[Nettime-bold] " What is Falun Gong...??"

[<A76543@libero.it>]

**Frequently Asked Questions About Falun Gong**


Q: What is Falun Gong or Falun Dafa?
A: Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is an ancient 
practice for mind and body that originated in China. The
practice involves some slow, gentle movements and a meditation. 

It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, and free of charge. 
A central component of Falun Gong practice is studying the higher 
principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. 

Q: Who practices Falun Gong, and how do they find it beneficial?
A: Falun Gong is practiced by people of all ages, cultures, and 
backgrounds, in over 40 countries worldwide. Almost everyone who 
practices reports significantly improved health, reduced stress, 
and increased levels of energy.

Q: I’m interested in trying it out or learning more about it how can I get started?
A: All practice sites offer free instruction, and everyone is welcome. To find a site near your home, you can call 1-877-FALUN-99, or visit http://www.falundafa.org on the Internet. There are also instructional books and a video available from bookstores. All materials can be downloaded for free from the Internet.

Q: Who is Mr. Li Hongzhi?
A: Mr. Li Hongzhi 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 sometimes 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. 

Mr. Li has given occasional public lectures over the past few years in various countries, including Australia, Switzerland, Canada, and the USA.

Q: Is Falun Gong a religion or a sect? Is it a cult?
A: There has been some confusion about how to categorize Falun Gong, but this is easy to clarify. Falun Gong is neither a religion nor sect it has no temples, no rituals, no clergy or priests, and no ranks. It never collects money from people, and there is no initiation or membership. Neither is Falun Gong a cult, of course. 

Practitioners lead normal lives and participate actively in their communities. The practice is an individual choice and is centered on the improvement of one’s self. There are no obligations, and everyone is free to come and go as they choose.

Q: Why has the Chinese government persecuted Falun Gong practitioners?
A: Falun Gong has no political agenda or affiliation. The Chinese government has perceived Falun Gong as a threat,just as it has
other groups that are popular or that involve principles not directly related to their Communist ideology.

Starting in July, 1999, the Chinese government banned the practice of Falun Gong and started persecuting its estimated 70 million practitioners inside China alone (over 100 Million worldwide). Since then tens of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained, and many of them have been beaten, forced from their jobs, homes, schools, and sent to labor camps without trial. In the past 22 months at least 203 practitioners have died while in police custody.

Q: How are Falun Gong practitioners responding to the Chinese government’s crackdown?
A: Falun Gong members have appealed to the Chinese government via the proper legal channels, but without response. Thousands continue to be arrested in China simply for asking to be allowed to practice in peace. Not a single practitioner has struck back or physically retaliated against police despite enduring beatings and torture. 

This kind of conduct, in the face of such torment and injustice and exhibited on such a large scale, has spoken volumes to the world about the fundamentally peaceful and compassionate nature of Falun Gong. The international community and practitioners from all around the world have been calling for an open dialogue between Falun Gong and the Chinese government. 

Falun Gong has received support from many international organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and groups within the United Nations.

Q: What are the benefits of practicing Falun Gong?
A: The benefits of practicing Falun Gong are numerous and varied, ranging from improved health and newfound energy to mental clarity, stress relief and peace of mind.  However, Falun Gong differentiates itself from most other qigong practices in that it goes beyond the pursuit of health and fitness to the goal of greater wisdom and enlightenment.  

Through a combination of studying the books and performing the exercises, practitioners endeavor to become better people. 

Everyone is welcome, as Falun Gong is apolitical, informal, and completely free of charge (even its books are available for free download from the internet). 

To find a site near your home, you can call 1-877-FALUN-99, or visit http://www.falundafa.org on the Internet.

I invite you to give this wonderful practice a try.  There is a REAL surprise waiting for those who do...  

Sincerely yours,

Melanie Rose 

                                                                                


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