September 20, 2002

(Clearwisdom.net) The movements are fluid and graceful, the smooth body movements dating back hundreds of years. Jason Wang, 39, believes the practice of Falun Gong (fah-luhn goong) literally cured his eyesight and restored balance to his body.

In 1997, Wang was pursuing his doctorate degree. When facing a comprehensive, qualifying exam, he realized he couldn't read for more than 10 minutes. "I was also registered for four courses in the same semester," he said from his home in Houston. "The pressure was great, and I had to read a lot. It hurt my eyes." He'd rest until his eyes felt better and then resume reading, but his eyesight was getting worse. He went to see doctors in Houston's Medical Center who referred him to a private eye specialist.

"He said to go home and wait and later they could use a laser to cure my eyes," he said. Not satisfied, Wang continued his search for other ways to improve his eyesight. One day, he spotted a flyer advertising a free Falun Gong class. He was familiar with the traditional Qigong practice that improves mind and body through gentle exercise and meditation. Using meditation and martial arts exercises, Falun Gong followers believe it helps channel the body's inner forces and improves health.

"It was good the class was free as I was a student with no money," he said. Hoping the practice would improve his overall health, and especially his eyesight, he began classes. Each week, he'd take a two-hour class, learning the five sets of exercises.

The first four are standing exercises and the fifth set puts the person in a tranquil state. The movements are simple, easy, natural and gentle, Wang explained. Soon after starting Falun Gong, Wang noticed his eyesight improving. "I could read 20 minutes, then I could read an hour, then five hours with no problem at all," he said. "I feel very lucky, and I attribute this improvement to Falun Gong."

In July, 1999, Falun Gong was outlawed in China, and some practitioners were sent directly to labor camps without trials. Wang said most people inside China are against the persecution of those practicing Falun Gong. He believes the chairman of China's communist party, who has absolute power over the army, media and government, is the person who started the persecution of Falun Gong.

For Wang, the movement is not political; it is simply a way for the body to improve its energy channel. "In China, people think every disease is related to the energy channel of the body," he said. He's seen people improve their health through the exercises, including reducing stress, alleviating headaches and other ailments. The ancient practice, Wang said, is designed to improve both physical health and mental health.

Many westerners are familiar with acupuncture and Tai Chi, a gentle movement similar to Falun Gong, because all deal with the body's energy channels. "If the energy channel is blocked, there is some disease there," said Wang. "The Tai Chi, or qigong opens up the energy channel." Falun Gong is safe for all ages, including young children, and Wang believes followers of the practice will attain a clear and pure mind and increase their energy and vitality.

Wang will present two free workshops at 10 a.m. and noon Saturday at the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. He and other practitioners of Falun Gong have given workshops throughout Texas, including Austin, San Antonio and Dallas.

"People like it and they come to the workshops and feel very good," he said.

For information about Falun Gong, visit website http://www.falundafa.org

(from http://www.herald-coaster.com/story1.shtml)