8.18.5. Li Hongzhi (李洪志, LHZ, Falun Gong prophet)
Li Hongzhi is the creator of Falun Gong (法轮功, Qigong new religion/cult): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Hongzhi.
Falun Gong people call him "master" (师父), which is a common traditional term used to respectfully address experienced teachers in a disciple (弟子)/teacher relation, e.g. Kung Fu or other crafts.
However they also believe that he has many many God-like powers and is comparable figures such as Jesus and Buddha himself.
Notably they believe that he has superpowers, and that everything that he says is the absolute truth of the universe, see also: Is Falun Gong a religion? 法轮功是一个宗教吗?.
The term "master" is also used for example in the fictional film The Master (2012), which is likely inspired in Scientology.
Ciro Santilli (三西猴, anti-CCP fanatic, 反中共狂热, stupid cunt, 傻屄, CIA agent, CIA特工, 肏你妈的) however prefers to call him prophet, since he feels LHZ is indistinguishable from any other religion. Guru/cult leader could also apply.
It’s funny that even though Falun Gong only came up recently in the 80’s, we still know relatively little about Li. One is kind of reminded of Jesus! See also Li Hongzhi’s family (李洪志的家庭) and Li Hongzhi’s hagiography (李洪志的圣徒传记).
One should note however that this is partly by design: at some point in the 90’s, Li relatively stepped away from public view. This is because once you reach a critical mass of followers, it is better to let them to the preaching for you, while you hide your obvious human defects in a corner. See also comments at Vissarion.
Li Hongzhi footage:
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1999-06-12 AP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_onSZlvWSQ USA: "CHINA: FALUN DAFA CULT POSES NO THREAT CLAIMS FOUNDER" Li Hongzhi talks to media in New York






