November 12, 2000

It appears similar to yoga and tai chi, but Falun Gong has no breathing techniques or complex postures.

GARY -- With their eyes closed, Tong Xiao of Chicago and Hong Zhu of Highland demonstrated the soft, fluid movements of Falun gong, a system of exercising and teachings for the mind, spirit and body.

On the surface, the exercises seem similar to yoga and tai chi, but there are no breathing techniques or complex postures.

Zhu, 36, a staff research engineer with ISPAT Inland Inc. in East Chicago, has been practicing Falun gong for more than a year and believes it has given him mental clarity.

Falun Gong, based on principles of truth, compassion and tolerance, is used to increase moral standards as well as relaxation.

"I found this is the most powerful one for reducing stress," said Zhu, who helped in a demonstration at the Gary Public Library on Saturday, "I practice it at my home, and I volunteer to teach it at parks. I feel more energetic and for the past several years I have not had to go to a hospital. I have more peace of mind."

Falun Gong practitioner Minzi Pan, 28, of Chicago, said it is not a religion but a cultivation system with ancient roots. It contains five sets of exercises to increase energy circulation.

"I've seen my health condition improve a lot," Pan said, "I understand the universe and my life. My life is very peaceful, and it feels great. I wanted to introduce it to other people here in Gary."

Xiao said the exercises are supposed to help people attain wisdom as well as improve overall energy or "chi".

"You can go to higher and higher levels with it." Xiao said, "From the lowest level, it is good for health conditions. Also people lead a very peaceful life."

Larry Washington of Gary observed the demonstrations and watched an introductory video at the library.

Washington, who jogs for exercise, said he thought Falun Gong might catch on in Gary if more people knew about it.

In China, the practice is controversial with the Chinese government, an atheist regime, conducting mass arrests.

In the United States the exercises and principles have a following comprised of people from different ethnic backgrounds and religions who say they enjoy benefits of reduced stress and enhanced physical health.