The book Zhuan Falun says "Nobody should blame others for it, as everyone has added fuel to the flame.”
| |
| − |
| |
| − | The taking of any life is said to have negative karmic consequences. In one of his lectures, Li Hongzhi controversially states that mixing of races is a chaotic phenomenon that has manifest only in the [http://www.drba.org/dharma/btts/9xxentrydetail.asp?wid=89 “Dharma Ending Period”] and that different races bear the image of the gods that created them; that each race of people on earth have their own cosmic paradises but people of mixed race lose this connection. In 1996, he said that “Mixed races have lost their roots, as if nobody in the paradise will take care of them. They belong to nowhere, and no places would accept them.” [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/pdf/sydney.pdf] In 1997 Li Hongzhi further explained, "People of the yellow race have people of the yellow race up there, and people of the white race have people of the white race up there. He’s lost this thread.” [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/mgjf.htm#_Toc511984050]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Speaking in Sydney in 1996, Li Hongzhi said:
| |
| | <blockquote> | | <blockquote> |
| − | "I have already talked about such interracial children. I have only mentioned the phenomena in this Dharma-ending period. If you are an interracial child, it is, of course, neither your fault nor your parents' fault. Anyway, it is just such a chaotic situation brought about by mankind, in which such a phenomenon has appeared. The yellow people, the white people, and the black people have the corresponding races in heaven. Then, if one is not from his race or does not belong to his people, he will not take care of him. This is the truth, and it is not that I'm making up something here. What I am telling everyone are heavenly secrets. All interracial children were born in the Dharma-ending period. People are not to be blamed for it, because everyone is drifting in the tide, and nobody knows the truth. This is the way they have come through. If you want to practice cultivation, I can help. As for which paradise you will go to, we will need to look at your situation. I will assimilate more of whichever portion that is better preserved. Anyway, you should concentrate on your cultivation and should not concern yourself with these things."
| + | “In the Fa-rectification, Master is actually saving all beings, not just the good ones; evil ones are of course included as well. I have often said that during the Fa-rectification I don't hold the past faults of any sentient being against him, and that I look only at a sentient being's attitude toward Dafa during the Fa-rectification. In other words, no matter which beings they are or how huge the mistakes and sins they committed in history, as long as they do not play a negative role with regard to the Fa-rectification, I can give them benevolent solutions and eliminate their sins and karma.” (Li Hongzhi, ''Turning the Wheel Toward the Human World,'' 2005 [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/jw_122.htm]) |
| | </blockquote> | | </blockquote> |
| | | | |
| − | ==Awards and Recognitions== | + | ==Membership== |
| − | [[Image:HonoraryCitizenAtlantaAward.JPG|thumb|130px|Mayor of Atlanta proclaims Li Hongzhi "An Honorary Citizen"]]
| + | Since there is no concept of membership in Falun Gong practice, the actual number of practitioners is unknown. When the Chinese government banned the movement, the number of Falun Gong practitioners was estimated by the government to be under two million or even less; however, according to a state-conducted survey in 1998, there were over ten million practitioners in China [http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_285.html]. Some believe that after the July 1999 crackdown, the Chinese government began publishing what is claimed to be a lower number to downplay Falun Gong's presence in Chinese society. Falun Gong sources themselves claim that there are at least 70-100 million practitioners [http://www.faluninfo.net/faq.asp]. |
| − | For the first few years after introducing Falun Gong, Li Hongzhi was granted several awards by Chinese governmental organizations. At the Asian health expo of 1992 and 1993 in Beijing, Falun Gong was successively nominated as the "star qigong".
| |
| − | | |
| − | Falun Gong has been honored with over 900 proclamations and awards[http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/special_column/recognition.html] from Australia, Canada, China (before the persecution), Japan, Russia, the United States and other countries. Especially in the United States, Falun Dafa has received much praise and acclamation.
