Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, began as a Chinese meditation practice in the early 1990s but quickly evolved into one of the most controversial and powerful cults in the world. Led by Li Hongzhi, a man who proclaimed himself to be a living god, Falun Gong’s teachings combine spiritual practices with radical beliefs that have drawn millions of followers—and immense international attention. From its roots in China to its expansion across the globe, Falun Gong has become an influential and divisive force. This article explores the origins of the movement, its controversial beliefs, its clash with the Chinese government, and its growing influence on the global stage, while examining the serious ethical and societal implications of its operations.
Origins and Evolution of Falun Gong
Falun Gong emerged during a period of great transformation in China. In the 1980s and 1990s, China witnessed a surge of interest in qigong, a traditional practice involving slow, deliberate movements and controlled breathing to cultivate physical health and spiritual balance. As a result, qigong became a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of followers across the country. The Chinese government, recognizing the health benefits of such practices, officially endorsed qigong as part of its state-run health programs. It was hoped that qigong would alleviate the burden on China’s healthcare system by promoting wellness through a non-medical approach.
Li Hongzhi, who had a background in mechanical work, found his way into the burgeoning qigong scene. In 1992, Li introduced Falun Gong, a new form of qigong, which he claimed was superior to other practices due to its spiritual component. Unlike traditional qigong, which was mostly focused on physical health, Falun Gong’s core principles revolved around the teachings of “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.” Li promised that his practice could not only heal the body but also cultivate the spirit, guiding practitioners towards moral perfection and enlightenment.
In the early years, Falun Gong seemed to be just another variation in the crowded field of qigong, but Li was determined to set it apart. He introduced the concept of “consummation”—a state of spiritual fulfillment that was achieved by following Falun Gong’s teachings and moral code. By practicing the exercises and meditating on the teachings of Li, followers were promised that they would burn off bad karma and eventually reach a state of spiritual purity, free from illness and suffering.
However, it was in the mid-1990s that Falun Gong’s evolution from a health practice to a religious movement began to take shape. Li Hongzhi started to position himself as more than just a qigong master; he began to present himself as a religious leader, claiming to have a divine mission to save humanity. Li’s teachings began to evolve from a focus on health and wellness to a more complex belief system, complete with supernatural claims and apocalyptic warnings.
By the time the movement reached its peak in the late 1990s, Falun Gong had evolved into a full-fledged spiritual system with its own cosmology, rituals, and hierarchical structure. Li Hongzhi, once a humble qigong master, now portrayed himself as the “Living God” with the power to heal the sick, manipulate reality, and protect his followers from harm. His increasingly grandiose self-image and supernatural claims began to set Falun Gong apart from other spiritual practices, attracting both ardent followers and growing skepticism from critics.
Li Hongzhi: The Self-Proclaimed “Living God”
Li Hongzhi’s rise to power within Falun Gong was marked by a series of bold and controversial claims, many of which strayed far from the traditional bounds of qigong and spirituality. As Falun Gong’s popularity grew, Li began to consolidate his authority, positioning himself as the central figure in the movement. He was no longer just a qigong master—he was the divine leader of a movement that, according to his teachings, had the potential to save humanity from the impending apocalypse.
By the mid-1990s, Li began to present himself as more than a religious leader—he positioned himself as a god-like figure, claiming that he was superior to Buddha and Jesus Christ. Li’s teachings included increasingly fantastical elements, such as the assertion that he had created the Earth and that he was the “Lord of the Law Bodies,” powerful spiritual entities that supposedly allowed him to control the fabric of reality itself. Li claimed that his law bodies gave him the ability to read people’s thoughts and to manipulate the physical world to his advantage.
In his teachings, Li emphasized the concept of “law bodies”—an ethereal, spiritual force that he claimed protected his followers from harm. According to Li, these law bodies could shield practitioners from physical injury, such as surviving car accidents without harm, as long as they had unwavering faith in him. However, Li also made it clear that those who questioned or challenged his authority would not be protected, and that their lack of faith would expose them to danger.
