Religious Movements Homepage: Falun Gong

Falun Gong

I. Group Profile

Name: Falun Gong (pronounced fah- luhn goong , and means "the Practice of the Wheel of the Dharma"). Falun Dafa originally refered to the movement that practices Falun Gong. Now the movement itself is being called by the name of its practice, Falun Gong. ¹
Founder: Li Hongzhi. Here is his photo on Falun Gong website . There are many other photograhs of Li Honhzhi linked at the Falun Gong homesite.
Date of Birth: Li Hongzhi says that his birthday is May 13, 1951. This is supposedly the exact birthday of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Chinese government records contest this, they list his birthday as July 7, 1952. THe government claims that he changed hisbirthdate in order to assume relations to the Buddha. Li Hongzhi maintains that the government records are a misprint, and disavows the immportance of the Buddha's birthday. He is quoted as saying, "whats the big deal? Many criminals were also born on that date." ²
Birth Place: China, Changchun, Jilin, a northeastern province. ³
Year Founded: 1992
Sacred or Revered Texts: Zhuan Falun (Revolving the Law Wheel) , and China Falun Gong , both books written by Li Hongzhi. Although not required reading, nor used ritually or for any other purpose than discussion and delineation of Falun Gong's major teachings, beginning practicioners are encouraged to investigate the texts. The covers of these books and others by Li Hongzhi can be viewed here .
Cult or Sect: Negative sentiments are typically implied when the concepts "cult" and "sect" are employed in popular discourse. Since the Religious Movements Homepage seeks to promote religious tolerance and appreciation of the positive benefits of pluralism and religious diversity in human cultures, we encourage the use of alternative concepts that do not carry implicit negative stereotypes. For a more detailed discussion of both scholarly and popular usage of the concepts "cult" and "sect," please visit our Conceptualizing "Cult" and "Sect" page, where you will find additional links to related issues.
Size of Group: Li Hongzhi claims 100 million members worldwide, 80 million of which are in China. The Chinese government claims that the group has 2 million members. It is likely that both numbers are exagerated. The Falun Gong might be overestimating in an effort to maximze the group's power, while the government could be underestimating in order to minimize the group's success.

II. History of the Group

Chinese religion historically has focused on the rewards of physical health, longevity, and even immortality. This tradition gave rise to Chinese medicine, which concerns the manipulation of life's basic energy ( ch'i ) for increased health. Chinese medicineis most closely linked to the Chinese concepts of yin-yang , and the five phases . Permeating all of Chinese culture, the concepts appear to have pre-historic roots that may date back many millennia. The ideas and philosiphies of ch'i, yin-yang, and the five phases arose independantly of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, however are closely related to them. ⁴

Today this tradition is called Ch'i gong (pronounced chee-gong). Ch'i means universal life energy ; andGong means cultivation energy ⁵ . Ch'i gong consists of cultivation methods including physical stretches, meditation, and slow movements. It is common today to see large numbers of Chinese practicing these techniques early in the morning across public parks.

The Falun Gong movement is one practice within the ancient Chinese cultivation methods. A part of the this tradition, the Falun Gong alsoexeeds the scope of more common Ch'i gong forms that limit their focus to physical health. Onetime member of the national confederation ofdifferent Ch'i gong groups, Li Hongzhi and the Falun Gong left the Qigong Research Association of China in 1992. Apparently theassociations's emphasis conflicted with Falun Gong's emphasis on guiding people to higher dimensions. Over the Falun Gong's specificallyspiritual beliefs and practices, Li Hongzhi withdrew the movement from the Association. ⁶

Li Hongzhi (a.k.a. Master Li) has said that, in the past, the Falun Gong secrets were passed only from a master to select students. Theseused to be highly classified teachings once imparted exclusively from master to trusted disciples since antiquity in China. At theinstruction of his own teachers, Hongzhi made the teachings public in 1992, they have since been available to everyone. When questionedabout his desicion to reveal the previously classified information, Li Hongzhi has said that his teachers instructed him to doso. ⁷ Falun Gong rapidly grew in popularity throughout and beyond China. It currentlyhas member groups throughout the world. They are easily accesible via the Internet. Some of their sites are listed below in the Linkssection.

Today the Falun Gong exists in high tension with the Chinese government. This is explored in the Issues and Controversies section below.

