Controversial 'spiritual guru' who said he could conjure live snakes from thin air and cure terminal cancer dies of organ failure in hospital aged 65
Wang Lin, a famous Qigong master has died in China at the age of 65
Qigong is thought to generate energy and can help someone's health and spirit
He died from complications from a serious autoimmune disorder
Wang Lin was well connected to celebrities and businessmen in China
By Sophie Williams For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 13:26 EST, 10 February 2017 | UPDATED: 14:48 EST, 10 February 2017
A self-proclaimed Chinese spiritual guru who claimed he could cure terminal cancer and conjure snakes from thin air has died at the age of 65.
Wang Lin died today in Fuzhou, China's Jiangxi province, from complications from a serious autoimmune disorder which led to multiple organ failure.
He was detained in 2013 and charged with illegal detention, fraud, gun possession and bribery. However he was granted bail last month due to his poor physical condition.
Wang Lin (holding the snake) claimed that he could conjure reptiles with bare hands
Wang Lin (right) pictured with China's former Foreign Minister Qian Qichen (second to the left)
Well connected: Wang Lin (middle) pictured during a hike in Pingxiang Scenic Area, China
The Intermediate People's Court in Fuzhou said in a statement that Wang Lin had passed away.
Wang practiced the ancient form of Qigong, which is thought to cultivate energy. While some claim it can heal the body, help others and also reconnect a person with their spiritual side.
He also posted videos online of him conjuring live snakes out of an empty pot and filling an empty glass with wine by 'simply breathing on it.'
Wang shot to prominence in 2013 after photographs of him posing with celebrities and businessmen emerged in Chinese media.
He has been pictured with Alibaba owner and founder Jack Ma, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
Zhao Wei (right), a famous Chinese actress, and billionaire Jack Ma (left) pictured walking with Wang Lin (middle)
Master: He has been pictured with Jack Ma (left) and Zhao Wei (right) many times in media
Wang Lin (pictured wearing sunglasses) was detained in 2015 in connection with the death of a businessman
Wang Lin (pictured wearing sunglasses) was detained in 2015 in connection with the death of a businessman
Media also claimed that he profited from corrupt and superstitious officials, telling them that he could help advance their careers and would also connect them with powerful people.
When the pictures emerged many people saw him as a symbol of corruption, using his connections to gain wealth.
Wang was detained in 2015 along with three others in connection with the kidnapping and death of businessman Zou Yong. At the time it was reported that he paid Wang substantial sums of money to become a follower.
The Fuzhou prosecutor found Wang 'criminally responsible' for illegal detention, fraud, gun possession and bribery in November last year.
Last month he was granted bail as his physical condition worsened.
The number of religious groups and sects have been multiplying in recent years as more people seek spiritual meaning.
Reply With Quote