| |
| | | | |
| − | How meaningful these municipal awards are and how they are used to promote the Falun Gong are matters of some controversy. Falun Gong expert Patsy Rahn [http://www.culticstudiesreview.org/csr_profiles/indiv/rahn_patsy.htm] (2002), states they “are documents routinely obtained by groups from public officials in the US for public relations purposes” and may be used to mislead people in China into believing “that the American government supports Master Li and his Falun Gong practitioners.” Noah Porter [http://www.lib.usf.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-06122003-113105/unrestricted/FalunGongInTheUS-NoahPorter-Thesis.pdf] (2003) argues that these awards are not always easy to get, citing one example from Tampa, Florida.
| + | ==International Recognition== |
| | + | Falun Gong has been honored with over 900 proclamations and awards [http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/special_column/recognition.html] from Australia, [[Canada]], China (before the ban), [[Japan]], [[Russia]], the [[United States]], and other countries. However, these awards are a matter of controversy: Falun Gong expert Patsy Rahn [http://www.culticstudiesreview.org/csr_profiles/indiv/rahn_patsy.htm] (2002), states they “are documents routinely obtained by groups from public officials in the US for public relations purposes” and may be used to mislead people in China into believing “that the American government supports Master Li and his Falun Gong practitioners.” Conversely, Noah Porter [http://www.lib.usf.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-06122003-113105/unrestricted/FalunGongInTheUS-NoahPorter-Thesis.pdf] (2003) argues that these awards are not always easy to get, citing one example from Tampa, Florida. |
| | | | |
| − | In 2006, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution which was subsequently misrepresented on an official Falun Gong website. Given San Francisco’s long tradition of tolerance and the Falun Gong’s teachings on homosexuality, there was controversy about the exact wording of the resolution. As reported in the Sing Tao Daily ( 2/1/2006), four of the supervisors, when asked about the resolution, stated “that they either don’t understand the Falun Gong belief system or do not support it; in addition, they feel uncomfortable about the Falun Gong’s homophobic positions.” The Chinese supervisor who had co-sponsored the resolution and worked to amend it in committee, was quoted in the Bay Area Reporter [http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=549] :
| + | ==Suppression in the People's Republic of China== |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | "I am concerned about these homophobic teachings. It is a good thing these were called out. I don't think people understand the Falun Gong. So to the extent it is educating the community, it is a good thing."
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Aware of these teachings, the sponsors of the resolution amended the original draft language to include a disclaimer. As a result, the Board passed Resolution 66-06 [http://www.sfgov.org/site/bdsupvrs_index.asp?id=37019], condemning the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, while also stating that “the views expressed by Falun Gong practitioners are not officially sanctioned by the City and County of San Francisco” and that the resolution “in no way encourages the practice of any particular faith, philosophy, religion or belief system, including but not limited to Falun Gong.” Shortly thereafter, the Clearwisdom website published an altered version of the resolution which omitted the disclaimer language. Bowing to pressure, the editors of Clearwisdom eventually deleted the entire text of San Francisco’s Resolution 66-06 from their website.