III. Beliefs of the Group

Falun means law wheel , Gong means the cultivation of energy and capabilties . ⁸

The Falun Gong symbol consists of a spinning swastika surrounded by four smallerspinnig swastikas and four spinning yin-yang symbols. These are primarily Buddhist and Taoist symbols. The spinning swastika is seen as arotating wheel that represents a miniture of the universe. It operates as an energy vortex. The smaller surrounding yin-yangs representthe many galaxies in the universe. Several representations of the Falun Gong emblem are linked here . ⁹

Li Hongzhi's core teachings contain knowledge for the cultivation of oneself towards higher stages of energy attainment. Master Li'steachings are expounded in the Zhuan Falun (Revolving the Law Wheel) , and China Falun Gong . These are a summary of the principles and exercises, andare recommended for beginners. After reading the texts and making contact with local groups, beginners are encouraged to attend a freenine day seminar to familiarize themselves with the movements, group philosiphy and lifestyle. ¹⁰ .

Falun Dafa is a set of five exercises specially designed to complement one's cultivation of body, mind, and spirit. Three of the exercisesinvolve physical movements and maneuvers while the other two exercises require remaining still for extended periods of time. There aresymbolic representations of Li Hongzhi in his sitting practice linked here . The exercises are considered exceptionally powerful and effective even though they are simple and easy to learn ¹¹ .

The Falun, is located at the dan-tian (lower abdomen). As an intelligent spinning body of high-energy substance, the Falun automaticallyabsorbs energy from the universe and relieves the body of negative influences and elements. The rotation of Falun synchronizes with therotation of the universe. Possesing the same characteristics as the universe, it is the universe's miniature model. The Falun isconstantly rotating, making the cultivation state 24 hours a day. ¹² .

Falun Gong concentrates on the virtues of Zhen-Shan-Ren, or truthfulness, benevolence, and forbearance. ¹³ . These are historically Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist virtues. Practitioners are encouraged to conductthemselves with these three in all situations. The goal is to become enlightened to the truth of human life and to cultivate oneself tohigher levels of existence. Li Hongzhi proclaims there to be innumerable levels and dimensions of existence. Although there are somepoliticians who practice Falun Gong, the movement itself has not claimed affiliation to any political party or government. The focus is onan individual's self-examination and self-improvement rather than the development of an organization or a group ¹⁴

Falun Gong members have repeatedly claimed that Falun Gong is not a religion, but a cultivation discipline of a routine set of practices.Li Hongzhi has stated that Falun Gong members can be of many differnent faiths, as Falun Gong does not contradict nor preclude anyfaith. ¹⁵

Although the teachings of Falun Gong contain some phrases and many concepts similar to those used in Buddhism and Taoism, it is not abranch of the Buddhist religion, just as Tai ch'i is not a branch of the Taoist religion and Hatha Yoga is not a branch of Hinduism.

While practitioners show respect to Master Li Hongzhi, he does not encourage anyone to worship him. Master Li has maintained that he simplyteaches the principles of the universe and members should "take the Law as the teacher". ¹⁶

Li Hongzhi has also expressed some views not related to traditional Chinese religion. In several interviews he has explained that hebelieves in the presence of alien life on earth. He considers the aliens a menace, and describes their intent as to corrupt and eventuallyreplace humanity. He holds alien influence responsible for the rapid expansion of computers, machines, and for the advancement oftechnology in general. ¹⁷

Membership is free and open to everyone. There is no member list. There is no heirarchy of leaders or clergy. Falun Gong maintains thatthey are just a loose network of volunteers. People of many different backgrounds practice together. All students are regarded as equals,no matter how long they have practiced.

In Zhuan Falun , Master Li has said, "When you promote it [Falun Gong],you should not seek fame or profit. You should serve others voluntarily." ¹⁸

Master Li does not allow donations, fundraising activities, or money to be accumulated in the name of Falun Gong. If a person is inspiredto give a seminar or class, or print an information package such as this, then they find the money to pay for it themselves. These arespontaneous, individual actions rather than an organizational decision or requirement. The emphasis is supposed to rest upon personaldevelopment, not organizing events ²⁰ . This point has been examined in a the firstscholarly book written on the movement, The Mystery of China's Falun Gong: Its Rise and Its Sociological Implications , by National University of Singapore sociologists John Wong and William T. Liu.They examine the movement prior to the crackdown, and find an organization in China including 39 teaching centers, 1,900 instruction centers, and 28,000 practice sites, thus raising doubts to the group's claim of a fundamentally loose, non- structured, and unorganized nature.

