On January 3, 2025, a Minghui special correspondent visited a few entities in upstate New York established by Falun Gong practitioners, including Dragon Springs and Shen Yun. During the visit, she also met with Mr. Hongzhi Li, the founder of Falun Gong and Artistic Director of Shen Yun Performing Arts. At 73 years old, Master Li appeared significantly slimmer than in previous years, and looked to be around 50, exuding warmth, strength, and tranquility in his gaze.

I. A Volunteer

Recently, a certain media outlet made some allegations against Mr. Li and, in a manner apparently tailored to the sensitivities of Chinese people, emphasized the claim that Shen Yun and he “tapped” his followers’ “religious fervor” and cheap labor “to make $266 million.” When asked about this, Master Li responded that he was unaware of the financial details of Shen Yun before the media reported it, and that he had actually been worried about whether the performing arts company would be able to cover its expenses.

The Falun Gong practitioners who had to leave their homeland and familiar surroundings, flee China and settle in the U.S., have found themselves without an existing support network in America. While other non-profits and religious groups might receive government funding or corporate donations, Falun Gong has not received any ongoing support of this nature, especially since, for the past two or three decades, many people in the West have had business interests in China. The Chinese Communist Party has used various methods behind the scenes to prevent Western countries from raising human rights issues related to Falun Gong. As a result, even in the United States, while other groups often receive government funding, Falun Gong has had to rely solely on its own resources to sustain itself.

The success of Shen Yun Performing Arts is globally recognized, yet the struggles and the reality behind this success remain largely unknown, even to many Falun Gong practitioners in North America. Out of trust, most haven’t felt any need to know the specifics. Long-term practitioners are aware that Master Li came to impart the teachings, yet also took on the responsibility of being the Artistic Director of Shen Yun. The challenges behind these two things alone are tremendous. As a result, some veteran practitioners have assumed responsibility for the company's administrative and financial matters, tackling challenges independently and viewing these duties as integral to their spiritual development.

During the January 3 meeting, Master Li smiled and remarked that he doesn’t get involved in administrative matters, and the practitioners responsible for administration and finance don't tell him about those things. An accountant at Shen Yun Performing Arts confirmed, “We have financial regulations and procedures that we follow,” adding that everyone works hard to fulfill their responsibilities. They believe that, after all, Master is here to teach and guide practitioners in their spiritual practice, not to act as their boss.

When it comes to the cultivation issues of practitioners involved in various projects, from what practitioners have observed, Master only points them out when he feels it will be beneficial for the practitioners’ improvement spiritually, and, when asked questions, he responds with kindness and magnanimity. Master cares deeply for the practitioners in all projects, both domestically and abroad, and is looking after their spiritual journey.

Not only does he not accept any money from any of the entities or projects, but he is also perfectly content to remain unaware of how they operate. He explained, “This includes Minghui.org, The Epoch Times, NTD Television, and Ganjing World. Their operations, staffing, and finances aren’t something I intervene in, so I don’t really know about how they run. I must allow them to walk their own path; that's part of their spiritual journey. If I keep intervening, it's like tearing down the bridges and roads along their path. So, I don’t manage any of those things—my focus is solely on the practitioners’ spiritual practice.”

As to donating his time to initiatives like Shen Yun, Master explained that, in addition to guiding practitioners in their spiritual cultivation, he also designs costumes and helps them improve their skills, as a volunteer. “But no one gives me a cent; I’m unpaid,” he said.

The reporter also spoke with a couple of others involved in different companies. The CFO of Shen Yun Creations, an arts video platform, and the general manager of Shen Yun Dancer, a clothing company, both confirmed that they handle the operations and finances themselves. “Master Li doesn't oversee any of this, and we don’t report to him about such matters,” they said.

The recently produced blue and yellow reversible jackets bearing the words “Falun Dafa” were designed by Master Li as a voluntary contribution. They were thoughtfully designed with meditation as well as outdoor events in mind, given that they are warm, waterproof, and with top-down bottom-up zippers. The quality of these garments is striking, considering their price point. When asked why the prices are set so low, the general manager of Shen Yun Dancer explained, “These two jackets are sold exclusively to practitioners, and Master Li hopes we will keep the prices as low as possible.” In response, Master smiled and added, “I did say that. If possible, I would prefer to give these items to practitioners for free.”

The idea of “giving to practitioners for free” is a familiar one. Regarding the pricing and distribution of Dafa books, Master has repeatedly expressed the same sentiment. And for the students at the Fei Tian schools, the tuition, housing, meals, books, some clothing, and travel expenses have indeed been provided free of charge. The scholarship provided to each student by the schools is equivalent to about $50,000 annually, and parents only have to pay for any additional lessons outside of school.

