Falun Gong is a special Buddhist cultivation practice.
It has unique parts that distinguish it from other regular Buddhist
cultivation methods. Falun Gong is an advanced system of cultivation. In
the past it was a rigorous cultivation method that demanded that its
practitioners have extremely high character or great spiritual
inclination. For this reason the system of cultivation was hard to share
with the public. But in order for more people to come to know this
cultivation system, to raise their levels, and to meet the needs of
numerous, devoted cultivators, I compiled a set of cultivation exercises
suitable for the public. In spite of the modifications, these exercises
still far exceed those of average cultivation systems in terms of their
offerings and the levels at which they are practiced.
Falun Gong cultivators can not only
quickly develop their gong strength and supernatural abilities, but
also acquire an incomparably powerful Law Wheel in a very short period of
time. Once formed, the Law Wheel perpetually rotates automatically in a
practitioner’s lower abdomen. It continuously collects energy from the
universe and transforms it into gong in the cultivator’s innate
body. The goal called “the Law refines the practitioner” is thus achieved.
Falun Gong has five sets of movements.
They are the following exercises: Buddha Stretching a Thousand Arms, Falun
Standing Stance, Penetrating the Cosmic Extremes, Falun Cosmic Orbit, and
Reinforcing Supernatural Powers.
1. Buddha Stretching a Thousand Arms
(Fo Zhan Qianshou Fa)
Principles: The core
of Buddha Stretching a Thousand Arms is stretching to open up all energy
channels. Through doing this exercise, beginners can acquire energy in a
short period of time, and experienced practitioners will improve quickly.
The exercise requires all energy channels to be opened up at the outset,
enabling practitioners to immediately practice at a high level. The
movements of this exercise are quite simple because a Great Way is, as a
rule, simple and easy to learn. Though the movements are simple, they
dictate everything involved in the cultivation system. When doing this
exercise, one’s body will feel warm and will experience a unique sensation
of there being a very strong energy field. This is caused by stretching
and opening all the energy channels throughout the body. The purpose is to
break through areas where the energy is blocked, to enable energy to
circulate freely and smoothly, to mobilize the energy within the body and
under the skin, circulating it vigorously, and to absorb a great amount of
energy from the universe. It simultaneously enables the practitioner to
quickly achieve the state of having a qigong energy field. This
exercise is done as the foundational exercise of Falun Gong, and it is
usually done first. It is one of the methods for reinforcing your
cultivation.
Verse:23
Shenshen Heyi24
Dongjing Suiji25
Dingtian Duzun26
Qianshou Foli27
Preparation – Relax
the entire body, but don’t become too loose. Stand naturally, with feet
shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees slightly. Keep the knees and hips
relaxed. Tuck your chin in slightly. Touch the tip of the tongue to the
hard palate. Leave a little space between the teeth. Close the lips and
gently shut the eyes. Maintain a serene expression on the face. During the
exercise you will have the feeling that you are very large and tall.
Conjoining the Hands
(Liangshou Jieyin)
– Lift both hands slightly with the palms
facing up. Have the thumb tips lightly touch each other. Let the other
four fingers of each hand meet and overlap on top of each other. For males
the left hand is on top; for females the right hand is on top. Have the
hands form an oval shape and hold them at the lower abdominal area. Hold
both upper arms slightly forward with the elbows suspended so that the
underarms are open (see Figure 1-1).
Buddha Maitreya Stretching His Back
(Mile Shenyao)
– Begin with hands conjoined (Jieyin). While raising the conjoined
hands, straighten both legs gradually. When the hands reach the front of
the face, separate them and gradually turn both palms upward. Once the
hands are above the top of the head, have the palms face up and the
fingers of both hands point toward each other, with a distance of 20-25 cm
(8-10 inches) between them (Fig. 1-2). At the same time, push the head
upward and press the feet downward on the ground. Press up hard with the
heels of both palms and stretch the body for about 2 to 3 seconds. Then
relax the whole body abruptly; remember to bring the knees and hips back
to a relaxed position.
Tathagata
Pouring Energy into the Top of the Head (Rulai
Guanding)
– Following from the above posture,
turn your palms outward 140° to both sides simultaneously, so that the
insides of the wrists face each other, forming a funnel shape. Straighten
the wrists and move them downward (Fig. 1-3). When the hands reach the
front of the chest, have the palms face the chest at a distance of about
10 cm (4 inches). Continue moving both hands down until they reach the
lower abdomen (Fig. 1-4).