| |
| | | | |
| − | Li Hongzhi was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize; he was also nominated by over 28 European Parliament Members for the 2001 Sakharov Award. | + | In its early phase, Falun Gong was renowned throughout China as a form of ''qigong'' exercise in tune with the politics of the state. However, as the movement gained momentum Li and the followers of Falun Gong grew bolder in their criticisms of the government and held large but peaceful protests. Beginning in 1999 the government of China moved to suppress Falun Gong activities. Accusations of unethical and subversive behavior were made against Li and his followers, such as describing Falun Gong as a dangerous personality cult. Critics of Falun Gong also tended to highlight particularly controversial issues and statements by Li, in an attempt to provide striking examples of the alleged incredulousness of Li's cosmology. His position as the only teacher-master of Falun Gong was also disputed, some arguing that his apparent power over the practitioners' worldview is suspect. |
| | | | |
| | == References == | | == References == |
| − | * Li Hongzhi, ''[http://www.falundafa.org/eng/books.htm#zhuanfalun Zhuan Falun: The Complete Teachings of Falun Gong]'' ([[Yih Chyun]], [[Fair Winds Press]] edition [[2001]]) ISBN 1931412537 | + | * Li Hongzhi, ''[http://www.falundafa.org/eng/books.htm#zhuanfalun Zhuan Falun: The Complete Teachings of Falun Gong]'' ([[Yih Chyun]], [[Fair Winds Press]] edition 2001) ISBN 1931412537 |
| − | * Li Hongzhi, ''[http://www.falundafa.org/eng/books.htm#falungong Falun Gong (Law Wheel Qigong)]'' (Yih Chyun, [[1993]]) | + | * Li Hongzhi, ''[http://www.falundafa.org/eng/books.htm#falungong Falun Gong (Law Wheel Qigong)]'' (Yih Chyun, 1993) |
| − | * Li Hongzhi, ''[http://www.falundafa.org/eng/books.htm#ESSENTIALS Essentials for Further Advancement]'' (Yih Chyun, [[2000]]?) | + | * Li Hongzhi, ''[http://www.falundafa.org/eng/books.htm#ESSENTIALS Essentials for Further Advancement]'' (Yih Chyun, 1999) |
| − | * [[Danny Schechter]], ''Falun Gong's Challenge to China'' ([[Akashic Books]], [[2000]]) hardback ISBN 1888451130, paperback ISBN 1888451270 | + | * [[Danny Schechter]], ''Falun Gong's Challenge to China'' ([[Akashic Books]], 2000) hardback ISBN 1888451130, paperback ISBN 1888451270 |
| | * Barend ter Haar, ''[http://website.leidenuniv.nl/~haarbjter/falun.htm Falun Gong - Evaluation and Further References]'' (incl. extensive bibliography) | | * Barend ter Haar, ''[http://website.leidenuniv.nl/~haarbjter/falun.htm Falun Gong - Evaluation and Further References]'' (incl. extensive bibliography) |
| − | * Noah Porter, ''[http://www.lib.usf.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-06122003-113105/unrestricted/FalunGongInTheUS-NoahPorter-Thesis.pdf Falun Gong in the U.S.: An Ethnographic Study]'' ([[Dissertation.com]], [[2003]]) paperback ISBN 1-58112-190-3 | + | * Noah Porter, ''[http://www.lib.usf.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-06122003-113105/unrestricted/FalunGongInTheUS-NoahPorter-Thesis.pdf Falun Gong in the US: An Ethnographic Study]'' ([[Dissertation.com]], 2003) paperback ISBN 1-58112-190-3 |
| | | | |
| | == External links == | | == External links == |
| | + | All links retrieved March 23, 2024. |
| | | | |
| − | === Falun Gong sites ===
| |
| | * [http://www.falundafa.org/ Falun Dafa official website] | | * [http://www.falundafa.org/ Falun Dafa official website] |
| − | * [http://faluninfo.net/ Falun Dafa Information Center]
| + | *[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/12/18/MNGGAG8MO31.DTL Critics and followers of Falun Gong: Adherents find fulfillment, but detractors call movement a cult (September 18,2005)] A San Francisco Chronicle report |
| − | * [http://www.clearwisdom.net/ Falun Dafa Minghui Net]
| + | * [http://english.people.com.cn/zhuanti/Zhuanti_288.shtml Anti-Falun Gong Cult] |
| − | * [http://faluncanada.net/library/chinese/frameM_c.html Falun Canada] includes ''Zhuan Falun II'' in Chinese
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Critical sites ===
| |
| − | * [http://www.time.com/time/asia/asia/magazine/1999/990510/opiate_of_the_masses1.html Time Asia's article on Falun Gong (May 10, 1999)]
| |
| − | * [http://www.falungonginfo.org/index.html Falun Gong Info: The True Nature of the Falun Gong] by Samuel Luo, a Falun Gong critic.
