I think that it's disgusting that China is persecuting Falun Gong followers. We ought to condemn it just as we condemn the persecution of groups by our government.
HOWEVER, we should also recognize that Falun Gong is far from egalitarian or inclusive.
The founder of F.G. ripped off much of what he created from ancient Chinese tradition. But, he also puts himself into a divine realm and considers himself a Buddha. He insists on his followers to be unquestioning of the practices and to give lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. In the US, it attracts a lot of naive North Americans.
I'm not saying that this is different than any other organized religion--and I'm against banning any faith. But, I also recognize that westerners romanticize Taoistic/ Buddhist/Eastern philosophy without seeing the same faults western religions have.
Thanks!
I believe this person is mistaken about Li Hongzhi expecting practitioners to give money. To the contrary, you cannot make donations of any kind and it is expressly forbidden to accept compensation of any kind for teaching the exercises or providing informational materials.
All of the exercises, books, speeches, music and videos are downloadable for free from the internet.
Please see www.falundafa.org for materials and www.faluninfo.net for information regarding the crackdown on Falun Gong inside China.
Kindest regards
Renee Kimball