IV. Issues and Controversies

Summary of Escalation and Conflict

Timeline of Events

South China Morning Post

CESNUR

In early 1999 the Chinese government launched a renewed effort against various spiritual movements. In response the Falun Gong held asilent, non-violent, mass protest. Over 10,000 people participated. The illegal protest occured outside the Communist Party headquartersin Beijing on April 25, 1999. ²¹ The government was frightened both by the size of theprotest and by the lack of fore- knowledge of Chinese intelligence. The government points to the size of the protest as an indication of ahigh level of the movements. Li Hongzhi and other Falun Gong members continue to claim that the demonstrations have always beenspontaneous. They argue that the lack of heirarchy and the loose nature of member networks prevent any such organization. ²²

In the following months, practitioners were harassed while performing their group exercises throughout China. Falun Gong members were told that their phones were being monitored and that their retirement pensions would be terminated. Police broke into practitioners' homes and confiscated Falun Gong materials. Some followers have been arrested and have disappeared. The movement claims that many of its incarcerated members have died while imprisoned. Thousands of members have continued to demonstrate peacefully in about 30 Chinese cities. ²³

The group was outlawed on July 22, 1999. The government accused it of lying, cheating, threatening the government, and harming Chinesesocial fabric. The Chinese government has an official anti-Falun Gong website wherethey seek to discredit Falun Gong members, beliefs, practices, and Li Hongzhi. They have many 'statements' by Li Hongzhi that are mostlikely Chinese propaganda. Falun Gong is defined by the government as a dangerous cult, and accused of the murders and destruction of manyChinese and their families. ²⁴

On July 29, Chinese authorities issued an arrest warrant for Master Li. The government claims that by manipulating others through theFalun Gong, Hongzhi is responsible for many deaths of members. He is also accused of organizing demonstrations without first applying forpermits. ²⁵ China has repeadedly asked the US to arrest and return Li Hongzhi, who fled to New York in 1996. ²⁶

In a violation of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which China recently signed, the government has arrestedhundreds of Falun Gong practitioners and is proceeding with trials. Some have been sent directly to labor camps without trials. Othershave received over a year long incarceration sentances. There are many reports of harassement and abuse, from drugging to beatings, to thekidnapping of members. A spokesperson for the Falun Gong Practitioners in North America has stated that "lawyers in China have alreadybeen told not to defend these civilians unless they agree with the government. Also, no legal representation on behalf of them from theconcerned international community is allowed to be present at the trial." ²⁷

The U.S. House and Senate unanimously passed resolutions on November 18 and 19 which criticized the Chinese government for its crackdown ofthe Falun Gong. The resolutions called for the Chinese to observe the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the halting of all incarceration,torture, and persecution agianst the Falun Gong. The Chinese government has answered that they see the movement as not simply anotherharmless Ch'i gong group. It is seen as a destructive cult that harms Chinese society and its people. China has voiced that the USresolutions are a gross infringement of China's autonomy. ²⁸

In late November 1999, over 700 Falun Gong practitioners went to Seattle, WA during the World Trade Organization (WTO) meetings. Theirintent was to launch a global campaign that they hope will pressure the Chinese government into negotiating with them. ²⁹

The Chinese government has not backed down despite internation appeal for human rights and religious tolerance. The Chinese governementhas launched a massive media and propaganda campaign against the group. It is the most serious government crackdown since Tiamen Square,over a decade ago. Falun Gong has received global political attention as other nations specify this incident of China's religiousintolerance as grounds to limit trade and normal relations. The proliferation of Falun Gong websites and information on the internet havequickly expanded an international awareness. Also, the free access to Li Hongzhi's teachings via the internet have aided the spread of thepractice, promoting a global movement.

Reflections on the Escalation and Conflict

here

Wong investigates the movements tremendous popularity and points to an interesting indicator. He indentifies China's growing elderly and retired population seeking cheaper health care alternatives to the state's system. ³⁰

The Chinese government may perceive the Falun Gong as a political threat for several reasons. The Chinese government had become concernedabout the popularity of the Falun Dafa. While the exact number of Falun Gong practitioners is in question, the movement probably doesoutnumber the Communist party. Further, Communist party members and military officials are also known to participate. That the Falun Gonghas such a large international memberhsip is also reason for the historically isolationist Chinese government to be wary.

