Falun Gong: Difference between revisions
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Falun Gong | == Falun Gong == | ||
Falun Gong is a growing religious movement. In the present form it appears to be founded by its leader Li Hongzhi in China in the early 1990s. As an institution Falun Gong has its present global headquarters in Dragon Springs, a 427-acre compound in Deerpark, New York, United States, near the residence of Li Hongzhi. | |||
=== Ancient origin === | |||
Falun Gong, officially known as Falun Dafa, is a form of qigong, which roughly translates to 'cultivation. ' Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. ''Qigong'' is not ''yoga'' nor ''tai chi''. It does involve using mild exercises or calm movements during a period of meditation. People will add onto the basics often distorting the forms of these practices. | Falun Gong, officially known as Falun Dafa, is a form of qigong, which roughly translates to 'cultivation. ' Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. ''Qigong'' is not ''yoga'' nor ''tai chi''. It does involve using mild exercises or calm movements during a period of meditation. People will add onto the basics often distorting the forms of these practices. | ||
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So, the view that "traditional Chinese science as an entirely different, yet equally valid knowledge system" may be true depending on which traditional ''Chinese science'' you are referring too. | So, the view that "traditional Chinese science as an entirely different, yet equally valid knowledge system" may be true depending on which traditional ''Chinese science'' you are referring too. | ||
=== The opposition === | |||
It may include from 40 to 70 million followers despite the opposition of the CCP. It is very popularity, and because of its moral position and independence from the state it is seen as a threat to the internal politics within the Chinese government. | |||
It has clear moral and spiritual positions would naturally put it at odds with traditional Marxist ideology. the persistence and union of the practitioners is feared by the Chinese government. | |||
Media in China often takes a hard line declaring that the Falun Gong is "opposed to the Communist Party of China and the central government". | |||
== Shen Yun == | == Shen Yun == | ||
Revision as of 20:01, 11 December 2024
Falun Gong
Falun Gong is a growing religious movement. In the present form it appears to be founded by its leader Li Hongzhi in China in the early 1990s. As an institution Falun Gong has its present global headquarters in Dragon Springs, a 427-acre compound in Deerpark, New York, United States, near the residence of Li Hongzhi.
Ancient origin
Falun Gong, officially known as Falun Dafa, is a form of qigong, which roughly translates to 'cultivation. ' Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. Qigong is not yoga nor tai chi. It does involve using mild exercises or calm movements during a period of meditation. People will add onto the basics often distorting the forms of these practices.
It involves using exercises to optimize an energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being of that individuals body, mind, and spirit.
The focuses is on the perfection and refinement of mind and body. Falun Gong as a legal institution takes this a step further and incorporates the cultivation of morality and virtue in that refining quest for perfection.[1]
The man
If we accept the opinions news media, like NBC News, Li Hongzhi and many of his followers consider Li as "a God-like figure who can levitate, walk through walls and see into the future. His ultra-conservative and controversial teachings include a rejection of modern science, art and medicine, and a denunciation of homosexuality, feminism and general worldliness."
The man Hongzhi instructs his followers to downplay his controversial teachings when speaking to outsiders. So, a question arises what is motivating the majority of the followers and exactly what are they following.
The exercises
The exercises are said to be merely an outward sign or ritual to bring mind and body and soul into a common focus like the [[Rituals and ceremonies of public prayer, singing, or waving your hands in Church, or physical demonstrations like making the the sign of the cross or facing the Qibla while praying toward Mecca or just kneeling, bowing your head, or even just singing.
But far more important to the Falun Gong personal journey is the refinement of one's xinxing (moral character and temperament).
That is no different than seeking the righteousness of God becoming a doer of the word, while meditation is little more than being still or waiting upon the Lord in and attitude of a prayer.
The tradition
We are told that Falun Gong believes that the virtues to cultivate are "truthfulness",[2] "benevolence",[3] and "forbearance".[4]
We are also told that Falun Gong draws on oriental mysticism and traditional Chinese medicine, and supposedly criticizes self-imposed limits of modern science which today often has a very secular, non spiritual approach to health. If we are merely self evolved sacks of chemicals as some believe then the rejection of "modern science" under that perception may seem reasonable. They are known for opposing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) This may certainly or reportedly include espousing anti-evolutionary views, opposition to homosexuality and feminism, and rejection of modern medicine as a singular source of healing, among other views described as "ultra-conservative".
