Falun Gong, or Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice rooted in traditional values that emphasizes self-improvement through the study of teachings, as well as gentle exercises and meditation, according to the practice’s website. The teachings emphasize adhering to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and encourage learners to let go of unhealthy habits (or attachments), such as desiring fame, being prideful, and ignoring the welfare of others.

The practice was introduced to the public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, in China's northeastern Jilin Province. Within six years, Chinese state sources reported that 70 million to 100 million people were practicing. Today, millions continue to practice Falun Gong in more than 100 countries, including in China, where the ruling communist regime brutally persecutes adherents for their faith.