Shen Yun, a classical Chinese dance and music company, has recently been at the center of controversy regarding its potential links to the religious movement Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, and allegations of being cult-like. Despite its acclaimed international tour and celebration of authentic Chinese culture, Shen Yun has faced criticism and misinformation, partly due to the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign to discredit Falun Gong, the spiritual practice of Shen Yun’s founders.

Falun Gong and Shen Yun’s Origins:
Falun Gong, founded in 1992 by Hongzhi Li, combines Buddhism-derived spiritual practices with meditation and exercises akin to yoga or tai chi, focusing on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. It quickly gained popularity in China, with over 70 million practitioners by the late 1990s. However, the Chinese government’s crackdown on the movement led to its practitioners being persecuted, jailed, and even killed. Shen Yun, established in New York in 2006 by Falun Dafa practitioners, aims to preserve and showcase the ancient Chinese culture connected to these spiritual practices.

Financial and Organizational Aspects:
Shen Yun Performing Arts Inc. reported a revenue of over $33 million in 2019, with total assets listed at approximately $144 million. The organization relies on networks of volunteers worldwide to raise money and promote shows. In 2017, Shen Yun-linked nonprofit groups reportedly spent at least $18.5 million on advertising in the United States.

Criticism and Support:
Critics, including Ross, author of “Cults Inside Out”, label Shen Yun as a “cash cow” for Falun Gong, with performers allegedly paid very little and devoted to Li. In contrast, Shen Yun has received support and recognition from the U.S. Congress and the Canadian Human Rights Commission, which regard the spiritual practice of Shen Yun’s founders as a peaceful personal belief and a protected creed.

Controversial Teachings and Beliefs:
Falun Gong’s teachings, as proclaimed by Li, include a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism, qigong breathing practices, anti-communism, and controversial beliefs about aliens and social issues. Li’s comments about homosexuality, race, and evolution, among other topics, have raised concerns and debates over whether Falun Gong is a religion or a cult.

Response from Falun Gong Representatives:
Representatives of Falun Gong, like Larry Liu, have vehemently denied the cult label, attributing it to a propaganda campaign by the Chinese government. They emphasize the core teachings of Falun Gong as centering on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, with no emphasis on racial discrimination.

Public Perception and Impact:
Shen Yun’s performances are seen as a celebration of pre-communist Chinese culture and history, aiming to revive the essence of Chinese culture such as honor, loyalty, kindness, and reverence for the divine. However, the controversy surrounding its religious affiliations and the teachings of Falun Gong has led to mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike, with some viewing it as a cult-like entity while others appreciate it as a cultural performance.

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