If someone believes diet can be important to your health then they believe in the chemistry of the universe and are not devoid of scientific thinking but to not reduce man to mere evolutionary chemistry is not anti-science. If modern science neglect diet as unimportant factor to health then it would seem that modern science rejects science.
So, the view that "traditional Chinese science as an entirely different, yet equally valid knowledge system" may be true depending on which traditional Chinese science you are referring too.
The opposition
It may include from 40 to 70 million followers despite the opposition of the CCP. It is very popularity, and because of its moral position and independence from the state it is seen as a threat to the internal politics within the Chinese government.
It has clear moral and spiritual positions would naturally put it at odds with traditional Marxist ideology. the persistence and union of the practitioners is feared by the Chinese government.
Media in China often takes a hard line declaring that the Falun Gong is "opposed to the Communist Party of China and the central government".
Shen Yun
Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world's premier classical Chinese dance and music company, established in New York in 2006. But Beijing sees it as the propaganda wing of the Falun Gong and fears it more than American aircraft carrier.
Why is a Performing Arts group considered more dangerous than an American aircraft carriers by the CCP?
Shen Yun is the singing, dancing face of Falun Gong – which the government describes as a malevolent “anti-society cult” that leads its followers to self-mutilation, suicide and murder. Is that true?
Falun Gong, which means “law wheel practice” in Chinese, is a set of meditation exercises and texts that preach the virtues of truth, benevolence, and forbearance. It was founded in north-east China in 1992 by Li Hongzhi, a former trumpet player.
The leader of a growing Chinese spiritual discipline known as Falun Dafa said on Friday in New York that his movement poses no political threat to the Chinese government and that his only goal is to teach people how to lead "more meaningful lives."
The Chinese government has recently begun arresting members of Falun Dafa, especially after some ten-thousand of its members held a silent demonstration in Beijing in April.
Li Hongzhi, whose particular blend of meditation and exercise is followed by 100 million (m) Chinese, lives in an undisclosed location in New York due to fears about his personal safety.
He left China in 1996 after Chinese authorities began to suspect his role as the movement's leader.
New York City may not be the most relaxing place on Earth, but Li Hongzhi can find his inner peace just about anywhere.
Mr. Li, or "Master Li" as he is known to the faithful of Falun Dafa, says his particular blend of meditation, breathing exercises and Buddhist mysticism is aimed at teaching people how to lead "more meaningful" lives.
Many people, including the Chinese government, which has recently begun arresting the of Falun Dafa, believe that it is a dangerous cult with a powerful political base.
Master Li says his teachings are spiritual, not political.
- ↑ Perfected
- Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
- Leviticus 22:21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.
- Deuteronomy 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
- Deuteronomy 25:15 [But] thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
- 1 Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.
- Psalms 101:6 Mine eyes [shall be] upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
- Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
- Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.
- Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
- Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world<165>: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
- 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
- 1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
- Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
- 2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
- James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
- ↑ Truthfulness
- Matthew 22:16 "And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any [man]: for thou regardest not the person of men."
- Mark 12:14 "And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?"
- John 3:21 "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."
- John 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth."
- John 5:33 "Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth."
- John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
- Exodus 20:16 "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."
- Matthew 19:18 "He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,"
- Mark 10:19 "Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother."
- Luke 18:20 "Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother."
- ↑ Benevolence
- 1 Corinthians 7:3 "Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence <2133>: and likewise also the wife unto the husband."
- Ephesians 6:7 "With good will <2133> doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:"
- Matthew 5:25 "Agree <2132> with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."
- Leviticus 19:18 "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD."
- Matthew 5:43 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy."
- Matthew 19:19 "Honour thy father and [thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
- Matthew 22:39 "And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
- Luke 10:27 "And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself."
- Romans 13:9 "For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law."
- Galatians 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
- James 2:8 "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:"
- ↑ Forbearance
- Ephesians 6:9 "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."
- Colossians 313 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even :as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye."
- Romans 2:4 "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
- Romans 15:1 "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."
- Romans 15:2 "Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification."
- 2 Corinthians 6:6 "By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,"
- Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
- Ephesians 4:2 "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"
- Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."
- Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"
- Matthew 6:12 "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."