Li’s growing claims of divine powers were central to his success. He convinced his followers that by practicing Falun Gong, they could access these supernatural abilities themselves. Devotees were told that they could develop extraordinary powers, such as levitation, telepathy, and the ability to see beyond the physical world. These claims, which were never substantiated by any verifiable evidence, played a crucial role in solidifying his influence over followers, who believed that they could transcend the limitations of ordinary human existence through devotion to Falun Gong and Li’s teachings.
Li’s teachings extended beyond physical and spiritual well-being; he introduced a complex worldview that included ideas about the origins of the universe, the role of extraterrestrial beings, and the nature of evil. He claimed that aliens were manipulating humanity, and that they had introduced modern inventions such as airplanes and computers to control human development. His apocalyptic vision painted a picture of an impending end-times scenario, in which only those who followed his teachings would be saved from destruction. Non-followers, in his view, were irredeemable and would face horrific annihilation.
One of the most disturbing aspects of Li’s belief system was his stance on homosexuality. He claimed that homosexuals were particularly abhorrent in the eyes of the gods and that they would be among the first to be destroyed in the coming apocalypse. Li’s extreme and hateful views on sexual orientation were just one example of the deeply divisive and regressive ideologies embedded in his teachings.
Li’s followers were required to accept his authority without question. In Falun Gong, any interpretation or deviation from his teachings was forbidden, and those who disagreed with him were labeled as “ordinary people”—a term that implied spiritual inferiority. This authoritarian control over the movement’s teachings and practices allowed Li to maintain absolute power, with no room for dissent or critical thought within the ranks of Falun Gong.
The Controversial Beliefs of Falun Gong
At the heart of Falun Gong’s belief system lies an apocalyptic worldview that sets it apart from other religious or spiritual movements. Li Hongzhi’s teachings revolve around the idea that humanity is on the brink of destruction, and that only those who practice Falun Gong can survive the coming catastrophe. According to Li, the cause of this impending disaster is humanity’s moral decay, particularly in the areas of sexual morality, family values, and the rejection of traditional religious beliefs.
Li’s vision of the apocalypse is deeply intertwined with his rejection of modernity and his embrace of outdated and harmful ideologies. He frequently targeted homosexuality, feminism, and other social movements as key contributors to the moral decay of society. In his view, these movements were not just undesirable—they were literal manifestations of evil forces that were hastening the end of the world. He claimed that the “gods” would annihilate homosexuals, seeing them as an affront to divine order.
Race and ethnicity also played a central role in Li’s worldview. He taught that race mixing was an act of spiritual impurity, and that those who engaged in interracial relationships were condemned to eternal damnation. According to Li, mixed-race people had no place in the afterlife, as they were abandoned by the gods. This racially segregated view of the afterlife reinforced the deeply discriminatory nature of Falun Gong’s teachings.
In addition to these views, Falun Gong also promoted the idea that illness was a result of bad karma, and that followers could cure themselves of any ailment through the practice of meditation and the performance of specific rituals. Li Hongzhi discouraged the use of modern medicine, claiming that to take medicine was to deny the spiritual power of Falun Gong. Many followers, under Li’s guidance, stopped taking prescribed medications, leading to numerous health crises and even deaths. The movement’s refusal to acknowledge the importance of modern medical care has been one of the most dangerous and tragic aspects of Falun Gong’s influence.
Li’s rejection of scientific principles also extended to his views on the natural world. He claimed that ancient alien civilizations had introduced knowledge of science and technology to humanity, and that modern scientific achievements were the result of manipulation by extraterrestrial beings. This idea, which is devoid of any scientific basis, further underscores the movement’s tendency to embrace conspiracy theories and supernatural explanations for natural phenomena.
At its core, Falun Gong’s belief system is built on fear and control. Li’s apocalyptic vision, combined with his divisive views on race, sexuality, and science, has made the movement a polarizing force in both China and the West. While its proponents claim that it is a path to spiritual enlightenment, its teachings have caused harm, fostering discrimination, fear, and a rejection of modern society’s advancements.
The Chinese Government’s Crackdown
In the late 1990s, Falun Gong’s growing popularity began to alarm the Chinese government, which had long been wary of any movement that could challenge its authority or disrupt the social order. By 1999, the movement claimed millions of followers, and its ability to organize large-scale protests and events posed a significant threat to the Communist Party’s control over China. The government’s response to this perceived threat was swift, forceful, and deeply repressive.
