Theos-Talk Archives (July 1999 Message tt00076)

To me, the emergence of interest in Falun Dafa or Falun Gong is very interesting. While large number of Chinese in China belong to the group, there appears to be a widespread interest in the USA as well. As a curious observer of the New Age, I visited a website of the group in Atlanta.

In the website it states,

>  "Falun Xiulian Dafa, a cultivation way of high level
> in the Buddhas' School, is founded by Mr. Li
> Hongzhi, Great Master of Falun Buddha Law. "By
> assimilating to the supreme cosmic quality----
> Zhen-Shan-Ren (Truth, Compassion and
> Forbearance) as its foundation, it is guided by the
> supreme quality of the cosmos; therefore what we
> cultivate is a great law and a great way." Works by
> Master Li Hongzhi on expounding Falun Buddha
> Law, "

Who can argue with any movement whose objective is Truth, Compassion and Forberance. Another aspect that is interesting is the way they claim everything they have to offer is free. 

In the modern day and age, when collecting fee, forced "love offering", suggested donation, donation for this or that targeted objective, as well as the traditional passing the plate and myriads of other techniques of making attendees pay ( I am not arguing about the 1001 reasons why money is needed and need to be collected), this group seems to be offering their classes free. The website states:


" We offer free Falun Gong classes and workshops. No
charge. No donations. No obligations. For schedules
and locations, click here. 

We also offer free classes at your location. You
organize them and we teach them free. 

Falun Gong is a high-level cultivation system, beyond
ordinary Chi-gong that offers stress relief and health
improvement. It has five sets of exercises that are
smooth, slow, and easy to learn. It also has profound
principles guiding the cultivation of mind and body. But
unlike Tai-chi or Yoga, this system is advanced and is
completely non-profitable. "

They are even offering to run classes on invitation. In addition I found their currently published books have been put on the Internet for download for free download. All of this contrary to the accepted way of doing "business." in today's world.

In the East it not considered ok to charge a fee for a lecture, lesson etc. May be the Eastern tradition has finally found its success in the West.


mkr


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