Answers to Commonly Asked Questions about Falun Gong

You may have heard about the ongoing massive persecution of Falun Gong in China. Exactly what is happening, and why did the regime under Jiang Zemin unleash its fury against a practice that is so obviously peaceful and non-threatening? We hope we can help shed some light on these questions for you.

What is Falun Gong or Falun Dafa?

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline for mind and body. The practice involves slow, gentle movements and meditation. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practise, and free of charge. Its principles are based on Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance. The practice began in China in 1992 and quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China and then beyond. Falun Gong is practised by over 100 million people in 60 countries. The main works of Falun Gong are available in over 30 languages.

Who practises Falun Gong, and in what ways do they find it beneficial?

Falun Gong is practised by people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. People who practise regularly find it brings them better health, reduced stress, increased level of energy, inner peace, and deepened morals.

I'm interested in trying it out or learning more about it. How can I get started?

All practice sites offer free instruction, and everyone is welcome. To find a site near your home, you can visit www.falundafa.org. All materials are available on-line. There are also instructional books and video tapes available from bookstores, or you can visit www.truegoodbooks.com to order them.

Who is Mr. Li Hongzhi?

Mr. Li Hongzhi (family name is Li) introduced the practice of Falun Gong to the general public in China in 1992. He then taught the practice publicly for two years in China, after which the practice continued to grow primarily by word-of-mouth. In keeping with Chinese tradition, Mr. Li is often respectfully referred to as "Master" or "Teacher." He is not accorded special treatment, nor does he accept money or donations from students of Falun Gong. He has ensured that the practice be available to all people, and without any terms or conditions. For his contributions to humanity he has been given over 400 honours and awards, and is a two-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee.

Why are Jiang Zemin and the Chinese Communist Party persecuting Falun Gong?

It must first be understood that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is officially atheist, so anything of a spiritual nature is discouraged and often outlawed because it is not in keeping with Communist ideology. For those of us in nations with democratically elected governments, freedom of belief is considered to be one of the most basic universal rights, but in China such fundamental human rights are rarely protected.

Since its introduction in 1992, the number of Falun Gong practitioners simply grew too large in the eyes of a faction of the Party leadership, led by the dictator Jiang Zemin. Falun Gong's 70-million-plus practitioners in China far outnumbered CCP members. Jiang ordered the persecution out of personal jealousy, and a sense that he could not totally control the people's hearts and minds. Other, smaller groups that are not under compete control of the Communist Party, such as Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Tibetan Buddhists, have also been persecuted.

How many people have been affected by the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong?

Since the former leader of China, Jiang Zemin, began the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in 1999:
100 million people practiced Falun Gong in 1998, but lost that right when Jiang banned it in 1999.
Millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been illegally arrested, detained and/or abused by Chinese police.
Between 200,000 and 1 million have been illegally sent to forced labor camps without trials.
Human rights workers have documented over 38,000 specific cases of torture or severe abuse.
More than 1,000 healthy individuals have been incarcerated in mental hospitals and tortured there, an act condemned by World Psychiatric Association.
More than 500 have been sentenced to prison terms of up to 18 years.
At least 2804 deaths through police abuse and torture have been confirmed, with government sources inside China indicating that the actual number could be has high as 7,000 or more.

How has Falun Gong responded to the oppression?

Practitioners of Falun Gong in China have protested to the Chinese Government via the proper legal channels, and have resisted the persecution with non-violent public protests. There has not been a single report of practitioners responding with violence, destroying property or anything similar, despite beatings, torture, jailing, murder, and other grave injustices. Practitioners outside China have taken up long marches, staged peaceful protests, launched letter-writing campaigns, held rallies and press conferences, documented rights abuses and started lawsuits against the responsible perpetrators for crimes against humanity.

What Can You Do to Help?

The best way you can help is to let people around you know what Falun Gong is and to tell them about the current persecution in China. Write or call your Member of Parliament, Prime Minister or even local newspaper. By raising public awareness of the atrocities, you can help to put a stop to them.