Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Make Good Friends With Nature

In October 2012, hurricane Sandy and snow storms swept across the eastern United States that resulted in a significant loss of life and property. With an estimated death toll of up to more than hundreds and caused New York the century old city dilapidated as if the scene in the film "The Day After Tomorrow." The United States was also facing one of the most serious natural disasters since this century. Losses caused by the hurricane Sandy, according to the report, were no less than 911. The American meteorological experts analyzed that it was caused by global warming and extreme weather phenomenon. During these years, we have witnessed the power of nature and its ruthless from the natural disasters around the globe.

More than 10 years ago, the Taiwan 921 earth quake occurred which caused Taiwan a major disaster, equivalent to the power of releasing 30 Hiroshima atomic bombs, and aftershocks were non-stop. Yet, four days after the earthquake, Shifu, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, Dr. Hong Tao Tze, led his dizi to held a solemn prayer ceremony with over 30,000 guests with devoted heart and prayer together to wish a peaceful mind for those who were alive and rest in peace for those who died. Dr. Hong proclaimed the "Love of World and A Declaration of Peace" to the world that day. I was deeply touched by the words that "We truly hope that those of all ages, different beliefs and races, both rich and poor have a genuine, cheerful and peace-loving heart. As a result, they will show respect and love for their families, others, their countries and the world through their actions. And we are looking forward to returning to a harmonious world in which there is no suffering, no fear, no war and no pain." I also deeply keep in mind the saying of "Under our protection of the environment, our love will keep the water clean and the environment beautiful forever. This way, our offspring will enjoy a pleasant, harmonious and affluent world."

Having been practice qigong in Tai Ji Men for more than ten years, whenever I think of the Declaration I think of what Shifu’s teachings and his behaviors have affected me. Shifu protects the environment by the implementation of life, including all things and human beings. One day, I had the opportunity accompanying Shifu to put something in the car. I put things next to the driver’s seat and Shifu naturally pulled up the seat belt and fasten them. I looked at Shifu with confusion, but Shifu smiled at me and said to me "we’ve got to take good care of them so they won’t fall off." Another time Shifu ate fruit which was prepared by dizi, it was a bit over-ripe and less refreshing, Shifu still enjoyed eating it and said nothing. This is the best teaching by example, teaching without words. Shifu usually tells us to treasures everything, to have a good habit of not wasting any food. Shifu as Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men is respected by presidents of many countries. He never wears any valuable things but a watch for keeping the time.

I’m influenced by Shifu’s teaching in words and behaviors, I never waste food whenever eating at home or dining out. For these years, I hardly throw any leftovers except fruit skins. I even keep the water that used to wash rice and take bath for a good use. Water used to clean vegetables, dishes or do laundry and flusing the toilet, I would also treasure them for other uses. Before, I would buy the clothes for the sake of buying but not for the usefulness. And I barely worn them, this had created wasteful of money and recources. Now, I wear and use the clothes properly.

In order to save energy and complete the implementation of environmental protection, I scrapped my motorcycle which I’ve ridden for years. I take public transportaion as my rides. Taking them requires longer time because sometimes transferes are required. At the beginning, I did not get used to it because it’s a bit inconvenient. But thinking from another view, I am protecting the environment, it is also safer and healthier to take the public transit stytems. I have more chances to walk which costs me less money and more benefits.

From Shifu’s behaviors, I learn not only the health, happiness, joy, wisdom, but also learn to respect heaven and ancestry. I treasure resources and respect to nature. Lowering the wants and desires, in turns gaining content and richful life. Do you wish to own these invisible asset? Why not start from daily life. Less desires and more love, let’s together to protect this troubled beautiful world!