Falun Gong is a spiritual practice that combines meditation, gentle exercises, and moral teachings. Founded in China in the early 1990s by Li Hongzhi, it emphasizes the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Practitioners believe that these values can lead to improved health and spiritual enlightenment. The practice gained popularity in China but faced government repression starting in 1999. The Chinese government labeled Falun Gong as a cult, leading to widespread crackdowns and human rights abuses against its practitioners. Despite this, Falun Gong continues to have a global following, with practitioners advocating for human rights and religious freedom.