II. A Simple Lifestyle & Steadfast Will

What kind of person do you see Master Li as?

At Dragon Springs, we met with a practitioner who has worked alongside Master for twenty years. When asked about what sort of person Master is on a day-to-day level, after a few moments of deep thought, the practitioner slowly replied: “He has an extraordinary strength of will, leads a simple life, and has clear goals.”

This practitioner shared that whether at Dragon Springs or while traveling, in the morning, Master washes his own clothes, skips breakfast, or just drinks a little water and coffee. For lunch, he eats a light meal at Dragon Springs’ cafeteria, and for dinner, it’s usually a bowl of dumpling soup, or cold rice with hot water and pickled vegetables.

Another practitioner shared an anecdote from one breakfast when she had boiled a bunch of eggs and brought them to Master, hoping he would pick the largest and best one. Instead, Master chose the one whose shell was the most cracked, saying, “I’ll just take this one.”

Another practitioner remembered a time when Master took them to a buffet. He was eager to get his food and sit down quickly, like others, but when he looked for Master, he saw that he was standing quietly off to the side, waiting for everyone else to serve themselves before he approached the food. “I paused, feeling that I, as his student, shouldn't take food before my teacher. But Master gently nodded, signaling that I should go ahead.”

When discussing Master having “clear goals and extraordinary strength of will,” the practitioner who has worked alongside him for twenty years shared, “Once Master sets a goal, he simply keeps moving forward. No matter the obstacles, he doesn’t stop. He doesn’t think about money; he just does what needs to be done.” He continued, “Seeing him work this way every day, we might come to think it’s nothing out of the ordinary. But when we look back, we realize just how extraordinary it is. No matter what challenges have arisen, Master has accomplished what needed to be done. Unlike us, who often give up when challenges come our way.”

The practitioner continued, “There are so many things that we thought couldn’t be done, but Master didn’t let that stop him. He kept pushing forward, and in the end, it all worked out. So for me, it’s all about his strength of will and focus.”

“In my view, ‘difficulty’ doesn’t exist for him. We may see something as difficult or very challenging and think that that’s a bad thing. But for Master, obstacles don’t stop him.”

Those who have worked at the Dragon Springs construction site know that Master is constantly working. Whether it’s the toughest areas or the heaviest labor, Master is there. When lifting timber, he always chooses the heavier end. He regularly cleans up debris, often cleaning it up before others get to it. When no one wants to clean up a muddy water pit, Master silently steps in and takes care of it. When there are small rocks on the road, he picks them up and tosses them aside to prevent the pavement from being damaged by wheels. Nails on the construction site or road? Master picks them up, sorts them, and takes them to the storage room. He guides Shen Yun’s visual arts, designs costumes and props, teaches vocal technique, oversees the creation of new pieces, and ensures the highest artistic standards. Amid his busy schedule and during travels, when he finds a spare moment, he pulls out a simple paper folder in which to write lyrics and compose music.

He has stated clearly that as the one leading everyone in their spiritual practice, he must set an example himself. Since there have been many historical lessons about the dangers of money, he never takes any money for himself. Instead, he sets the example and teaches everyone the importance of frugality. For instance, when it comes to purchasing necessary equipment for rehearsals and performances, such as lighting and stage materials, Master always reminds the practitioners, “Look for sales and discounts.”

At the interview, he further explained, “Because there is so much to do, I often stay in the dormitories at Dragon Springs. I want to provide the best school and environment in the world for the children here”—referring to the young artists at Shen Yun and the students of the Fei Tian schools. “I’ve told their parents, ‘I want to return your children to you as the best children possible. This is my focus.’”

III. Caring for Everyone

When Dragon Springs was established in 2000, it had nothing but a stretch of forest, a lake that was neither attractive nor clear, and a modest house. The house was a simple three-bedroom structure, and there was no parking lot. On rainy or snowy days, the paths turned muddy and difficult to traverse. The practitioners who volunteered at Dragon Springs did so with both their time and their resources, driven by a deep understanding of the preciousness of Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance. They were committed to standing by Master, who, despite offering teachings that benefit all of humanity, was being persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party.

The CCP spread rumors claiming that Master owned multiple luxury properties, luxurious cars, and yachts. However, it later became apparent that he had no such possessions. He did not take any salary from any of the practitioner-run companies and gave Dragon Springs all the donations he received from practitioners. He said, “I don’t want money. What do I need money for? I figure that wherever I go, someone will feed me. What do I need money for? I know I’ll never go hungry.”

