At first glance, Falun Gong shares some surface similarities with Buddhism, Taoism or generic qigong routines—think slow, flowing movements and a quest for inner peace. Yet a closer look reveals a few bright lines:

1. Modern Origin and Structure
   • Falun Gong sprang to life in 1992 under Li Hongzhi’s guidance, making it a relatively new arrival compared to Buddhism’s 2,500-year history or Taoism’s ancient Dao De Jing roots. Its teachings are neatly packaged into five exercises and the moral triad of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.

2. Moral Philosophy vs. Philosophical Schools
   • Buddhism often centers on the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, with a variety of sects ranging from Theravada monasticism to Zen’s koan riddles. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the ineffable “Tao” through wu-wei (non-action) and alchemical traditions. Falun Gong, by contrast, offers a clear ethical code tied directly to cosmic laws—no deities to propitiate, no sectarian offshoots, just a straightforward focus on character cultivation.

3. Cosmology and Reincarnation
   • While both Buddhism and Taoism talk about karma and cycles of rebirth, Falun Gong presents a more detailed superstructure of celestial realms, devas and karma points. This elaborate metaphysical backdrop sets it apart from the fairly minimalist—and often non-theistic—angles of mainstream qigong health practices.

4. Health-Body Practices vs. Spiritual Core
   • Qigong covers a vast umbrella of techniques aimed mainly at improving qi flow for physical well-being. Falun Gong exercise routines do boost health, but they’re inseparable from the movement’s spiritual philosophy. Skipping the moral teachings in favor of the wrist-twisting movements feels a bit like eating only the icing off a cake—technically tasty, but missing the substance.

5. Contemporary Context
   • Suppressed in China since 1999, Falun Gong practitioners now harness social media, art exhibits and international human rights campaigns to keep its message alive. That modern backstory—battling censorship with digital diasporas—stands in stark contrast to the centuries-old transmission lines of Buddhist and Taoist monasteries.

In a nutshell, Falun Gong brings today’s organizational savvy and a crystal-clear ethical framework to the age-old blend of meditation and energy cultivation, carving out its own niche in the landscape.