The Orange County Register (California): IN THE SPIRIT: Falun Gong Practitioners Defend Beliefs

(Clearwisdom.net) Some say it offers spiritual and physical benefits; China's government begs to differ.

As the high wispy clouds were turning pink, and the ducks were waddling across the dew-covered lawn toward the pond, humans were arriving at Heritage Park in Irvine to begin their morning meditation and exercises. These are practitioners of Falun Gong, a controversial practice that blends parts of Taoism, Buddhism and qigong (an ancient Chinese exercise).

Bundled against the chill, each of the dozen individuals took a spot near the small wooden pavilion and began with slow, graceful arm movements as soft, soothing music played on a tape recorder.

Some claim that this practice brings spiritual, mental and physical benefits. But others say Falun Gong is an "evil cult."

Founded in 1992 by Li Hongzhi, Falun Gong was considered a system for spiritual and physical betterment and openly taught in China. But in 1999, the Chinese government accused members of the group of being opposed to the Communist Party and outlawed the practice. At that time it was estimated that there were more than 70 million members in China alone.

Today, some claim there are 100 million practitioners in at least 80 countries, but the exact number is difficult to determine because it is largely an individual practice and there are no records of membership. Though Li occasionally gives lectures, Falun Gong is generally taught by its practitioners.

In the late 1990s, some Orange County residents began to gather in Heritage Park to learn about and practice Falun Gong.

Diana Mathias, 57, of San Clemente and Yan-bo Yang, 48, of Irvine were in the earliest groups, and both continue their involvement today.

The two collaborated on responses to several questions. Here is an edited version.

Q: Falun Gong has been called a religion, a meditation and exercise program, and, by the Chinese government, an "evil cult." What is Falun Gong?

A: It's a high-level cultivation practice to improve one's health both physically and mentally. It leads to spiritual enlightenment through a better understanding of the universe and the meaning of human existence. It consists of five sets of gentle and simple physical exercises and meditation and follows the natural principles of the universe. Falun Gong is practiced by people from all walks of life throughout the world. For the Chinese government to call it an "evil cult" is just an excuse for the regime to persecute the practitioners.

Q: What does Falun Gong mean?

A:Falun translates literally to "law wheel," and Gong means a high-level energy. Falun Gong is also called Falun Dafa.

Q: Falun Gong protested China's float in the Rose Parade last week. Why?

A: The Rose Bowl Parade is a place for beauty and the purity of heart people associate with flowers, and it is not the place for a regime that commits extreme human rights violations to promote itself. It is not acceptable that the Chinese Communist regime is continuing the killing of Chinese people and the eight-year-long brutal persecution of Falun Gong, yet at the same time attempting to deceive the world with such a float. To allow the Communist Party of China to send in such a propaganda vehicle, but not condemn its human rights violation, is a shame. To welcome it is similar to cheering for Hitler's Berlin Olympics.

Q: What is the structure that holds Falun Gong practitioners together? Is Li Hongzhi the leader? Who funds the groups?

A: This is a very unusual group. There is no formal structure, no hierarchy, no membership list and no dues. There is practically no cost for the practice and it is self-funded. If someone sees something that needs to be done, for instance to make a sign for the exercise site, they use their own money to do it. The information about the practice is provided on the Internet for people all over the world, so we don't have the usual branch offices, etc.

Q: Is there a holy book or key book that guides Falun Gong practitioners? And what are the key beliefs?

A: The systematic teaching is provided in Zhuan Falun, which can be purchased from bookstores or downloaded at no charge from the Internet at www.falundafa.org. It teaches the universal principle of "truthfulness, benevolence and forbearance."

Q: In 1999, Falun Gong was outlawed in China. Why?

A: At that time the Communist Party of China estimated that there were more Falun Gong practitioners than there were members of the Communist Party, and they did not like that. The party has a tradition of control and suppression. It won't allow a group that's growing independently to a larger size than itself.

Q: Has the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners improved in China in recent years?

A: No, the Chinese Communist regime is still persecuting practitioners in jails, labor camps, mental hospitals and other facilities, and trying hard to block the information. It has been documented that thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been tortured to death and many are subject to live organ-harvesting atrocities. Outside attention and pressure, especially from media and governments, can help to restrain and eventually stop the persecution.

Q: How has the practice of Falun Gong been received in the United States?

A: Very positively. Many people come and learn the practice. Most universities have Falun Gong clubs. We've also received hundreds of proclamations from mayors and governors and in state and federal legislatures. It actually has been spread to about 80 countries and regions in the world today.

Q: What is the biggest misconception people have about Falun Gong?

A: If people have negative thoughts about Falun Gong, we've found it is due to the propaganda. One example is the use of medicine. There is a big difference between the "need" and "want" of medication. If one can cure disease and physical problems through the true practice of Falun Gong, why would one want medication? On the other hand, if one cannot truly practice and is seriously sick, he or she should seek medical treatment and take medicine.

Q: How do you respond to criticism that this is just another New Age religion, a fad, and will not be around in 20 years?

A: It is not a New Age fad, it is based on the principles of the universe and has its deep roots in the ancient practice encompassing the key teachings of the Buddhist school and the Taoist school. It teaches people how to cultivate virtue and improve their health. That's why practitioners do not give up, even under very brutal persecution. As time goes by, more people will realize the beauty of the practice and continue the practice.

Q: Is there anything that we did not mention but that you think is important for understanding Falun Gong?

A: Keep an open mind and read Falun Gong's book, talk to practitioners and make your own judgment. Understand that the Chinese Communist regime attempts to justify their human rights violations by using propaganda. Time will reveal the truth. Please help speak out to stop the persecution and save the lives of Falun Gong practitioners who are innocent but suffer in the already eight-year-long persecution.