Does China still believe in Taoism?

Taoism is basically a term for China’s indigenous philosophies and religious beliefs, and as defined this way, it has always been China’s main religion that colors all the others. Daoism is China’s oldest religion.

Is Falun Gong a Taoist?

HONG KONG — Falun Gong is said to be a form of breathing exercises, known as qigong in Chinese, which aims to refine the body and mind through exercises and meditation similar to tai chi. But Falun Gong also incorporates Buddhist and Taoist principles, combined with exercise and body cultivation.

How is Confucianism like Taoism?

Confucianism deals with social matters, while Taoism concerns itself with the search for meaning. They share common beliefs about man, society, and the universe, although these notions were around long before either philosophy. Both began as philosophies, each later taking on religious overtones.

What is Falun Gong or Falun Dafa?

Falun Gong or Falun Dafa (“ Dharma Wheel Practice” or “Law Wheel Practice”) is a new religious movement that combines meditation and qigong exercises with a moral philosophy centered on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance (真、善、忍).

Who is the founder of Falun Gong?

Falun Gong’s founder, Li Hongzhi, says he learned qigong from masters at two undisclosed schools in the mountains of China beginning at the age of 4. Li says his qigong mentors chose him to learn the secret Falun Gong exercises and to spread them to the world. In 1992, he founded Falun Dafa and began teaching its principles.

How many Falun Gong practitioners are there in the US?

Falun Gong founder Li Hongzhi has lived in the United States since 1996, and Falun Gong has a sizable global constituency. Inside China, estimates suggest that tens of millions continued to practice Falun Gong in spite of the persecution. Hundreds of thousands are estimated to practice Falun Gong outside China in over 70 countries worldwide.

What does the wheel mean in Falun Gong?

Symbols. To “turn the wheel of dharma” ( Zhuan Falun) means to preach the Buddhist doctrine, and is the title of Falun Gong’s main text. Despite the invocation of Buddhist language and symbols, the law wheel as understood in Falun Gong has distinct connotations, and is held to represent the universe.