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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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