Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is most accurately described as a cultivation practice: cultivation refers to the improvement of one's heart and mind through the careful study of the universal principles of Truthfulness, Benevolence, and Forbearance, and practice means meditating and exercising to purify and energize the body.

Mr. Li Hongzhi introduced the practice of Falun Dafa to the public in China in 1992. He then taught the practice publicly for two years in China, after which the practice continued to grow primarily by word of mouth. In keeping with Chinese tradition, Mr. Li is sometimes respectfully referred to as Master or Teacher. He is not accorded special treatment, nor does he accept money or donations from students of Falun Dafa. He has ensured that the practice is available to all people without any cost, terms, or conditions.

Mr. Li's teachings are published 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.

The China Qigong Association and its local offices, which are affiliated with China's Society of Science and Technology, organized all 53 Falun Dafa workshops for Mr. Li Hongzhi between 1992 and 1994. About 20,000 people attended Mr. Li's lectures during this time. Mr. Li received continual praise and recognition from various government organizations throughout this period. In 1996, Zhuan Falun became a best seller in China. Between 1996 and 1998, Mr. Li lectured in countries outside China, such as the United States, Switzerland, Australia, and Germany.

Falun Dafa's effectiveness in improving health and its profound principles quickly made the practice immensely popular throughout the entire world. Since its introduction in 1992, Falun Dafa has attracted tens of millions of people in over 40 countries.

Yet Falun Dafa is different from most other qigong practices in that it goes beyond the pursuit of health and fitness by seeking 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, and embodying these principles in everything they do, practitioners strive to become better people.

Falun Dafa teaches practitioners to always look within themselves for self-improvement and to take responsibility for their own decisions and actions. Practitioners lead normal family lives, work hard for honest pay and aim to behave as good people in all situations and circumstances. Many people have turned away from drugs, alcohol, violence, and other bad habits since learning Falun Dafa. Some families have become harmonious after taking the principle of Truthfulness, Benevolence, and Forbearance to heart.

Falun Dafa is neither religious nor political, as it does not have any political agenda or religious rituals. There is no membership or regular organization. All classes are provided by volunteers and are free of charge. All materials are available on the Internet for free. People are welcome to participate or leave anytime they choose. Practitioners believe in the time-honored principle that the good side of human nature is the key to spiritual enlightenment and a truly powerful cultivation practice is formless.