| |
| − | *[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/12/18/MNGGAG8MO31.DTL Critics and followers of Falun Gong: Adherents find fulfillment, but detractors call movement a cult (Secember 18,2005)] A San Francisco Chronicle report | |
| − | * [http://www.rickross.com/groups/falun.html Rick Ross Institute] A extensive set of links to articles critical of FLG
| |
| − | * [http://www.rickross.com/reference/fa_lun_gong/falun249.html San Jose Mercury News article] 2001 news report on how Falun Gong manipulates politicians in the U.S.
| |
| − | * [http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/f/falun/ Steve Hassan’s Freedom of Mind Center], an exit counselor's claims of mind control techniques used by Falun Gong
| |
| − | * [http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=549 Bay Area Reporter: Supes Support “Homophobic Cult”] detailed report on SF Resolution 66-06
| |
| − | * [http://sf.indymedia.org/news/2006/02/1724264.php SF Indymedia: “Homophobic Mind Control Cult”] discussion on Falun Gong's view on homosexuality initiated by Samuel Luo; includes extensive user blog comments at the end
| |
| − | * [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/12/18/MNGGAG8MTA1.DTL&hw=falun+gong&sn=002&sc=447 SF Chronicle: Dissident media linked to Falun Gong] exposes the connection between the Falun Gong and the Epoch Times
| |
| − | * [http://english.people.com.cn/zhuanti/Zhuanti_288.shtml People's Daily excoriates Falun Gong] | |
| − | * [http://www.intermix.org.uk/news/news_300106_03.asp FLG article and discussion from bi-racial website]
| |
| − | *[http://www.xys.org/xys/netters/Fang-Zhouzi/religion/2tales.doc The Two Tales of Falun Gong: Radicalism in a traditional form]
| |
| − | *[http://www.rickross.com/reference/fa_lun_gong/falun176.html Falun Gong Derided as Authoritarian Sect by Anti-Cult Experts (2001)] San Francisco Chronicle Report on "Cults and the Millennnium" conference in Seattle
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Other sites ===
| |
| − | * [http://www.lib.usf.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-06122003-113105/unrestricted/FalunGongInTheUS-NoahPorter-Thesis.pdf Falun Gong in the U.S.: An Ethnographic Study] - a Master's Thesis by Noah Porter, also available in print
| |
| − | * [http://website.leidenuniv.nl/~haarbjter/falun.htm Falun Gong - Evaluation and Further References (Prof. Barend ter Haar, Leiden Univ.)] An introductory analysis of the Falun Gong movement in Chinese society and culture from the perspective of the scholar of traditional Chinese religious culture.
| |
| − | *[http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=164303114 The China Psychiatric Crisis: Following Up on the Plight of the Falun Gong]
| |
| − | * [http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/circs/9th/0374712p.pdf United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision reversing the Board of Immigration Appeals order of removal of a woman who provided a Falun Gong member with newspaper articles critical of Chinese Government oppression]
| |
| − | *[http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/crs/search.tkl?q=falun&search_crit=title&search=Search&date1=Anytime&date2=Anytime&type=form Read Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports regarding Falun Gong]
| |
| − | * [http://a1.nu/falun-gong/index.htm Falun Gong]
| |
| − | * [http://english.epochtimes.com/news/4-12-18/24972.html On the Collusion of Jiang Zemin and the Chinese Communist Party to Persecute Falun Gong, by the Epoch Times, an anti-CCP newspaper]
| |
| − | * [http://fgmtv.org/videos1/English/2004/11/Conciense/CONCIENSE-256k.ram Falun Gong practitioner's video about the Chinese govt. persecution]
| |
| − | * [http://missings.blogspot.com/ In Memory] Memorial website for practitioners deaths while under persecution, updated with their stories
| |
| − | * [http://gmrpfp.org/gmr/ Global Mission to Rescue Persecuted Falun Dafa Practitioners] Includes a database of Falun Gong persecution cases in China. Searchable by Location, Victim, Criminal, Date.