Of very considerable significance is the fact that the Falun Gong emphasizes spirituality, which is incompatible with the Chinesegovernment's communist atheist doctrine. The government is most likely reacting to the sheer numbers of this past year's massdemonstrations. Perhaps most importantly is China's long history of religiousrebellion. The Tai P'ing the most noted, even the Ming dynasty began a religious rebellion. It is most likely that China's government isfighting this tradition of religious upsurgence signaling the end of empires rather than the actual Falun Gong alone. They probably fearthe Falun Gong's implications in terms of China's own historically rebellious movements more than the Falun Gong themselves.

Another scholar, Michael Lestz, argues that rather than feeling the historical pressures of regime toppling religious rebellion, the Chinese government is reacting in their standard response to any perceived target, threat, or antagonism. That is the root of the government's propaganda campaign. Lestz also points to the international makeup of the Falun Gong as another point of contention for the government. He concludes that instead of religious intolerance, the government's crackdown is motivated by a need to keep face, preserve predictibility and re-establish state control and order with this flagrant group flaunting surprise demonstrations in Tienanmen Square. ³¹

V. Glossary of Important Chinese Religious Terms

Shambhala Dictionary of Taoism

Ch'i: Literally Chinese for air, breathe, vapor, ehter, energy. Related to temperment, strength, atmosphere. Ch'i is a centralconcept in Chinese religion, and means "the vital energy, the life force, the cosmic spirit that pervades and enlivens all things and istherefore synonymous with primordial energy. In the human body ch'i is accumulated in an area near the navel, known as the ocean ofbreath, and must be carefully tended to prevent it from being wasted, which results in sickness and death." (p.16) Chinese medicineoriginates from a worldview that understands disease as a fundamental imbalance in one's ch'i, which can be manipulated in many ways fromherbalism to massage to accupunture to exercise and more.
Ch'i Gong: "Roughly translated as "working the energy"; physical exercises important in Chinese medicine. These healthexercises combine Buddhist and Taoist elements and cover a wide range of practices, such as techniques for regulating the body, the mind(by reducing or quieting thought activity, and the breath; movement exercises; self- massage etc. In a wider sense the various martialarts are also a form of ch'i gong." (p.20)
Five Phases: Known in Chinese as wu-hsing , literally the five movers. They represent "five phases of transformation, orfive energies, that determine the course of natural phenomena. These five elements- water, fire, wood, metal, and earth- are not beunderstood as real substances but rather as abstract forces and symbols for certain basic characteristics of matter: e.g., it lies in thenature of water to moisten and flow downward; and of fire to heat and rise; of wood to bend and straighten again; of metal to be cast orhammered into various forms; and of earth to be fertile.
At the time of the Warring States Period (475-221bce), the notion arose that the elements not only give rise to eachother but also may helpconquer or destroy eachother: wood can give rise to fire, fire to earth (in the form of ashes), earth to metal, metal to water (frommelting), and water to wood (through irrigation). At the same time water will conquer fire, fire vanquishes metal, metal can destroy wood,wood can conquer the earth, and earht overcomes water. With a more complicated system of correspondence, the five elements are related tothe seasons of the year, the cardinal points, colors, flavors, numbers, internal organs, and other groupings." (p.203)
Yin-Yang: "Two polar energies that, by their fluctuation and interaction, are the cause of the universe. Yin and Yang aremanifestations of the supreme ultimate, their concrete manifestations being Earth and Heaven. From the intermingling of of yin and yangarise the five elements. This manifestation of all phenomena is seen as a cyclic process, an endless coming into being and passing away,as everything, upon reaching its extreme stage, transforms into its opposite. The underlying shared characteristic of yin and yangtherefore consists in giving rise to this continuous change.
Originally the word yin designated the northern slope of a mountain, i.e., the side facing away from the sun- and was further associatedwith cold, turgid water and a cloud- covered sky. Yang denoted the mountain slope facing the sun and was associated with brightness andwarmth." (p.217) Yin and yang became representative of all polar relationships. Yin became "the feminine, the passive, the receptive, thedark, the soft. Symbols of yin are the moon, water, clouds, the tiger, the turtle, the color black, the north, and all even numbers. Yangcorresponds to what is masculine, active, creative, bright, and hard. Symbols of yang are the sun, fire, the dragon, the color red, thesouth, mercury, and all odd numbers. The well known yin-yang symbol (the black and white circle) stands for the universe composed of yinand yang, which form a whole only in combination. The two spots in the symbol indicate that each of the two energies- at the highest stageof its realization- already contains the seeds of, and is about to transform into, its polar opposite." (p.217-218) As for Chinesemedicine, "the body is healthy only when yin and yang hold each other in balance. Too much yang causes heightened organic activity; toomuch yin, an inadequate functioning of the organs." (p.219)

