Falun Gong was first introduced to the public in China by the founder of the practice, Mr. Li Hongzhi in 1992, and for several years the practice was encouraged by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), with many high-ranking officials from the Party learning the practice. It was acknowledged as being of great benefit to the health of citizens, and its popularity grew in a very short time. There were an estimated 70 million practicing Falun Gong by 1998.
People aspired to live by the principles of the practice, which are truthfulness compassion tolerance (Zhen-Shan-Ren).
In March of 1996, Falun Gong withdrew from the Qigong Association, as requests by the association to charge fees for the practice were refused, and they wanted autonomy from CCP interference.
Articles began surfacing in the state-controlled media soon afterward, defaming Falun Gong and Mr. Hongzhi.
Labeled as a cult, many people believed the lies spewed by the CCP, and when on July 20, 1999, Chinese leader Jiang Zemin ordered the eradication of Falun Gong, the persecution, which has continued unabated to the present day, resulted in the loss of many thousands of lives. In fact, the number could be far in excess of hundreds of thousands, as Falun Gong practitioners are often incarcerated and tortured by the CCP and have refused to give their real names out of concern for their families and friends.
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Despite the ongoing persecution, Falun Gong has spread around the world and is enjoyed by thousands worldwide, with many reports of amazing health reversals and increases in energy.
Here is a gallery of photos giving tribute to the wonderful practice of Falun Gong that is helping numerous individuals attain a more spiritual and healthy life.