| |
| − | * [http://www.upholdjustice.org World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG)]
| |
| − | * [http://www.rescuecharles.org/en/index.php About the arrest and imprisonment of U.S. Citizen Charles Lee in China]
| |
| − | * [http://www.fofg.org/ Friends of Falun Gong]
| |
| − | * [http://www.pulitzer.org/year/2001/international-reporting/works/index3.html Series of 2001 Pulitzer Prize winning articles on the persecution of Falun Gong in China] By Ian Johnson, Wall Street Journal
| |
| − | * Tsinghua University practitioners' views on science. [http://www.pureinsight.org/pi/articles/2002/1/24/1111.html Part 1] and [http://www.pureinsight.org/pi/articles/2002/2/11/1112.html part 2].
| |
| − | * Controversial preliminary data and claims on Falun Gong's effect on the body: [[cardiac]] cells[http://clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2001/4/9/7035.html], [[neutrophil]] functions[http://www.clearharmony.net/articles/200410/22719.html], [[gene expression]][http://www.clearharmony.net/articles/200303/10691.html], and [[immunity]][http://www.clearharmony.net/articles/200305/12738.html].
| |
| − | * [http://www.equip.org/free/DF450.htm Link to a story about controversial quotes from Li Hongzhi about FLG]
| |
| − | * A [[H2G2]] [http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2922644 (free encyclopedia) article]
| |
| − | [[Category:Human rights]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Meditation]]
| |
| − | [[Category:New religious movements]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Purported cults|Falun Gong]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Religious faiths, traditions, and movements]]
| |
| − | | |
| | | | |
| | [[Category:Philosophy and religion]][[category:Religion]] | | [[Category:Philosophy and religion]][[category:Religion]] |
| | | | |
| | {{Credit|47272477}} | | {{Credit|47272477}} |
Falun Gong (Chinese: 法轮功: meaning "Practice of the Wheel of Law"), also known as Falun Dafa (Chinese: 法轮大法: "Great Law of the Wheel of Law"), is a system of qigong meditation introduced by Li Hongzhi in China in 1992. Falun Gong has grown rapidly to become a very popular form of religious practice in modern China; however, in 1999 the movement was declared illegal by the People's Republic of China and its materials and activities banned. Despite the controversy surrounding the practice, Falun Gong's successful growth illustrates the continuing appeal of new religious movements in Asia in the twenty-first century.
Origins
Founded by Li Hongzhi on May 13, 1992, Falun Gong was met with immediate acclaim and nominated twice as the "Star Qigong School" in the 1992 and 1993 Asian Health Expo in Beijing. The practice originally surfaced in the institutional field of alternative Chinese science, not religion, as the Chinese government considers qigong as a medical science.
As Falun Gong practice spread, Li stipulated that it could never be used for fame or profit and he emphasized that practitioners may only teach the system voluntarily. This insistence allegedly caused a rift with the China Qigong Research Society, the state administrative body under which Falun Dafa was initially introduced, and Li withdrew from the organization. In 1996, Li Hongzhi took up invitations to teach the practice in numerous countries in Europe and Asia. As of 2006, he resides in the United States.
Teachings and Practice
Li Hongzhi makes use of many religious concepts in his writings and the teachings of Falung Gong are an electic mix of Buddhist and Daoist elements. The major text of Falun Gong is the Zhuan Falun. [1] In Chinese, Falun means "Wheel of Law" in reference to the Dharma wheel or Chakra of Buddhism. However, Li Hongzhi interprets the Falun to be a miniature of the universe, and once it is installed into the abdomen, it turns continuously. When the Falun turns clockwise, it absorbs energy from the universe into the body; when it turns counter-clockwise it eliminates waste from the body.
Fa
The foundation of Falun Dafa is known as the "Fa" ("law and principles") that are set forth in the book Zhuan Falun. Falun Gong teaches that the "Buddha Law," in its highest manifestation, can be summarized in three words—Zhen 真, Shan 善 and Ren 忍, which translate approximately as 'Truthfulness (or Truth), Benevolence (or Compassion), and Forbearance (or Endurance)'. The process of cultivation is thought of to be one in which the practitioner assimilates himself or herself to Zhen 真, Shan 善 and Ren 忍. These terms derive from existing Chinese religious traditions.