VI. Links to Falun Gong Web Sites

Falun Gong Group Sites

Falun Dafa
This is the movement's homepage, complete with history, practices, and news updates, excellect source. Li Hongzhi's texts are availiblewith English translations, with information for ordering audio tapes. This homesite is well organized and links over 75 other Falun Gong members sites around the globe.
http://www.falundafa.org

Minghui: Falung Dafa in North America
Minghui, meaning awareness and wisdom, or "clear wisdom," is another important web page with official status that is designed to share person experiences of practitioners and to provide up-to-date information on the conflict situation in China. It also contains teachings and current statements by Li Hongzhi. An essential resource for keeping abreast of developments of the movement in China and around the world.
http://www.clearwisdom.net/

Minghui Net, Falun Dafa in North America
This is the North American source, with local contact information, recent and accurate news updates, basic group beliefs, practitioners' testimonials, photographs, and international responeses to the Falun Gong and China's crackdown. Also contains latest statement by Li Hongzhi.
http://minghui.ca/content.htm

Falun Dafa in Canada
Canadian contact information, news articles, beliefs, and "how to get started" packages. Information of human rights abuses in China also available. Links to other sites, and short statement by Li Hongzhi alongside a disclaimer aimed at Chinese government propaganda.
http://www.falundafa.ca

Falun Dafa in the UK
UK contacts, Master Li's materials, instruction classes and group practicing schedules. Books are also linked here.
http://societies.su.umist.ac.uk/falungong

China Falun Gong
One of the texts by Li Hongzhi about the origin and ways of Falun Gong teachings.
http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/flg.htm

Zhaun Falun
Another text by Li Hongzhi containing Falun Gong teachings and practices.
http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/zflus.html

Books by Mr. Li Hongzhi
Seven other Falun Gong texts, lectures, and articles by Li Hongzhi.
http://www.falundafa.org/book/index.html

Zhen - Shan - Ren
Translated as truthfulness, benevolence, and forebearance, these three Chinese characters represent three virtues to live by through FalunGong practice.
http://www.falundafa.au.cd/zsrD.gif

Photos from a Falun Gong Convention
Arial photographs of Falun Gong practitioners forming the Falun Gong emblem and the Chinese characters of Zhen, Shan, and Ren at one oftheir conventions which take place around the globe.
http://falundafa.ca/world/rpt_index.htm

Scholarly Resources

Center for Studies on New Religions
Superb compilation of recent news articles, dating back to January 3, updated daily. Also included are the excellent Times magazineinterviews with Li Hongzhi, and the official Chinese government's legislation banning cults and superstitions.
http://www.cesnur.org/testi/falun_updates.htm

Ontario Consultants of ReligiousTolerance
Informative site with great overview of beliefs, history, and links to other Falun sites.
www.religioustolerance.org/falungong.htm

Anti- Falun Gong Sites

Safegaurd the Wellbeing of the People
This is the Chinese government's website on the Falun Gong. It has extensive materials discrediting members and practices. There are manystatement purported to be from Li Hongzhi, quoting him as plotting his deception of the Chinese people.
http://ppflg.china.com.cn/indexE.html

www.rickross.com on the Falun Gong
Rick Ross's anti-cult site, with disparaging articles about the Falun Gong, as well as a well organized and diverse listing of articlescovering criminal charges, the government crackdown, protests, and world reactions. He mainly highlights one of China's primieranit-cultists, Sima Nan. Ross also illegitiamates the movements Taoist relations, and implies that Li Hongzhi has laid false claim toTaoism. http://www.rickross.com/groups/falun.html

VII. Bibliography

Carlson, Peter. 2000.

"For Whom the Gong Tolls". The Washington Post . February 27, 2000.

Article availible on-line.

http://www.cesnur.org/testi/falun_035.htm#Anchor-11481

Dallman, Christine, and Isamu Yamamoto. 1999.

"China's Falun Gong, the world is watching...and joining". Christian Research Journal . 22: 2 pp. 22-45.

Fischer-Schreiber, Ingrid. 1996.

The Shambhala Dictionary of Taoism. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc.

Hongzhi, Li. 2001.

Zhuan Falun: The Complete Teachings of Falun Gong. Fair Winds Press.

Hongzhi, Li. 1994.

