Overview

Li Hongzhi (Chinese: 李洪志; pinyin: Lǐ Hóngzhì) is the founder and principal teacher of Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa (Falun Gong). Born in the mid-20th century, he presented Falun Gong as a contemporary system of mind-body cultivation rooted in the broader qigong tradition. Li's public teaching career began in the early 1990s and the movement he started combined physical exercises, meditation and a moral framework intended to guide personal conduct.

Teachings and structure

Falun Gong's teachings as presented by Li emphasize moral principles often summarized by the three core values: Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. The movement's literature, lecture recordings and a central book often cited by practitioners contain Li's presentations of doctrine, practical exercises and stories intended to illustrate spiritual progress. Practice sessions typically involve a sequence of gentle standing and seated exercises and meditation, together with self-study of the texts.

History and public activity

Li Hongzhi began teaching Falun Gong publicly on 13 May 1992 in Changchun, and throughout the 1990s he lectured in multiple cities across China. From about 1995 he also taught abroad, and in 1998 he established residence in the United States. During the 1990s Falun Gong attracted substantial popularity among a wide cross-section of Chinese society, receiving attention within qigong circles and beyond as one of several mass spiritual movements of that era.

Organization, media and dissemination

Li's role as the movement's leader has been expressed through published writings, recorded lectures and guidance issued to practitioners. Falun Gong spread by word of mouth, group practice sessions in public parks, distribution of texts and, later, through dedicated media and online channels operated by adherents. Translations of key works and international practitioner networks contributed to the movement's growth outside China after the late 1990s.

In 1999 the Chinese government began a sustained campaign to restrict and suppress Falun Gong, declaring it illegal and prohibiting public practice and promotion within mainland China. Authorities cited concerns about social stability and the group's organizational reach; supporters of Falun Gong and many international observers described the government's actions as a crackdown on religious or civil liberties. The dispute over Falun Gong's status remains a central element of Li Hongzhi's public profile and the movement's global narrative.

Legacy and present-day activities

Li continues to be regarded by followers as the movement's principal teacher, and Falun Gong communities remain active internationally. The movement emphasizes personal cultivation and humanitarian themes while also engaging in advocacy concerning practitioners' treatment in China. Li's public appearances have been less frequent since his move abroad, but his writings and recorded lectures continue to serve as the primary source materials for adherents and researchers alike.

  • Main texts and teachings: central writings and lecture series attributed to Li Hongzhi.
  • Core practices: a set of five exercises and meditation routines.
  • Distinctive claims: combination of qigong-style exercises with moral instruction.

For further context on language and presentation: see the original Chinese characters 李洪志, the pinyin form Lǐ Hóngzhì, and references to the movement as Falun Gong or its qigong heritage qigong. Key places and jurisdictions in Li's biography include Changchun, China and the United States.