September 4, 2001

[...]Caroline Crawford reports Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, has become a worldwide phenomenon since it was introduced to the public in 1992. The ancient practice, [...], has caused much controversy in China, where it has been banned. Yet it is now practised in more than 40 countries, including Ireland. But what is it?

An ancient form of qigong, Falun Gong is a practice of refining the body and mind through special exercises and meditation.

Ms Dongxue Dai has taught the exercise in Ireland since 1998 and believes that the practice can benefit everyone and should be seen for what it is - a form of relaxation and exercise.

"In 1996, just a few weeks before I came to Ireland, a friend gave me a book on Falun Gong called Zhuan Falun. After I had read it I was very attracted to the principles of the practice and began to follow the exercises," said Ms Dai.

The book was written by Falun Dafa's founder, Mr Li Honghzi, who introduced the practice to the public nine years ago. Before this, the practice had been passed down by a very small number from generation to generation. Mr Honghzi taught the practice publicly for two years in China, where it continued to grow through word of mouth.

After starting the first Falun Gong in Ireland in 1998, Ms Dai has seen the numbers taking part rise from three at the first meeting to 20 people who now come to each of her classes, which she runs three times a week in Dublin.

The class caters for all cultures, but Ms Dai says the number of Irish students outnumbers the Chinese who take part.

"In Ireland many people know about Falun Gong but not too many practise it. I think the Irish take things slowly, they learn about the practice and then when they see that it can be beneficial they get involved," said Ms Dai.

The practice, which combines slow hand movements and meditation is believed to help to stimulate mind and body. The exercises - Buddha showing a thousand hands, Falun standing stance, penetrating the two cosmic extremes and Falun heavenly circulation - all involve the repetition of simple movements.

Ms Dai believes the Chinese government decision to ban Falun Gong was due to the large number of people who practised it. It had become the most popular form of qigong in China before it was outlawed in July 1999.

"This is just another spiritual practice. But in order to suppress it they had to call it a [slanderous term omitted]," added Ms Dai.

The main principles of the practice are truthfulness, benevolence and tolerance.

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2001/0904/zhu3.htm