Zhuan Falun (Revolving the Law Wheel) . Hong Kong: Falun Fo Fa Pub. Co.

Hongzhi, Li. 1998.

China Falun Gong . Hong Kong: Falun Fo Fa Pub. Co.

Lestz, Michael. 1999.

"Why Smash the Falun Gong?" Religion in the News , Vol. 2, No. 3.

Article availible on-line here.

http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/csrpl/RINVol2No3/Falun%20Gong.htm

Wong, John, and William T. Liu. 1999.

The Mystery of China's Falun Gong: Its Rise and Its Sociological Implications . Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co. and Singapore University Press.

Yang Zhonghu. 2001.

"'Spiritual Practice or Evil Cult'?: Comprehending Falun Gong in the Context of China's Religious Policy." Paper presented at the annual meetings of the American Academy of Religion (Nov 11). click here to access

VIII. References

www.religioustolerance.org/falun.htm The ReligiousTolerance.org website, under the terminologyheading on the Falun Gong page.
http://www.cesnur.org/testi/falun_020.htm CESNUR's article of Time Magazine's interview with LiHongzhi, August 2, 1999. Contraversy surrounding the birthdate is listed at the very end of the piece.
China's Falun Gong , Dallman, Chirstine and J. Isamu Yamamoto, Christian Research Journal ,22:2, 1999, page 25 third paragraph.
Professor Groner's Relb 213 Taoism and Confucianism lecture on Chinese Medicine at U.Va, , 2000. Lecture notes on Chinese Medicine. Just click submit with blank fields if prompted for usedID and password.
www.religioustolerance.org/falun.htm The ReligiousTolerance.org website, under the history section,first paragraph.
www.religioustolerance.org/falun.htm The ReligiousTolerance.org website, under the history section,fourth paragraph.
www.cesnur.org/testi/falun_010.htm CESNUR's article of Time Magazine's interview with Li Hongzhi, May10, 1999. Second page, under the question, . what made you finally come out?.
www.falundafa.org/intro.htm The Falun Gong homesite, under the introduction heading.
wwwfalundafa.org/intro/0-falun.htm The Falun Emblem.
www.stanford.edu/group/falun/intro.htm Under the Brief Introduction of Falun Dafa: Start Learning,third and fourth paragraphs down.
www.falundafa.org/start.htm The Falun Gong homesite, under the Start to Learn heading.
www.stanford.edu/group/falun/intro.htm Under the Brief Introduction of Falun Dafa: StartLearning, second page.
www.cesnur.org/testi/falun_020.htm In the interview with Li Hongzhi, New York Times Magazine, August 8,1999. Under the seventh question, . does it require faith?.
www.falundafa.au.cd/ Li Hongzhi's statement July 31, 1999
wysiwyg://113/http://www.cesnur.org/testi/falun_010.htm Time Magazine intervew with Li Hongzhi.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/falungong.htm History section, seventh paragraph.
http://falundafa.au.cd/introd/intro2.htm Short statement with relevant details of the lack ofstructure within the movement.
http://ppflg.china.com.cn/baodao/1121/01e.htm Chinese gov's reaction to US resolutions.
Professor Groner's Relb 213 Taoism and Confucianism lecture on early Taoist organizations and thehistory of Chinese religious revolution at U.Va, March 28, 2000. Lecture notes on Early Taoist Organizations. Just click submit with blank fields if prompted for userID or password.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/falungong.htm History section.
http://ppflg.china.com.cn/indexE.html Chinese gov anti- Falun Gong website.
http://ppflg.china.com.cn/dazhong/1129/03e.htm Short poem denouncing Master Li.
wysiwyg://107http://www.cesnur.org/testi/falun101.htm Falun Gong 101 article by MassimoIntrovigne.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/falungong.htm History section.
http://ppflg.china.com.cn/baodao/1121/01e.htm Chinese gov's reaction to US resolutions.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/falungong.htm History section.
http://minghui.ca/content.htm#A_CLARIFY Under Falun Gong member quotes.
http://ppflg.china.com.cn/baodao/1121/01e.htm China's reaction to US resolutions.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/falungong.htm History section.
http://www.cesnur.org/testi/falun_038.htm#Anchor-35882 Synopsis.
http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/csrpl/RINVol2No3/Falun%20Gong.htm Page 7.

Created by David Kime Androff Jr.
For Soc 257: New Religious Movements
Spring Term, 2000
University of Virginia
Last modified: 08/21/01