During our recent interview with him, Master kept smiling gently, serene and at ease, which made me, the interviewer, recall his teachings: “With no discontentment or hatred, he takes hardship as joy.”

Over the past 19 years, the Fei Tian schools and Shen Yun have developed into vibrant institutions, complete with academic classrooms, dance studios, a cafeteria, theaters, offices, a library, a concert hall, and various recreational spaces—all built, brick by brick, by practitioners guided by Master. For many Falun Gong practitioners, this journey has been more than just a path of overcoming hardship and eliminating karma; it has been about fulfilling vows made with their lives before they came into this world.

How was the first Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe established? “At the beginning, we gathered a group of practitioners and brought in some young people who were of different heights and didn’t know much about dance. Little by little, step by step, things began to develop. But at the time, we had virtually no money. Everything that needed to be done, participants had to pay for themselves. All the teachers bought whatever was necessary with their own money. I was no different—I paid for everything I could think of out of my own pocket. Everyone was contributing whatever they could,” recalled Master. “It wasn't until we had performances that we began to earn some income. That's how we made it through, little by little,” he continued.

I, the interviewer, remember when there was only one dance studio, and that Master was there to help spot the dance students when they were practicing backflips. Practitioners who have been at Dragon Springs for a long time recall when these students first learned the Manchu dance. Since they had never seen Manchu platform shoes before, Master personally put on and adjusted the shoes for each of them.

Having seen the heartfelt gifts the students have made and given to Master over time, which are on display at Dragon Springs, I couldn't help but think of those who, after leaving, have gone along with the Chinese Communist Party in defaming Falun Gong and Shen Yun. In response to my reflecting on this, Master explained that those young people didn’t come to Shen Yun on their own—they were brought by their parents—and that, in such cases, they usually don’t work out too well. In contrast, young people who have said, “I want to practice Dafa,” and “I want to assist Master in Fa-rectification,” have thrived.

Readers familiar with the last century or so of Chinese history are likely aware that it is common among parents in China to impose their own will and unfulfilled dreams on their children. This unfortunate trait stems from the Party’s long-standing influence, which has undervalued family life and disregarded individual choice. The song “Father and Mother Are Not as Dear as Chairman Mao” was written in 1966 and became widely known in China. Although it was later banned due to the composer’s alleged ties to Lin Biao's anti-Party faction, the phrases “Father and mother are dear, but dearer still is Chairman Mao” and “Father and Mother can’t compare to the Communist Party” deeply inculcated in people the idea of replacing family affection with loyalty to the Party, and generations of Chinese people grew accustomed to imposing Party ideals on themselves and their children.

As communist ideology spread globally, more people have adopted this approach of imposing external will and failing to build normal parent-child relationships. Some practitioners have not been immune to this, influenced by deep-rooted Party traits as well as issues with their spiritual state.

For over a decade, Master has made efforts to give the students at Dragon Springs a good experience, from seeing to it that clothing and food are provided to them (surpassing what he was able to give his own daughter at these students’ ages), to making snack packs for them and handing them out at night. When discussing this, Master smiled and explained, “Because the children are young, I must treat them just as their parents would.”

The practitioners at Dragon Springs say that there are so many stories about things Master has done in the day-to-day—stories that everyone has, stories that could never be fully told.

Unlike a small family, a large community has expenses and responsibilities that multiply accordingly. The costs at Dragon Springs are substantial—monthly heating and electric bills, air conditioning, and daily food expenses for so many people. And the schools are providing full scholarships for the students. These are huge financial burdens.

It’s apparent that Master cares not only about the students but also about those who have graduated. After all, finding a job is much more challenging for arts graduates than for those with degrees in technical fields, for example. Earning a living and building a career is no easy feat. Students who remain at Fei Tian to join the teaching faculty or pursue careers as professional Shen Yun performers are paid salaries to support themselves. All of this requires significant financial resources.

It is clear that, as the Artistic Director of Shen Yun, Master values talent and, more importantly, as the teacher of Falun Dafa, hopes his students will do well on their spiritual path and reach their goal.

IV. Teaching the Fa

Today, all Falun Gong practitioners understand that the teachings Master has imparted to us are the profound principles of the universe—Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance. So, in communist-ruled China, a society that actively opposes spirituality and religion, and that exercises strict control over every aspect of an individual’s thoughts, actions, and economic life—regardless of age or gender—how was Falun Dafa able to reach the public? And especially given the totalitarian nature of the society there?

