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 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.
1.
The Books and the Exercises
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.
2.
The Principles of the Practice
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.
3.
Is This for Me?
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. To learn about ways to begin, click here.
If you have further questions about the practice in general, click here
to view a discussion of frequently asked questions.
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