
Falun Dafa: A Brief Introduction
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.
Only a
few years after its public introduction in 1992, Falun Dafa quickly
grew 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 by Mr.
Li, Falun Dafa has attracted tens of millions of people in over 60
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
on-line.
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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