From the 1980s to the late 1990s, China experienced a “qigong boom,” with tens of millions of people embracing the practice. The noticeable health benefits of qigong, particularly in terms of curing diseases and physical wellness, sparked widespread interest. This led to a growing focus on the study of the human body and a renewed exploration of the relationship between the material world and the mind. Over time, this created a space for research and experimentation in these areas. However, despite this burgeoning interest, many individuals seeking to understand the deeper mysteries of the human body, life, and the universe found themselves frustrated, unable to find better answers that satisfied them both intellectually and spiritually.

In 1992, Master Li began to share the teachings of Falun Dafa with the public, sparked by a chance opportunity. He recalls, “At first, in Changchun, people were talking about qigong, and I would listen. Then, I’d offer a few words. When I spoke, they were amazed, remarking, ‘Wow! I’m interested in what you’re saying—please, tell us more!’ Since I knew a bit about those things, it wasn’t hard to share more. After that, they said, ‘Wow! Could you hold a class for us?’”

He continued, “These were all experienced qigong practitioners. Without hesitation, they offered, “I’ll arrange a venue for you!’ They took care of the details and urged, ‘Teacher Li, please, give us a lecture soon!’ Some of them were really eager and insisted that I teach them. So, I ended up giving a lecture at the No. 5 Middle School in Changchun.”

Unlike with traditional Buddhist practices, qigong enthusiasts were accustomed to lectures where the qigong master would demonstrate the healing effects of qigong during his talk. They assumed that Master Li would teach in the same way, when he had in fact come to impart Dafa’s teachings. Master recalls: “It was supposed to be a lecture, but they brought in patients, as that’s what was happening with other qigong lectures. When I began, there were all these patients groaning in pain. What could I do? How could I give a lecture while they were groaning? Some of them were even on IV drips. So, I walked over and helped them. In just a few seconds, they all stood up. Then, I told them from the stage—it was a tiered classroom—‘Listen! Now walk!’ And they all began to walk. Some of them had been bedridden or paralyzed and couldn’t even stand before. Then I said, ‘Now, run!’ And they started running. After that, I said, ‘Alright, now let’s begin the lecture.’ From that moment, they understood right away, and some remarked, ‘Wow, even great qigong masters wouldn’t be this powerful!’ And that’s when I began to teach. Afterward, they asked me questions, and I answered them. From then on, it wasn’t possible to stop.”

Isn’t it a priceless thing if someone paralyzed or gravely ill is healed? Those familiar with the story of Milarepa will have some understanding of this. Master Li, in an instant, restored the health and mobility of those suffering, yet, when reflecting on it, he spoke with quiet composure.

It is widely believed in the world of spiritual and religious traditions that human beings are innately divine. That is why, when Master has spoken of higher truths, it has awakened something deep inside many people’s hearts—something long dormant. After giving his teachings, he would say, “I’ve shared what you need to know; now begin your practice.” And so, some qigong enthusiasts began to practice Falun Gong. From that point on, Master was recognized by the public as a “qigong master” or “Master Li,” which was how teachers of qigong were referred to.

Although this teacher—a teacher of the great Law of Truth-Compassion-Forbearance—was being called a qigong master, his only concern was to benefit sentient beings; he cared nothing for status or titles. As he said long ago, “You can call me teacher, master, Mr. Li—whatever you wish.”

Many of the events that followed are likely already known to most, with numerous articles of reflection available on the Minghui website, categorized under sections like “Remembering the Master's Grace.” Interested readers can browse through these older pieces for more detail.

Frugality has been second nature to Master, but when it comes to things that need to be done, he doesn’t let money become a factor.

Between 1992 and the end of 1994, when Master held in-person classes in China, each seminar lasted an average of nine days and cost attendees 50 RMB (with a 50% discount for long-term practitioners), or the equivalent of about $8 USD. These fees were to cover his and his staff’s train travel, meals, and printing of materials. Compared to the typical fees for qigong classes at the time, this price was extremely low, even sparking discontent among other qigong masters who felt it undercut the market. However, Master kept the cost low out of consideration for his students, trying his best to save them money.

To keep the expenses down, therefore, Master took seated tickets on long train rides, as opposed to paying for sleeper cars, except on rare occasions. Yet Master noted that, remarkably, even when the trains were full and he bought a seated ticket, the seat beside him would happen to be empty, allowing him to lie down and rest. His meals consisted mainly of instant noodles, with the occasional treat of a bowl of noodle soup from a street vendor. Accommodations were always in the most basic, low-cost inns. They often brought instant noodles with them, along with carrying print materials about the practice, in simple bags. Over the course of two years, Master held 54 of his seminar series. The staff grew so tired of eating instant noodles that they could hardly stomach them anymore, he said. Yet those who attended the seminars expressed indescribable gratitude for what had been given to them.

