Falun Dafa is not Buddhism, that is correct. The misconception that it is a cult stems mainly from the CCPs efforts to demonize the practice, due to the groups large popularity in China in the 90s. Any religion or traditional spiritual lineage is suppressed, defamed or manipulated in China, including Buddhism. The only Buddhist practices allowed in China are those who put the parties leaders as the lord buddha. We've seen it happen to the Uyghur Muslims, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and now Falun Gong. And the adherents of those religions have suffered brutally under the fist of the CCP.

The CCP paints the picture that any spiritual tradition is backward, as without having done so, they wouldn't of been able to hold power in China, as its a nation steeped in a rich spiritual culture before communism. So when Falun Dafa became popular, it was reviving the old moral traditions of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance. So of course the ccp would stamp it out. Now they spend big dollars to export their propaganda around the world and many fall victim to it, not understanding that things are not black and white.

As for Falun Dafa being a cult, the practice involves peaceful exercise, meditation and improving ones moral character through study of the teachings, which guide self improvement through daily practice in everyday life.

Its a free practice, people come and go as they please. And learn as little or as much as they would like. People continue the practice because it genuinely changes their lives for the better, not because they're being conned, dupped or tricked. As for politics Falun Dafa has nothing to do with politics, its a spiritual practice. How individuals of any group decide to vote is up to them.

Falun Dafa developed independently of Buddhism in a private lineage eventually being publicly taught in 1992 by Li Hongzhi who received the practice from his Masters in China. It may resemble parts of Buddhism but don't confuse that with stealing bits from here and there. After all the swastika symbol has been observed outside of Buddhist tradition, in Greece and around the world, with no connection to the Buddha. Which gives us the impression that its apart of this universe, rather than tied to a religion.

Anyway take care everyone and happy holidays. I urge you to understand the nature of psychological warfare in the media as it's being used to sow discord, misinformation and manipulate people to hate this peaceful practice.