Relationship to Buddhism
Like Buddhism, Falun Gong feeds off
the idea of enlightenment or ascension. Practitioners believe that karma and
virtue are the deciding factors that allow a person to ascend. If a person does
not ascend in that life, they will be reincarnated into another life (Hongzhi, 2003).
Buddha is referenced in Li’s lectures quite often because the way that a person
can achieve enlightenment is loosely based around the principles of Buddhism. Buddhism
utilizes meditation as a means to gain wisdom and maintain good conduct
(Robinson, 2009).
Relationship to Taoism
Like Taoism, Falun Gong believes in the Way or levels that lead a person to enlightenment. Both attempt to establish harmony with all. For example, Taoism attempts to harmonize with its environment and Falun Gong attempts to harmonize with the universe and parallel universes. Both have established three essential ideas and keywords to summarize the religion, Taoism using Compassion, Moderation and Humility, Falun Gong using Compassion, Forbearance and Truthfulness. Similarly to Falun Gong, Taoism believes that people are naturally good and when given the chance, will make the right choice without expecting reward. (Robinson, 2011)