#1 Vilnius - Falan Gong - Part 1 of 3 Photograph - Limited Edition of 50

Most people’s perception of Falun Gong is of a persecuted minority practicing an ancient religion: by a group of people located somewhere in the outer reaches of China. Which is true. Except Falun Gong is neither a religion nor ancient. Although there is a religious aspect involved, much the same as Yoga has spiritual healing at its core. Falun Gong or in Standard Mandarin Chinese: is literally, "Dharma Wheel Practice" and in reality is a new exercise and quasi-religious movement. Falun Gong was founded by its leader Li Hongzhi in China in the early 1990s and has its global headquarters in Dragon Springs, New York. The intention of Falun Gong through the use of meditation, slow-moving energy exercises and regulated breathing, is to instil peace of mind and a feeling of wellbeing in the practitioner. As China began to emerge from the psychological pressure of Communism, the population at large readily accepted the olive branch Falun Gong offered. Falun Gong was seen to give hope, because the exercises help to engender a feeling of wellbeing in the body and mind. Understandably Falun Gong flourishes in countries emerging from communism, with Lithuania being one of many such examples. During late Spring, Summer and early Autumn Falun Gong events are held at the Vincas Kudirka Square on weekends in Vilnius, Old Town.