07 May 2011
On May 13, 1992, in a humble schoolhouse in northeastern China, Mr. Li Hongzhi began teaching Falun Gong (or Falun Dafa), introducing to modern China a practice with roots extending back thousands of years. By early 1999, there were 70 to 100 million people practicing Falun Gong in China alone, their slow-moving meditative exercises visible at dawn in parks across the country.
Nineteen years later, Falun Gong has transcended cultural and national boundaries to bring physical health, joy and peace of mind to the lives of millions around the globe. From Cape Town to Cannes, Bangledesh to Berlin, Tokyo to Tehran, Falun Gong is practiced in over 100 countries, its teachings freely available in 30 languages. Even under harsh persecution, tens of millions in China continue to practice.
At the core of Falun Gong's teachings is the understanding that Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance comprise the fundamental nature of all lives and all things. Practitioners of Falun Gong seek to assimilate to these values in their daily lives, resulting in not only a sense of inner calm and optimism, but also a profound understanding of life and the universe around them.
And so, on May 13, 2011, Falun Gong practitioners and their supporters around the world will celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, giving thanks to Mr. Li for his teachings and the goodness they have brought to people’s lives. Among other celebrations, hundreds of colorful greetings have flowed from China to be posted on overseas Falun Gong websites.
With Falun Gong's global spread since 1992, millions of people became free of illness, resolved family differences and discovered the true power of kindness.
It is this gift that they celebrate this week.
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For more information on what Falun Gong is, how it has spread in China and beyond, and what those practicing it have experienced, see:
- Falun Gong Beliefs and Demographics: http://faluninfo.net/article/1041/
- The New Statesman: “Being a Falun Gong Practitioner” http://faluninfo.net/article/806/?cid=26
- Falun Gong FAQ: http://faluninfo.net/topic/23/
- Compassion Magazine: “Transcending the Mundane” http://faluninfo.net/article/503/
- “Falun Gong Stories: A Journey to Enlightenment”: http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/download/publications/enlighten_index.html
- “Falun Gong Stories: A Journey to Ultimate Health”: http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/download/publications/health_index.html
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Category: Falun Dafa in the Media
