Falun Gong is an exercise and meditation system that has its roots in ancient Buddhist spiritual practice. It involves physical exercise, broadly similar to Qigong and T’ai Chi, as well as contemplative meditation and the cultivation of moral virtues. Falun Gong is based on the concept of the Falun, or the wheel of dharma. Also known as the Dharma/Dhamma Chakra, the dharma wheel is one of the oldest symbols in Buddhism and represents the cosmic order and the cycle of rebirth. Consisting of four standing poses and one meditative seated pose, Falun Gong is believed by its followers to not only improve physical wellness and extend life, but also to allow spiritual ascension to higher planes of consciousness.