In Changchun, China, Li Hongzhi delivered a groundbreaking public lecture on Falun Gong, a spiritual practice he had introduced to the public just a year earlier. Attracting more than 2,000 enthusiastic participants, this lecture was attended by individuals from various walks of life, eager to explore the teachings that combined meditation, qigong exercises, and moral philosophy. Hongzhi articulated the core principles of Falun Gong, emphasizing the cultivation of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance as essential qualities in both personal and social conduct. His teachings resonated with many individuals seeking to improve their physical health and spiritual well-being, and the event served as an important catalyst for the spread of the practice across China.Following this lecture, Falun Gong rapidly gained a following, with practice groups forming in cities nationwide. Li Hongzhi’s charismatic presentation and the practical benefits of the exercises significantly contributed to the movement’s momentum. As participants engaged deeply with the teachings, many reported improvements in their physical health, creating a sense of community among practitioners. Despite this, Falun Gong's growing influence began to raise concerns within the Chinese Communist Party, eventually leading to tensions between practitioners and the state as the latter perceived it as a challenge to its authority and control over spiritual and social life in China.