Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Pasadena Hosts Lunar New Year Gathering

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy: Promoting Love and Peace Through Cultural Performances and Life Stories

Pasadena, California — On March 15, 2026, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy held a lively Lunar New Year gathering at its Pasadena academy. More than one hundred attendees came together, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and hope. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy. A series of celebratory events, themed “Enduring Peace: Blessed Horse in Full Stride,” are being held around the world. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the zhang-men-ren (leader) of Tai Ji Men, received congratulatory messages from international leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, kings, princes, ambassadors, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as leaders from various sectors in California. These included U.S. Representative Ted Lieu, the mayor and city council of San Gabriel, and the President of the International Martial Arts Federation, among others, with well wishes from nearly 50 countries.

The event opened with the powerful Tai Ji Men Celestial Drum performance. The inspiring drumbeats energized the audience, and attendees responded with enthusiastic applause for the vibrant, positive, and dynamic presentation.
Tai Ji Men dizi (apprentice) Samuel Kuo read a message on behalf of Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze. Dr. Hong stated that he has carried forward the essence of Taoist wisdom on yin-yang balance, which has been passed down through thousands of years, emphasizing the heart as the foundation and qi as its application. Dr. Hong has dedicated himself to promoting the culture of Tai Ji Men, hoping that all people may enjoy holistic health and that harmony, peace, and security may prevail throughout the world.

For the past few decades, Dr. Hong has led his dizi, at their own expense, to visit 122 countries worldwide. Through cultural exchanges, they have shared the ideals of love, peace, and conscience through concrete actions, receiving positive responses from around the globe. Dr. Hong is also the initiator of the United Nations-designated “International Day of Conscience” and “International Day of Hope.” He stated, “Love and peace are the shared aspirations of humanity, and the conscience of the people is the foundation of a harmonious and sustainable Earth. With this conviction, my dizi and I will continue to journey across the world, illuminating the light of hope through conscience and warming more hearts.”

Dr. Hong is also the initiator of the United Nations-designated “International Day of Conscience” and “International Day of Hope.” He stated, “Love and peace are the shared aspirations of humanity, and the conscience of the people is the foundation of a harmonious and sustainable Earth. With this conviction, my dizi and I will continue to journey across the world, illuminating the light of hope through conscience and warming more hearts.”

In light of the many challenges facing the world, Tai Ji Men led all attendees in a moment of silence, offering prayers for peace and harmony. Everyone held sincere intentions and collectively sent blessings and hope to the world. Through this unifying moment of quiet reflection, participants not only expressed their concern for current global issues, but also demonstrated a shared belief in promoting peace through conscience and gathering positive energy through love.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Win Lei Phyu, Consul General of Myanmar in Los Angeles, and her husband Dr. Myo Min; U.S. diplomat Forest Yang; and Xiao Cui Liu, President of International Martial Arts Federation, among others.

Win Lei Phyu, Consul General of Myanmar in Los Angeles, stated that this is a very special and wonderful event. She mentioned that she has learned that the practice of Tai Ji Men Qigong helps cultivate a healthy body while also strengthening one’s energy and inner vitality. She was also deeply inspired by the well wishes conveyed by leaders from around the world.

U.S. diplomat Forest Yang stated that the celebration was very special. Sixty years ago, Dr. Hong founded Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy on a vision “that the cultivation of inner peace, physical discipline, and human connection could promote individual happiness and world peace.” She added, “After sixty years, Tai Ji Men has not slowed down. It continues to stride forward.” She extended her warmest congratulations to Dr. Hong and the entire Tai Ji Men family on this remarkable milestone, along with her very best wishes to everyone present for a year of health, peace, and good fortune.

Xiao Cui Liu, President of International Martial Arts Federation, expressed that she felt honored to participate in the event. She was pleased to see that under the leadership of Dr. Hong, the organization has been dedicated to promoting culture, advancing human health, and fostering world peace. With sincere hearts that care for people around the world, Tai Ji Men members have reached across the globe. She wished Tai Ji Men continued growth and even greater achievements in the future.

The performances of the auspicious lion dance and the Celestial Official bestowing blessings filled the venue with festive joy and vibrant energy. During the “Five Treasure Song” performance, Tai Ji Men dizi of all ages presented blessings of health, wealth, wisdom, joy, and happiness to every guest.

To celebrate the Year of the Horse, Tai Ji Men youth presented the energetic “Dragon Horse Dance,” showcasing strength, beauty, and positive energy, bringing joy and hope to the audience and earning resounding applause.

In addition, guests enjoyed hands-on experiences of traditional Lunar New Year activities, including writing Chinese calligraphy, creating stencil art with auspicious designs, roasting oranges for good luck, tasting candied fruit skewers, making tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) for reunion, and experiencing Tai Ji Men’s unique kung fu tea culture. The event also featured fun rituals such as “crossing the fire brazier,” representing the removal of the old and the welcoming of the new, blessing guests with peace and encouraging them to embrace the new year with renewed hope and positive energy.

The event also included warm and insightful life-sharing sessions exploring the balance of health and life through yin-yang philosophy. Distinguished Professor Mitchell Lu of National Chung Hsing University (Taiwan) and Assistant Professor Jiun-Yao Cheng of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in his early 30s, shared how practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong has benefited their academic research and daily lives.

Professor Lu, an expert in environmental science with numerous research awards, shared that at the age of 29, his wife was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma and underwent total gastrectomy. At that time, doctors informed them that her five-year survival rate was below 40 percent. During this difficult period, they found Tai Ji Men. Through qigong practice, his wife recovered well, allowing him to focus on his work with peace of mind. He also learned to calm his heart and mind, think more clearly, and gain greater wisdom, which has supported his research, inventions, and teaching.

Professor Cheng shared that he was very introverted and shy as a child. Practicing qigong with his parents at Tai Ji Men and learning yin-yang wisdom in a warm and supportive environment helped him build confidence and express himself. His Shifu also guided him to “teach himself,” enabling him to continuously improve. He has applied this wisdom in his teaching, helping students grow and making his professional development more fulfilling.

Professor Lu’s wife, Ya-Ting Yang, also shared their touching life story. Shortly after their marriage, she was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma and endured a total gastrectomy and painful chemotherapy, at one point even contemplating suicide. During this time, her husband, who cared for her daily, was also under great pressure preparing for his doctoral dissertation.

Fortunately, they later joined Tai Ji Men and practiced qigong together. Although they once believed that pregnancy would be impossible after such major surgery and treatment, Yang unexpectedly became pregnant after five years of practice and gave birth to a healthy daughter, who has now grown into a beautiful young woman. The family lives a happy and fulfilling life. Yang has had no recurrence and lives like a healthy person. This miraculous story deeply moved the audience.

Guest Jennifer shared that she truly enjoyed the event, finding both the cultural performances and personal sharing very enriching. She was glad to see that in modern society, there are still groups like Tai Ji Men that encourage people to uphold conscience. Another attendee, Koki, said, “It's a good event, and I hope everyone applies optimism, be optimistic in life.” Many other attendees also expressed that they were delighted to participate in such a meaningful and joyful event.