Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Celebrating 19th Anniversary of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in LA

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Los Angeles celebrated its 19th anniversary on September 8, 2019. A powerful cultural performance titled “Kungfu Cymbals and Magnificent Drums” by energetic young Tai Ji Men members kicked off the event, spreading tons of happy energy. The event was attended by nearly 200 people, including dignitaries and community leaders such as Ms. Mabel Segura Fernández, Consul General of Costa Rica in Los Angeles; California Senator Ling Ling Chang; Ms. Tiffany Lee, representative of Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros; Mrs. Mei Mei Huff, wife and representative of former California Senator Bob Huff; Mr. Anthony Johnson, representative of Assemblyman Phillip Chen; Walnut Mayor Andrew Rodriguez; San Gabriel City Councilmember Chin Ho Liao; Dr. Maung Maung Kyi, publisher of Mandalay Gazette; Mr. Aung Min Naing, president of the Network of Myanmar American Association; Ms. Xiao Cui Liu, president of International Martial Arts Federation; Mr. Michael G. Cheung, executive chairman of International Martial Arts Federation; and Ms. Ivy Kuan, CEO of Confucius Chinese Language School.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren (grandmaster) of Tai Ji Men, welcomed everyone and stressed, "We are gathered here to celebrate the anniversary of our academy as well as to celebrate the United Nations’ designation of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience as this marks the beginning of humanity’s inner awakening collectively. Conscience, which is an innate compass, guides us to do what is right and unleashes our greatest potential. Conscience is also the wellspring of love and peace and can lead humanity toward a brighter and better future.”

Conscience is the key to sustainable development in the 21st century. In 2014, Dr. Hong initiated the movement of An Era of Conscience, which has been supported by people in 197 nations. Since 2018, Dr. Hong had worked with various Permanent Missions to the UN on a draft resolution, highlighting the importance of conscience. They had co-organized conferences at the United Nations in New York and in Vienna to exchange views and consolidate ideas for world peace. Then the Kingdom of Bahrain submitted a draft resolution to the UN, and on July 25, 2019, the United Nations adopted the resolution and declared April 5 as the International Day of Conscience, allowing a culture of conscience to guide the world towards a secure, harmonious, peaceful and sustainable future through the influence of the United Nations.

In celebration of the UN’s declaration of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience, each of the distinguished guests held a special clock. The face of the clock bears a compass of conscience, symbolizing that all are encouraged to follow the guidance of their conscience at all times. They also endorsed the Declaration of International Day of Conscience. To date, people in 163 nations have endorsed it.

With natural and man-made disasters occurring frequently, Tai Ji Men hosted a ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love. California Senator Ling Ling Chang rang the Bell and wished for “Peace, Love and Happiness!” Consul General Mabel Segura Fernández of Costa Rica in LA rang the Bell and made a wish for peace: “May love and mutual understanding be the common goal to all of us regardless of our differences.” By ringing the Bell, they injected powerful positive energy into California, the U.S., Costa Rica, and the whole world. To date, 366 visionary leaders in 111 nations have rung the Bell, including 42 heads of state and government, seven Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and UN ambassadors.

Over the years, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze has been praised for his tireless efforts to promote a culture of peace. On September 4, 2019, he was recognized by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who stated in the certificate of recognition for Dr. Hong, “I commend the enthusiasm, integrity and exemplary service you have demonstrated to promote cultural heritage and peace in our communities.” During today’s event, California Senator Ling Ling Chang stated, “I want to commend you for promoting peace; it is much needed in times like these.” San Gabriel City Councilmember Chin Ho Liao said, “I’ve known Dr. Hong for so many years. I know he has been doing such a great job, especially promoting positive energy in our communities and throughout the world, promoting love and peace.” Dr. Maung Maung Kyi, publisher of Mandalay Gazette, stated that on behalf of the Myanmar community in Arcadia, he wished love and peace to prevail in Los Angeles and the whole world. Ms. Xiao Cui Liu, president of International Martial Arts Federation, said that she is grateful to Tai Ji Men for its efforts to promote the idea of conscience and encourage people to do good deeds.

Tai Ji Men also received certificates of recognition from other leaders and organizations, including California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris, California Senator Connie M. Leyva, California Senator Susan Rubio, California Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez, LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, City Council of Montclair, City Council of Monrovia, Mayor April Verlato of the City of Arcadia, Mayor Nanette Fish of Temple City, and Mayor Cory C. Moss of the City of Industry.

Tai Ji Men members come from different ethnic backgrounds, and their ages range between 3 and 80. Under the leadership of Dr. Hong, Tai Ji Men members have improved their physical and mental health and become happier by practicing qigong and cultivating their hearts. They bring positive energy to their families, workplaces, and communities. They have also self-funded cultural exchange trips to 100 nations, promoting a culture of peace with love and conscience.

In addition to cultural performances full of love and peace, the anniversary celebration also featured sharing of life wisdom. The two speakers were Dr. Schumaku Lee, a medical doctor specializing in rheumatology, allergy, and immunology, and Chia-Chung Chen, a retired finance executive, and both of them are Tai Ji Men members. Dr. Lee shared the wisdom of balance and benefits of practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong from a Western medical practitioner’s perspective. Mr. Chen gave a talk titled “Invest in Your Life,” sharing how he successfully sailed through his extensive career in a challenging financial world. Their sharing was interesting and full of positivity and wisdom. Many attendees said that the whole anniversary celebration was a wonderful and rewarding experience.