Qi and Gong
According to Falun Gong, 氣, qi (which means "breath"), is a natural form of energy. Qigong systems usually teach breathing techniques coordinated with meditative imagery and are often associated with traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese martial arts. Falun Gong teaches that in what they call "high-level cultivation practice," and the practice of Wu-wei.
Falun Gong has five sets of basic exercises to facilitate this process. Central to Falun Gong is the traditional concept of "cultivation practice" (xiulian) in which the practitioner's goal is said to be elevating their mind nature (xinxing) to gradually let go of attachments such as selfishness, jealousy, pursuit, lust, zealotry and greed. Li Hongzhi teaches that though the purpose of cultivation practice is not healing and fitness, an illness free state can manifest even from qigong and that this has directly to do with him. Li states, “We will push you beyond it, making your body reach a state free of any illness.” [2]
Li Hongzhi states that he installs a falun in the elixir field of the lower abdomen (dantian) of practioners. Falun Gong practitioners believe that through the gradual improvement of their xinxing (mind-nature) they develop 功 (gōng), which they use to mean "cultivation energy" (this is an unconventional use of the word, which in Mandarin Chinese means "merit" or "achievement" and by extension is part of compound terms describing a disciplined regimen, where it can mean "study" or "practice"). However, rather than denying the more commonly accepted definition of the word, Falun Gong broadens its semantic meaning. Gōng, unlike qi, can also purify one's body, suppress illnesses, transforms the human body from the most microcosmic level (in systems that cultivate longevity), grows upward in the shape of a column above one's head, and is considered necessary in practicing towards enlightenment (or kaigong, "the unlocking of gong").
Ethics
Falun Gong lays emphasis on virtue (dé), to be a good person in all environments, and always think of others before doing things. Li Hongzhi often criticizes the state of modern society’s supposed moral degeneration. He echoes Buddhism by stated that the current era is the "Dharma Ending Period", in which humankind is undergoing great moral degradation. The Falun Gong movement recognizes the existence of karma as well as heaven for those who cultivate themselves properly. Thus, Falun Gong believes in the act of retribution, and all good and evil deeds will be paid in return in the due time. Li does not claim that viruses and bacteria are not behind people's illnesses, but he professes that they are not the root cause. The true cause of disease is considered karmic. The book Zhuan Falun says, "Nobody should blame others for it, as everyone has added fuel to the flame" (Zhuan Falun, 134).
Enlightenment
If practitioners follow the requirements of the Fa and can meet the moral standard of higher realms, they are said to attain Consummation (or Enlightenment). In Li Hongzhi's earlier teachings the focus was on an individual practitioner reaching Consummation. In 1999, Li Hongzhi stated, “The vows of Gods in history are being fulfilled. The Dafa is judging all beings.” Underlying this prediction is the teaching that the entire cosmos is undergoing a process called “Fa-rectification” – a kind of renewal of the cosmos into the most original, purest state of being. “All of the cosmos’ beings have strayed from the Fa, so they have to be rectified with Fa,” stated Li in Switzerland (Li Hongzhi, Falun Buddha Fa: Teaching the Fa at the Conference in Switzerland, 1998 [3]). This process is said to affect all sentient beings (as well as matter) in the universe: they are being repositioned according to their moral goodness or xinxing (mind-nature). Those who have taken the side of the Chinese Communist Party in persecuting the Buddha Law are said to perish by the natural force of this process “when the Fa rectifies the human world,” meaning, when this process breaks through from the microcosm, while all others will be provided benevolent resolutions. In 2001 [4] Li Hongzhi made clear that this Fa-rectification would target people based on their moral qualities:
Moreover, when an Enlightened Being descends to the world, it is usually at a time when people’s morals are declining day by day, when people’s sins and karma are enormous, or when people’s morality is degenerate. Once the saved ones have attained the Fa and left, the dregs of humanity and the degenerate world that are left behind will be weeded out. (Li Hongzhi, Essentials for Further Advancement II, [5])
Li as a Saviour
Li is seen by many practitioners of Falun Gong as the exclusive savior of humankind who possesses the supernatural power to heal illnesses. Most notable were his treatments at the Asian Health Fair in 1992 and 1993, which were performed to “promote Falun Gong.” In Zhuan Falun [6] Li states, “If I cannot save you, nobody else can do it.”