In April 1999, more than 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners gathered peacefully outside the central government compound in Beijing, Zhongnanhai, to protest against the arrest and mistreatment of their fellow followers in Tianjin. The protesters demanded greater freedom to practice their religion and an end to the government’s efforts to suppress Falun Gong. This unprecedented demonstration shocked the Chinese government, which had not anticipated such a large and organized show of dissent. The protest was not only peaceful but also highly coordinated, highlighting the movement’s organizational strength and the loyalty of its followers to Li Hongzhi.
The Chinese authorities, caught off guard by the size and coordination of the protest, viewed it as a direct challenge to the party’s authority. The fact that the protest took place so close to the heart of the Communist Party’s power structure made it even more threatening. The event led to a series of escalations, and the government decided to act decisively.
In response to the protest, the Chinese government moved quickly to label Falun Gong a “cult” and began a massive campaign to dismantle the movement. In July 1999, the government issued an official ban on Falun Gong, declaring it an illegal organization and officially labeling it a dangerous cult. This move was accompanied by an intense propaganda campaign designed to discredit the movement and its founder, Li Hongzhi, who was now portrayed as a charlatan and a threat to the nation’s stability.
The crackdown on Falun Gong escalated into a large-scale campaign of repression. Tens of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners were arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to brutal treatment. The government used a variety of methods to suppress the movement, including torture, forced labor, brainwashing, and public humiliation. Followers who refused to recant their beliefs were often sent to labor camps or psychiatric facilities, where they were subjected to physical abuse and forced to undergo “re-education” programs.
In addition to this direct repression, the government implemented a widespread media campaign to portray Falun Gong as a dangerous and subversive cult. State-run television, newspapers, and other outlets were used to spread misinformation about the movement, claiming that its practices were harmful to both individuals and society. The government also banned any publications or websites that promoted Falun Gong teachings, and it actively worked to block any coverage of the movement in the foreign press.
Li Hongzhi, who had relocated to the United States in 1998 to escape government persecution, was targeted by the Chinese government with an arrest warrant. However, his position in the U.S. allowed him to continue spreading his teachings and to turn the international community’s attention to the Chinese government’s crackdown. Li’s ability to portray himself and his followers as victims of state oppression helped galvanize support for Falun Gong outside of China, particularly in the West.
The government’s response to the Falun Gong protests had profound consequences for the movement. Although Falun Gong faced severe repression in China, the crackdown gave the group a platform for international attention. By positioning itself as a victim of Chinese tyranny, Falun Gong was able to rally support from human rights organizations and gain significant media attention abroad. As a result, the movement expanded its influence internationally, with Li Hongzhi capitalizing on the West’s fascination with China’s human rights abuses.
Falun Gong’s International Influence
After the Chinese government’s brutal crackdown in 1999, Falun Gong found itself in a peculiar position: it was now an international cause célèbre. The Chinese government’s harsh treatment of its followers, combined with the growing media attention it received, allowed Falun Gong to gain visibility beyond China’s borders. Li Hongzhi, who had moved to the United States, took advantage of this newfound exposure to build a global movement with political and ideological influence.
One of the most important vehicles for Falun Gong’s international expansion was its media empire. In the late 1990s, the movement established The Epoch Times, a newspaper that began as a small anti-communist publication but grew rapidly over the years to become a major media outlet with a global presence. The Epoch Times was not just a newspaper—it became the primary outlet for Falun Gong’s message, propagating the group’s anti-China stance, spreading Li Hongzhi’s teachings, and aligning itself with conservative political ideologies.
Falun Gong’s media outlets, including The Epoch Times and New Tang Dynasty Television, played a significant role in shaping the group’s image in the West. They presented Falun Gong as a peaceful spiritual practice that was unfairly persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party. This narrative resonated with many in the West, especially those concerned about China’s human rights record. By leveraging Western media outlets that were sympathetic to its cause, Falun Gong was able to portray itself as an innocent victim of state-sponsored repression, despite the group’s controversial beliefs and authoritarian leadership structure.
