Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa) is a traditional Chinese spiritual practice for the mind and body. The practice combines five gentle and slow exercises with a moral philosophy centred on the moral principles: Truthfulness “真” (Zhen), Compassion “善” (shan), and “Forbearance “忍” (ren). It teaches that these qualities are universal and fundamental, and by assimilating into them, one can attain true wisdom, physical health, and a serene state of mind. As any practitioner can validate with their own experience, Falun Dafa is beneficial for relieving stress and achieving physical health. Furthermore, it has a deeper meaning for self-improvement and moral transcendence, to achieve a state of selflessness, greater wisdom, and inner peace.
Like other religions, the Falun Gong experiences repression in China. In 1999, the government of China implemented a ban on Falun Gong, categorizing it as an “illegal organization.” A 2022 United States Department of State report on religious freedom in China concluded that “Falun Gong practitioners reported societal discrimination in employment, housing, and business opportunities”.[41] According to the same report, “Prior to the government’s 1999 ban on Falun Gong, the government [of China] estimated there were 70 million adherents. Falun Gong sources estimate that tens of millions continue to practice privately, and Freedom House estimates there are seven to 20 million practitioners.
