Sharing the writing of another Stieber

My younger brother, Zack, has been fascinated by the Chinese practice of Falun Gong and is hoping that this post could be used to spark a further discussion about it.

My brother, Zack, and I

 

Thoughts on Falun Gong

by Zack Stieber

 

Most of us are aware that in China things work differently then here. The main thing our media seems to portray is the faceless Chinese nation, ready to strike out at any moment, a snake that all nations seem at least mildy afraid of, socially(as one of the countries who took “our” jobs) & economically(since they own a fair amount of our debt). However, the most important thing that China has done is actually a spiritual matter.

In 1992 Li Hongzhi introduced to the public a traditional self-cultivation method named Falun Gong(also known as Falun Dafa & Dafa). This is a very ancient practice that is based on the universal principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. It became popular rather quicky, reportedly reaching 70-100 million practioners by 1999. At first, the Chinese Communist Party(CCP) was pleased with the results of so many people taking up Falun Dafa; people’s morale was lifting, along with all of society benefiting by the fact that so many people focused on inner problems instead of outer ones. However, they grew more wary of the practice as it grew in popularity. The media, mostly state-run, began attacking Falun Dafa’s credability, calling it an evil cult, among other things.

In response, cultivators staged a series of peaceful protests which were dealt with violently. This culminated in a unheard-of 10,000 strong protest, right next to Zhongnanhai, the residence compound of China’s leaders. The incident raised questions over the party’s control of the country, which was most likely the deciding factor when the Communist government banned Falun Gong on July 22, 1999. Since that date, even up to the present day, Falun Gong practictioners have been dealt with in violent & inhumane ways, including sentences to labor(concentration) camps, torture, execution, & live organ harvesting. This has affected millions of people who have lost jobs, family members & basic freedoms simply because they wish to peacefully exercise their freedom of belief. To see what you can do to help stop this tragedy, visit www.faluninfo.net or fofg.org

As well as informing Josh’s blog audience about the horrible persecution of Falun Dafa, I would also like to briefly explain what exactly this cultivation method is all about. Why has it quickly spread to over 50 countries & been transalated into over 35 languages? First, I will honestly say that I am a Falun Dafa practictioner. The reason it has spread so far & helped so many people are it is simple, yet profound. The practice consists of 5 exercises, which open up all energy meridians, purifies the body & strengthens divine powers, among other things. It also has texts that one reads to promote spiritual growth & enlightenment. Yet, it is profound because it requires the practictioner to look inside himself when problems arise, get rid of attachments, do good things for other people & get rid of karma by calmly forbearing when suffering arises. I can truly say that Falun Dafa has changed my life & made me a better person. If you wish to learn more & I highly encourage you to! Please visit Falundafa.org to find a local contact for group exercises, & the texts, downloadable & free of charge. If you have any questions, feel free to email me @ writtengestures@gmail.com

Thanks for hearing me out, Zack

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