Falun
Gong (also called Falun Dafa) is an ancient form of qigong, the
practice of refining the body and mind through special exercises and
meditation. Like tai chi, qigong is a vital part of many people's lives
in Asia; almost every Chinese park is brimming by the break of dawn
with people practicing these arts.
In just eight
years since its public introduction, Falun Dafa has grown to become the
most popular form of qigong ever in Chinese history. The major reason
for this is that Falun Dafa distinguishes itself from other qigong
practices by emphasizing not only physical cultivation, but also
cultivation of one's moral character in daily life according to higher
principles taught by Mr. Li Hongzhi, Falun Dafa's founder.
Falun Dafa's
effectiveness in improving health and its profound principles have
quickly made the practice immensely popular throughout the entire
world. Since being introduced to the general public in 1992 by Mr. Li,
Falun Dafa has attracted tens of millions of people in over 40
countries. Most major cities and universities in the United States,
Canada, Australia, and Europe have English-speaking Falun Dafa practice
groups.
The people
who practice Falun Dafa come from every imaginable walk of life, as
Falun Dafa transcends cultural, social, economic, and national
boundaries. The practice has spread largely by word of mouth, as those
who learn it usually find the benefits simply too good to keep to
themselves.
The practice
of Falun Dafa is simple, yet profound and effective. It consists
primarily of two components: self-improvement through studying Mr. Li's
teachings, and performing Falun Dafa's five gentle exercises. The
exercises, which include a meditation, are easy to learn, enjoyable,
and at the same time both relaxing and energizing. Many students of
Falun Dafa enjoy doing them together as a group outdoors. The teachings
are articulated in two books, Falun Gong (Law Wheel Qigong) and Zhuan Falun (Turning the Law Wheel), which are available in over a dozen languages, including English.
The benefits
of practicing Falun Dafa are numerous and varied, ranging from improved
health and newfound energy to mental clarity, stress relief, and peace
of mind. Yet Falun Dafa is different from most other qigong practices
in that it goes beyond the pursuit of health and fitness to the goal of
wisdom and enlightenment. At the heart of the practice are the supreme
principles of the universe: Truthfulness, Benevolence, and Forbearance.
Through a combination of studying the books and performing the
exercises, practitioners strive to become better people by embodying
these principles in everything they do.
Millions of
people all over the world have chosen to make the practice of Falun
Dafa a part of their daily lives. Simply put, they find it a worthy and
enjoyable investment of their time towards health, happiness, and
meaningful living. All that's required is an open mind and a willing
heart. Everyone is welcome, as Falun Dafa is apolitical, informal, and
completely free of charge, obligation, and membership. All books are
even available for free download. We invite you to give this wonderful
practice a try and discover it for yourself.