However, the international influence of Falun Gong went beyond media outlets. The movement established a vast network of supporters and sympathizers, particularly among conservative and right-wing groups. In the United States, Falun Gong’s media outlets became an important source of information for individuals critical of China and its government. The Epoch Times, in particular, gained significant attention for its anti-China stance, which was consistent with the growing distrust of China among American conservatives.
Over time, Falun Gong became increasingly active in Western politics, particularly in the United States. The group aligned itself with conservative causes, such as opposition to communism, support for traditional family values, and advocacy for religious freedom. Falun Gong’s media outlets became a powerful tool in promoting these causes, often working in tandem with other conservative organizations to push political agendas.
One of the most notable developments in Falun Gong’s international influence was its relationship with the United States government. Through its media outlets and advocacy groups, Falun Gong was able to secure support from both Republican and Democratic politicians who were concerned about China’s human rights record. In particular, the movement’s efforts to expose Chinese human rights abuses and its anti-communist message found a receptive audience among American lawmakers. As a result, Falun Gong was able to use its political connections to influence U.S. policy toward China, further cementing its place as a powerful international force.
However, despite its growing international influence, Falun Gong’s beliefs remained deeply controversial. The group’s extreme views on issues such as race, sexuality, and modern medicine continued to alienate many people. While Falun Gong was successful in gaining international support for its cause, its overall message remained divisive, and its reputation continued to be shaped by its more controversial teachings.
The Political Alliances and Propaganda Campaign
As Falun Gong’s international profile grew, so did its ability to influence political discourse. The movement leveraged its media outlets, political connections, and financial resources to push its anti-China agenda and promote its ideological beliefs. One of the most striking examples of Falun Gong’s political involvement was its support for Donald Trump during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.
In the years leading up to the election, Falun Gong’s media outlets, particularly The Epoch Times, began to shift their editorial focus from simply opposing China to supporting Trump’s platform. Falun Gong saw Trump as an ally in its struggle against the Chinese Communist Party, believing that his administration would be more aggressive in confronting China on human rights issues. Trump’s tough stance on China, coupled with his anti-communist rhetoric, made him a natural ally for Falun Gong, which had long portrayed China as a malevolent force in the world.
Falun Gong’s media outlets worked tirelessly to promote Trump’s candidacy, publishing articles that praised his policies and criticized his opponents. The movement used its vast media reach to influence public opinion, particularly among conservative audiences. The Epoch Times spent millions of dollars on pro-Trump advertisements, positioning itself as a champion of traditional values and a strong critic of China.
In addition to its media efforts, Falun Gong also engaged in political lobbying, working behind the scenes to influence U.S. policy. The movement’s connections to conservative think tanks and political organizations allowed it to push for policies that aligned with its anti-China agenda. Falun Gong supporters were active in lobbying for tougher sanctions on China and advocating for greater support for human rights organizations critical of the Chinese government.
As Falun Gong’s ties to Trump and the far-right deepened, the movement’s influence in U.S. politics grew. Its media outlets became key players in the conservative media ecosystem, providing a steady stream of anti-China content and supporting the Trump administration’s policies. In return, Falun Gong enjoyed increased political legitimacy and greater access to resources, allowing it to expand its influence even further.
However, Falun Gong’s political activities were not without controversy. The movement’s embrace of Trump and its alignment with far-right political ideologies raised concerns about its true motivations. Critics argued that Falun Gong’s focus on promoting its own religious and political agenda made it difficult to distinguish between genuine advocacy for human rights and political opportunism. Despite these concerns, Falun Gong’s influence in Western politics continues to grow, and its ability to manipulate media narratives and push political agendas remains a powerful tool in its global operations.
Shen Yun and the Cult’s Financial Exploits
Shen Yun Performing Arts, founded in 2006, serves as one of the most visible and financially lucrative aspects of Falun Gong’s global operation. The dance troupe, which tours worldwide, showcases traditional Chinese dance and music while incorporating deeply ideological elements rooted in Falun Gong’s teachings. Despite its artistic veneer, Shen Yun is far more than just a cultural performance—it is a powerful tool for promoting Falun Gong’s religious and political agenda.
