Falun Gong is

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Q: 70 (IAS/2001)
Falun Gong is

question_subject: 

Current Affairs

question_exam: 

IAS

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0,15,37,13,13,11,15

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Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is indeed a spiritual movement in China. It was founded in 1992 by Li Hongzhi and combines elements of meditation, qigong exercises, and moral teachings. Falun Gong emphasizes principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

Initially gaining popularity in the 1990s, Falun Gong attracted a significant following in China due to its holistic approach to physical and spiritual well-being. Practitioners engaged in group exercises and studied the teachings of Li Hongzhi. However, the movement`s rapid growth and popularity became a concern for the Chinese government.

In 1999, the Chinese government banned Falun Gong, labeling it as an "evil cult" and asserting that it posed a threat to social stability and the Communist Party`s authority. Since then, the Chinese government has launched a widespread crackdown on Falun Gong practitioners, which has involved mass detentions, forced labor, torture, and human rights abuses.

While Falun Gong is a spiritual movement with its own set of beliefs and practices, it is important to note that the Chinese government views it as a prohibited organization and has taken strong measures against its followers. The movement is considered illegal in China, and the government`s response to Falun Gong has been a subject of international criticism and concern regarding human rights violations.

Therefore, Falun Gong is recognized as a spiritual movement in China, but its status and treatment by the Chinese government are highly contentious and controversial.