In 2003, he added:
[7]
I have truly borne for you the sins you committed over hundreds and thousands of years. And it doesn't stop at just that. Because of this, I will also save you and turn you into Gods. I have spared no effort for you in this process. Along with this, since you'll become Gods at levels that high, I have to give you the honors of Gods at levels that high and all the blessings that you need to have at levels that high.
Li says that the illnesses of "true practitioners" are directly cured by his fashen ("law bodies"). These bodies, independent entities who share the main person's thoughts and intentions, are said to be born in the dantian (the stomach, known as the "cinnabar field" in alchemical Daoism) when one reaches a very high level in cultivation practice. "Your illnesses will be cured directly by me. Those who practice at exercise sites will have my fashen to cure their illnesses. Those who study Dafa by reading the book on their own will also have my fashen to cure their illnesses." [8]
“In the Fa-rectification, Master is actually saving all beings, not just the good ones; evil ones are of course included as well. I have often said that during the Fa-rectification I don't hold the past faults of any sentient being against him, and that I look only at a sentient being's attitude toward Dafa during the Fa-rectification. In other words, no matter which beings they are or how huge the mistakes and sins they committed in history, as long as they do not play a negative role with regard to the Fa-rectification, I can give them benevolent solutions and eliminate their sins and karma.” (Li Hongzhi, Turning the Wheel Toward the Human World, 2005 [9])
Membership
Since there is no concept of membership in Falun Gong practice, the actual number of practitioners is unknown. When the Chinese government banned the movement, the number of Falun Gong practitioners was estimated by the government to be under two million or even less; however, according to a state-conducted survey in 1998, there were over ten million practitioners in China [10]. Some believe that after the July 1999 crackdown, the Chinese government began publishing what is claimed to be a lower number to downplay Falun Gong's presence in Chinese society. Falun Gong sources themselves claim that there are at least 70-100 million practitioners [11].
International Recognition
Falun Gong has been honored with over 900 proclamations and awards [12] from Australia, Canada, China (before the ban), Japan, Russia, the United States, and other countries. However, these awards are a matter of controversy: Falun Gong expert Patsy Rahn [13] (2002), states they “are documents routinely obtained by groups from public officials in the US for public relations purposes” and may be used to mislead people in China into believing “that the American government supports Master Li and his Falun Gong practitioners.” Conversely, Noah Porter [14] (2003) argues that these awards are not always easy to get, citing one example from Tampa, Florida.
Suppression in the People's Republic of China
In its early phase, Falun Gong was renowned throughout China as a form of qigong exercise in tune with the politics of the state. However, as the movement gained momentum Li and the followers of Falun Gong grew bolder in their criticisms of the government and held large but peaceful protests. Beginning in 1999 the government of China moved to suppress Falun Gong activities. Accusations of unethical and subversive behavior were made against Li and his followers, such as describing Falun Gong as a dangerous personality cult. Critics of Falun Gong also tended to highlight particularly controversial issues and statements by Li, in an attempt to provide striking examples of the alleged incredulousness of Li's cosmology. His position as the only teacher-master of Falun Gong was also disputed, some arguing that his apparent power over the practitioners' worldview is suspect.
References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- 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, 1999)
- Danny Schechter, Falun Gong's Challenge to China (Akashic Books, 2000) hardback ISBN 1888451130, paperback ISBN 1888451270
- Barend ter Haar, Falun Gong - Evaluation and Further References (incl. extensive bibliography)
- Noah Porter, Falun Gong in the US: An Ethnographic Study (Dissertation.com, 2003) paperback ISBN 1-58112-190-3
External links
All links retrieved March 23, 2024.
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article
in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:
The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:
Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.