Though the expenses for these two years of teaching were significant, all told, Master was focused on the bigger picture: getting the job done.

But then, when it came time to begin publishing Dafa books, how to fund the process became a question again. A practitioner from Beijing, who had earned some money through his business, lent Master several thousand yuan. When bookstores began distributing China Falun Gong, the practitioner wondered whether Master would be able to pay off the loan. But Master quickly arranged for the proceeds from the book sales to be used to pay it off. Later, after many challenges were overcome, Zhuan Falun was published.

Master shared during our interview that one of the practitioners who helped him with the in-person seminars was a businessman and government official. Sometimes when Master didn’t have the funds for travel expenses, this practitioner would cover the costs. He once said to Master, “Master, look at you. You see other qigong masters pulling in tens or even hundreds of thousands of yuan, and here you are, without even enough money for a hotel room.” At that time, tens of thousands of yuan was a significant amount. It was only thanks to this practitioner’s support that Master was able to continue his work during those years. When recalling this, Master laughed heartily and said, “What needs to be done must be accomplished, no matter how difficult—and it can be.”

Returning to the story of teaching the practice in China: despite the many challenges, Falun Gong’s influence continued to grow, and some began to plot against Master. However, upon secretly investigating, they discovered that Master had no wealth and did not engage with women—so how could they attack him? By that time, Master had already gained significant influence across China, and the chaos of the Cultural Revolution had subsided. Even the Communist Party, notorious for its campaigns against individuals, needed a pretext to take action.

Master recalled, “In 1996, I don’t know who gave the order, but a female director from the Ministry of Commerce invited me to dinner. At that time, I was often invited out to eat by people who were hoping for healing. After we sat down, the official was straightforward with me, saying, ‘Teacher Li, your influence in China has become too great. You need to leave the country.’ She put it plain as day. When I heard that, I understood—it was clear that that Jiang guy was furious, especially since people were even practicing Falun Gong on both sides of Chang’an Avenue. So I replied, ‘Alright, I’ll go abroad.’”

In China, any religious group faces the same challenge: if it doesn’t establish a party branch or acknowledge that “the Party’s interests are above all,” the Party will watch closely, waiting for an opportunity to suppress it—sometimes to the point of making it impossible to exist. Even though Falun Gong, with its principles of Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance, helped restore health and improve moral standards for millions of Chinese people, saving the government significant medical expenses, Master Li was still forced out of China.

In 1997, Master received an American visa for a person of extraordinary ability, and moved to the United States. In 1998, after being away for a while to handle some matters back in China, when he returned to the U.S., he and his family had little money and no place to stay. They initially wanted to go to San Francisco, but a Falun Gong practitioner there said they couldn’t find accommodations, so they were invited to Atlanta, where they stayed in a cramped apartment shared with another practitioner. When life became untenable there, they made their way to New York. Eventually, Master settled into a small studio apartment that a practitioner had rented in Upper Manhattan. That building would later be falsely labeled by the Chinese Communist Party as “Li Hongzhi’s building” after the persecution began in 1999.

Thinking about the spiritual and religious traditions of both East and West, it is a common expectation that one will donate to one’s church, temple, or community. Yet Master has never asked for anything material from us—only that we have the heart to practice. Meanwhile, how many of us have gained better health through Dafa, a priceless gift.

Master could have lived a much more comfortable life, and it would have been easy for him to enjoy a higher quality of living. But his aspirations have always gone far beyond any of that. Why has he taught Dafa? Why has he tirelessly guided practitioners in their spiritual practice? Why did he become the Artistic Director of Shen Yun? Why has he volunteered his time and efforts to projects run by practitioners? All true practitioners understand the answers to these questions.

Today, even many who do not have a spiritual or religious practice recognize that Falun Dafa is fundamentally different from other qigong practices. It’s not practiced for the sake of healing, or for wealth, or to put up a spiritual front. Instead, Falun Dafa is a true Buddhist path of self-cultivation, teaching the principles of Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance, and guiding practitioners back to their true homes.

Falun Gong has endured persecution for over a quarter of a century, yet the principles of Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance remain steadfast, shining in the hearts of practitioners and fortifying the righteous thoughts of believers. The resilience of Falun Gong practitioners is rooted in their unwavering faith in these teachings, their deep spiritual foundation, and the guidance and example set by Master Hongzhi Li.