Shen Yun’s performances combine beautiful and complex dance routines with elaborate set designs, orchestral music, and vibrant costumes, all showcasing an idealized vision of pre-Communist China. The troupe’s message is clear: the cultural richness and spiritual purity of traditional China were eradicated when the Communist Party took control of the country in 1949. Shen Yun presents itself as a revival of that lost culture, with an emphasis on the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese government. The performances often feature depictions of Falun Gong followers being tortured or killed by Chinese authorities, as well as scenes of spiritual salvation and apocalyptic battles between good and evil.
Shen Yun’s ability to create emotionally charged performances, designed to resonate with both Chinese and Western audiences, has made it a cultural phenomenon. However, it also serves as an essential arm of Falun Gong’s international propaganda campaign. The troupe’s performances are framed as a form of cultural resistance against China’s authoritarian government, highlighting the group’s persecution while appealing to broader international audiences. By presenting itself as a cultural savior, Shen Yun has been able to attract support from non-practitioners, who are drawn to its vibrant performances and emotional appeal.
While Shen Yun portrays itself as a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Chinese cultural heritage, it is deeply embedded within the Falun Gong network. The troupe’s funding comes primarily from Falun Gong followers, many of whom donate significant sums of money to support the group’s operations. Some dancers, singers, and musicians involved in Shen Yun have reported receiving little or no compensation for their work. Instead, they are told that their participation in the troupe is a form of spiritual service and that the act of performing for Shen Yun is part of their path to salvation. This model of exploitation, in which followers work for free or at minimal compensation, is reminiscent of the broader financial structure of Falun Gong, which relies heavily on the labor and donations of its followers to sustain its operations.
The financial success of Shen Yun has allowed Falun Gong to expand its operations significantly. Revenue from ticket sales, which can reach millions of dollars per year, is used to fund the group’s international media outlets, legal campaigns, and lobbying efforts. However, this success comes at a high cost. The performers are often subjected to grueling schedules, isolated from family members, and encouraged to maintain a strict devotion to Li Hongzhi’s teachings. The pressure to conform to Falun Gong’s rigid spiritual and physical standards is immense, and any deviation from these expectations is considered a failure. This intense environment, combined with the promise of spiritual salvation, keeps many performers within the movement, despite the physical and emotional toll it takes on them.
While Shen Yun’s artistic achievements are undeniable, its role as a propaganda tool for Falun Gong raises serious ethical questions. The troupe’s portrayal of traditional Chinese culture, combined with its political messages, makes it an effective means of spreading the group’s beliefs while masking its more controversial and divisive ideologies. Shen Yun’s success is built on its ability to both entertain and manipulate, making it an essential part of Falun Gong’s global strategy.
Financial Success and Scandals
Falun Gong’s financial success has been nothing short of extraordinary, thanks in part to its ability to tap into both religious donations and international financial support. The movement’s media empire, which includes outlets like The Epoch Times and New Tang Dynasty Television, generates significant revenue through subscriptions, advertisements, and donations. Shen Yun Performing Arts adds another layer to the group’s financial structure, providing substantial income from ticket sales and donations. The group has transformed itself from a small spiritual movement into a global financial powerhouse, all while maintaining the appearance of a non-profit, spiritual organization.
The key to Falun Gong’s financial success is its ability to leverage its international media presence to generate support. The Epoch Times, for example, has grown from a niche anti-communist newspaper into a global media empire with millions of subscribers. The newspaper, which positions itself as a defender of human rights and traditional values, has become a go-to source for conservative audiences, particularly those critical of China. By promoting Falun Gong’s teachings and focusing on anti-China rhetoric, the movement has successfully aligned itself with global conservative and anti-communist sentiments, drawing in both financial support and political alliances.
In addition to the support it receives from Falun Gong followers, the group has attracted significant funding from various governments and conservative organizations, particularly in the United States and Canada. These funds have enabled the movement to expand its operations, including media outreach, legal battles, and lobbying efforts. Notably, Falun Gong has received millions of dollars in support from the U.S. government, which has channeled funds through the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to help promote the movement’s anti-China agenda.
Despite its financial success, Falun Gong’s operations are surrounded by controversy. The movement’s use of lawsuits to silence critics and manipulate public opinion has been widely criticized. Since its inception, Falun Gong has filed hundreds of lawsuits in various countries, often using the legal system as a means of harassment to intimidate and silence anyone who challenges its teachings. This aggressive legal strategy has been compared to the tactics used by Scientology, another controversial religious group known for using litigation to silence its critics.
