Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy 60th Anniversary Lunar New Year Tea Gathering More than 200 Bay Area residents gather to share the energy of health, happiness, and peace

To mark the 60th anniversary of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, the Cupertino and Santa Clara academies hosted the “Enduring Peace: Blessed Horses in Full Stride” Lunar New Year Tea Gathering on March 8 in Santa Clara. The program featured a festive fair, cultural presentations, and qigong practice reflections, attracting more than 200 participants, including community leaders from across the Bay Area.

Tai Ji Men disciple Jason Lu delivered the welcome speech on behalf of Tai Ji Men’s Zhang-men-ren, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze. He remarked, “In this bustling world, we must hold compassion and tolerance for all people in our hearts and, with fearless courage and steadfast patience, persist in doing what is right—together, these embody the sacred mission of spiritual practitioners. I sincerely thank all of you who have walked hand in hand with us over the decades, making a positive impact in your respective fields and striving together for social stability and the well-being of all. Through your selfless dedication, you have infused the world with the steady energy of light and hope.”

Distinguished officials and guests from the Bay Area who attended the event in person included Phuong Nguyen, representative for California State Senator Dave Cortese; Elizabeth Vacca, representative for California State Senator Aisha Wahab; Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano; Milpitas City Councilmember William Lam; Cupertino Vice Mayor Liang Chao; Palo Alto City Councilmember Patrick Burt; Santa Clara City Councilmember Kevin Park; Fremont City Councilmember Raymond Liu; and Katherine Tseng, Vice President of the Los Gatos–Saratoga Union High School District Board.

In addition, U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna, California State Senators Aisha Wahab and Dave Cortese, California State Assemblymember Alex Lee, Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano, and San José Mayor Matt Mahan and the San José City Council presented certificates of recognition, commending Tai Ji Men for its long-standing dedication and positive contributions to the community. Assemblymember Alex Lee also sent a Lunar New Year greeting video prior to the event, congratulating the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy on its 60th anniversary and recognizing its exceptional contributions to the community.

During the “TJM 60 Light-Up Ceremony,” distinguished guests were invited on stage to collectively proclaim, “From Our Heart to the World—Light the Way!” The ceremony concluded with a one-minute moment of reflection, offering prayers for the world and affirming a shared commitment to peace.
Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano sang the classic lyric, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love—not just for one, but for everyone.” She noted that songs from the 1970s carried powerful messages of sincerity and shared love, emphasizing that such values are deeply needed today—more peace, more love, and a stronger sense of brotherhood. She encouraged people to respect one another despite their differences, underscoring that mutual respect is the foundation for achieving world peace.
Cupertino Vice Mayor Liang Chao highlighted the importance of assuming positive intent, encouraging people to see the best in others and in nations around the world. She noted that everyone faces challenges and emphasized the value of understanding one another’s difficulties and bringing out the best in each other.

Fremont City Councilmember Raymond Liu shared his hopes for the coming year, wishing peace and prosperity for all. He expressed his hope that disagreements can be resolved through peaceful dialogue rather than force.
Milpitas City Councilmember William Lam extended his wishes for good health, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead.
Palo Alto City Councilmember Patrick Burt remarked that in a time when the world faces many challenges, the goodwill and positive spirit fostered by Tai Ji Men are especially meaningful.
Santa Clara City Councilmember Kevin Park wished everyone happiness, health, calmness, and peace so that they may have the strength and compassion to support those around them.
Katherine Tseng, Vice President of the Los Gatos–Saratoga Union High School District Board, also shared her reflections, wishing for peace, joy, and happiness in the world, especially during these turbulent times. She thanked Tai Ji Men for bringing positive energy to the global community.
Following the presentation of the certificate, Elizabeth Vacca expressed her appreciation for the celebration. She noted that it is always a pleasure to attend the annual event and that this year was particularly meaningful as it marked not only the Lunar New Year celebration but also Tai Ji Men’s 60th anniversary. She added that the district is proud to be home to the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, recognizing the joy, love, and positivity it brings to the community and the benefits it provides to residents’ mental and physical well-being.

Three Tai Ji Men disciples shared how practicing qigong has improved their well-being. Zheng Pei, who struggled since childhood with rhinitis, eczema, and fatigue, reported steady physical improvement and greater emotional balance through meditation. Cui Bo, who joined Tai Ji Men at age 50, said that qigong relieved her shoulder pain and eliminated her jet lag issues, noting that consistent practice brings meaningful change. Jessica, an accountant, described significant relief from chronic dry eye syndrome, saying her vision now remains clear and comfortable even after extended computer use, which has strengthened her confidence in the benefits of qigong.

The event opened with a lively lion dance performance, followed by a powerful drum formation that energized the audience. Highlights included a choir rendition of “The Power of Peace and Love” and the vibrant Dragon-Horse Dance, showcasing unity, vitality, and the spirit of the New Year. The cultural fair at the Tea Gathering featured a kung-fu tea experience, interactive games, festive treats, and a popular calligraphy station, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere for all attendees.

Many participants remarked that the event was filled not only with festive New Year spirit but also with a warm sense of community and uplifting positive energy. French teacher Emmanuel Nado shared that he was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming atmosphere, noting how attendees immediately invited him to join the activities. He said he gained a deeper appreciation of Tai Ji culture, emphasizing that it offers both physical and spiritual energy that helps calm the mind. “It feels like it enriches your whole life,” he said. “I love it.”

For 60 years, Tai Ji Men has upheld its mission of love and peace, promoting holistic well-being and a culture of conscience. The Lunar New Year Tea Gathering concluded in an atmosphere of joy and blessings, ushering in a hopeful new chapter. Having visited 122 countries, Tai Ji Men continues to share positive energy around the world and contribute to global peace.