Falun Gong was initially praised by Chinese officials, but officialdom soured as the organization grew and showed its broad appeal at demonstrations in major cities. Li moved to New York in 1998, then went underground - moves that a source within the movement said reflected a fear of assassination. Despite the drum beat of negative propaganda from Beijing, Falun Gong fits none of the broadly accepted criteria used to differentiate cults from other religions and spiritual practices. Members are not asked to give up money or possessions or to separate themselves from nonpractitioners. They are not asked to declare personal loyalty to Li or to Falun Gong.
Instruction is free.
The most important part to them is the exercises.