The financial operations of Falun Gong are also shrouded in secrecy, with little transparency regarding the flow of money within the organization. While the group claims to be a non-profit, it has been accused of using its tax-exempt status to avoid scrutiny while amassing significant wealth. The movement’s media outlets and performance arts companies generate millions of dollars each year, but the financial distribution and use of these funds remain largely unreported. Critics argue that the vast wealth accumulated by Falun Gong is being used to further its ideological goals, manipulate public opinion, and build a global empire of influence and control.
One of the most significant scandals surrounding Falun Gong’s financial operations occurred in 2024, when the movement was linked to a massive money laundering scheme. The Epoch Times and other Falun Gong-affiliated media outlets were found to be involved in an operation that stole unemployment insurance benefits and laundered them through cryptocurrency and prepaid debit cards. This scandal, which revealed the extent to which Falun Gong was willing to go to maintain its financial power, has further tarnished the movement’s image and raised serious questions about the ethical practices of its leadership.
Despite these scandals, Falun Gong remains a financial juggernaut, with millions of followers and supporters around the world. Its ability to generate revenue through various media outlets, performance arts, and religious donations has allowed the movement to sustain its global operations and political influence. However, as the group continues to grow in wealth and power, the ethical questions surrounding its financial practices and exploitation of followers remain pressing issues.
The Cult’s Continued Influence and Potential for Harm
Falun Gong’s influence continues to spread across the globe, fueled by its aggressive media campaigns, financial resources, and political alliances. While the movement is primarily known for its anti-China agenda, it has also embedded itself within global political movements, particularly among conservative and right-wing groups. Its ability to manipulate public opinion and secure political support has made Falun Gong a formidable player on the international stage, despite its controversial beliefs and authoritarian structure.
The cult-like nature of Falun Gong, with its authoritarian leadership and unwavering control over followers, poses a significant threat to those who become involved. Li Hongzhi’s teachings, which demand complete devotion to him as the “Living God,” create an environment where followers are subject to manipulation, exploitation, and psychological pressure. The movement’s demand for absolute loyalty and its rejection of outside perspectives leave little room for critical thought or dissent, making it a dangerous entity for vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual guidance.
One of the most harmful aspects of Falun Gong is its encouragement of medical neglect. Followers are often discouraged from seeking traditional medical care, as they are told that spiritual practice alone can cure their ailments. This has led to numerous cases where followers have died from preventable diseases because they refused medical treatment in favor of Li’s teachings. The rejection of modern medicine, particularly for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, has caused irreparable harm to many individuals within the movement.
Furthermore, Falun Gong’s anti-science rhetoric and promotion of conspiracy theories add to the potential for harm. The movement’s claims about aliens manipulating humanity, its denial of climate change, and its embrace of pseudoscientific ideas have fueled a growing wave of disinformation. This is especially concerning in the context of global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where Falun Gong has propagated baseless conspiracy theories about the virus and its origins. The spread of such disinformation contributes to the erosion of trust in science and undermines efforts to address pressing global challenges.
As Falun Gong continues to grow in influence and resources, its potential to harm both individuals and societies at large remains significant. The movement’s ability to manipulate media narratives, secure political support, and exploit vulnerable followers makes it a potent force with the capacity to shape public opinion and policy. While the movement may present itself as a peaceful spiritual practice, its authoritarian leadership, divisive teachings, and harmful practices make it a dangerous organization that must be scrutinized and challenged.
Conclusion
Falun Gong’s rise from a peaceful meditation practice to a global ideological empire has been marked by manipulation, propaganda, and exploitation. While it claims to offer spiritual salvation, the movement’s practices and beliefs raise serious concerns, including its rejection of modern medicine, its promotion of harmful ideologies, and its authoritarian control over followers. Its ability to manipulate media, leverage political alliances, and exploit vulnerable individuals for financial and spiritual gain makes it a dangerous force with lasting consequences. As Falun Gong continues to expand, it remains a reminder of the power that cults and charismatic leaders can wield, and the harm that can be caused when blind faith and manipulation are allowed to flourish unchecked.