Falun Gong

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual movement founded by Li Hongzhi in China in 1992. It combines meditation and qigong exercises with a moral philosophy centred on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Initially gaining popularity for its health benefits, Falun Gong later faced severe persecution from the Chinese government, which labeled it a “heretical cult” in 1999.

1. Authoritative Leadership

Score: 3

Li Hongzhi is regarded as the sole authority, with his teachings considered infallible. Practitioners often refer to him as “Master Li,” and his writings are treated as sacred texts. This centralised authority discourages questioning and promotes absolute obedience.

2. Control Over Information

Score: 2

Falun Gong emphasises studying Li’s teachings exclusively, discouraging engagement with external materials. This insularity limits exposure to differing perspectives and reinforces group doctrines.

3. Deception

Score: 2

While Falun Gong presents itself as a health practice, deeper involvement reveals esoteric beliefs, such as supernatural powers and apocalyptic predictions, which are not disclosed upfront.

4. Exclusive Knowledge

Score: 3

Practitioners believe they possess unique insights into the universe and moral truths, attainable only through strict adherence to Li’s teachings. This exclusivity fosters a sense of superiority over non-practitioners

5. Exploitation

Score: 1

Members are encouraged to devote significant time and resources to spreading the practice, often at personal cost. While not financially exploitative, this demand can strain personal relationships and livelihoods.

6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation

Score: 3

Teachings warn of dire spiritual consequences for those who abandon the practice or deviate from its principles, instilling fear and guilt to maintain adherence.

7. Isolation

Score: 1

Falun Gong prescribes specific daily practices and moral behaviors but allows for personal autonomy in other life aspects.

8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks

Score: 1

Falun Gong prescribes specific daily practices and moral behaviours but allows for personal autonomy in other life aspects.

9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours

Score: 2

Members are encouraged to self-monitor and report deviations within the group, fostering an environment of surveillance and conformity.

10. Punishment & Discipline

Score: 2

Non-compliance can lead to ostracism and spiritual condemnation, enforcing discipline through social and psychological means.

11. Thought Reform

Score: 3

The practice employs intensive indoctrination, requiring constant study of Li’s teachings and discouraging critical thinking, leading to cognitive restructuring.

12. Us vs. Them Mentality

Score: 2

Falun Gong promotes a worldview where practitioners are enlightened, and non-practitioners are seen as morally inferior or doomed, fostering division.

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Total Score: 25/36 7. Significantly Harmful Cult

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According to Renée’s cult ranking system, Falun Gong scores 26 out of 36, placing it at Level 7: Significantly Harmful Cult. This rating reflects a high degree of control over members’ beliefs and behaviours, with an elevated potential for psychological and social harm. While Falun Gong presents itself as a system of moral cultivation rooted in truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, the group’s authoritarian leadership, absolute adherence to the teachings of founder Li Hongzhi, and rigid ideological worldview raise serious concerns about undue influence and the erosion of personal autonomy.

It is important to distinguish between deeply committed practitioners who immerse themselves in the movement’s teachings and more casual participants. In many countries, including Australia, people may encounter Falun Gong through free exercise sessions held in public parks. These sessions often emphasise the meditative and physical aspects of the practice, which some individuals find relaxing or beneficial for stress relief and health. However, casual participants may not be exposed to—or may be unaware of—the group’s more extreme beliefs, such as its rejection of modern medicine, its apocalyptic cosmology, and claims of supernatural powers. While these individuals may not be fully indoctrinated, ongoing involvement could gradually lead to deeper acceptance of harmful doctrines without informed consent.

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Further Reading

• The power of Falun Gong

• Ancient Wisdom for Modern Predicaments The Truth, Deceit, and Issues Surrounding Falun Gong

• The “Falun Gong Problem”: Politics and the Struggle for the Rule of Law in China

• VIDEO: The Power of Falun Gong

• The Religion of the Nonreligious and the Politics of the Apolitical: The Transformation of Falun Gong from Healing Practice to Political Movement