Pressing the Hands Together in Front
of the Chest (Shuangshou Heshi)
– When reaching the lower abdominal area, without pausing, lift the hands
up to the chest and press them together (Heshi) (Fig. 1-5). When
doing Heshi, press both the fingers and the heels of the palms
against each other, keeping a hollow space between the palms. Hold the
elbows up, with the forearms forming a straight line. (Keep hands in the
Lotus Palm position,
except when putting hands together (Heshi) or conjoining them (Jieyin);
the same applies to the following exercises.)
Hands
Pointing to Heaven and Earth
(Zhangzhi Qiankun)
–
Starting from the
posture of
Heshi,
separate the hands 2-3 cm (1 inch) and start to turn them. Males turn the
left hand (females, the right hand) towards the chest and turn the other
hand outwards, so that the left hand is on top and the right hand is on
the bottom (for females, the opposite). Both hands should make a straight
line with the forearms (Fig. 1-6).
Next, extend the top
forearm diagonally upward with the palm facing down, until the hand
reaches the level of the head. Keep the other hand at the chest with the
palm facing up. As the top arm extends, stretch the entire body gradually,
push the head upward, and press the feet downward. Stretch the top arm
upward in the upper left direction (females, the right direction), while
the arm that is in front of the chest stretches outward along with the
raised arm (Fig. 1-7). Stretch for about 2 to 3 seconds, then relax the
entire body abruptly. Bring the raised arm down to the front of the chest
and to
Heshi.
Next, turn the palms again. The right hand (females, the left hand) is on
top and the left hand is at the bottom (Fig. 1-8).
The top arm repeats
the previous movements just done; that is, extend the forearm diagonally
upward with the palm facing down, until the hand has reached as high as
the head. Keep the other arm at the chest with the palm facing upward.
After stretching (Fig. 1-9), relax the entire body abruptly. Bring the
hands to the front of the chest and put them together in
Heshi
(Fig. 1-5).
Golden Monkey Splitting Its Body
(Jinhou
Fenshen)
–
Begin with the
posture of
Heshi.
Separate the hands at the chest and extend them outward to the sides of
the body, forming a straight line with the shoulders. Gradually stretch
the entire body. Push the head upward, press the feet downward, and
stretch the arms hard out to the sides. Stretch in these four directions
(Fig. 1-10) for 2-3 seconds. Relax the entire body abruptly and put the
hands together in
Heshi.
Two Dragons Diving into the
Sea
(Shuanglong
Xiahai)
–
From
Heshi,
separate the hands and extend them downward towards the lower front of the
body. When the arms are parallel and straight, they should form an angle
of about 30° with the legs (Fig. 1-11). Stretch the whole body. Push the
head upward and press the feet downward. Stretch for about 2-3 seconds,
then relax the entire body abruptly. Draw back the hands and put them
together in
Heshi.
Bodhisattva Touching the
Lotus
(Pusa
Fulian)
–
From
Heshi,
separate the hands and extend them diagonally downward to the sides of
the body, with the angle between the arms and the legs at about 30° (Fig.
1-12). Stretch the whole body gradually, while the fingertips stretch out
downward with a little force. Then, relax the entire body abruptly. Bring
the hands toward the chest and put them together in
Heshi.
Arhat Carrying a Mountain on His Back
(Luohan
Beishan)
–
Begin with the hands
in
Heshi.
Separate the hands and extend them behind the body. At the same time, turn
both palms to face backward. When the hands are passing the sides of the
body, slowly flex the wrists. When the hands reach behind the body, the
angle between the wrists and the body should be 45° (Fig. 1-13). Stretch
the entire body gradually. After the hands reach the proper position, push
the head upward and press the feet downward. Keep the body upright, and
stretch for about 2-3 seconds. Relax the entire body abruptly. Draw back
the hands and return them to
Heshi.
Vajra Toppling a Mountain
(Jingang
Paishan)
–
Begin with the hands
in
Heshi,
then separate them and push forward with the palms. Have the fingers
pointing upward and keep the arms at shoulder level. Once the arms are
straight, push the head upward and press the feet downward. Keep the body
upright (Fig. 1-14). Stretch for 2-3 seconds, then relax the entire body
abruptly. Put the hands together in front of the chest to form
Heshi.
Overlapping the Hands in
Front of the Lower Abdomen
(Diekou
Xiaofu)
– Begin with the hands in
Heshi.
Slowly move the hands downward, turning the palms to face the abdominal
area. When the hands reach the lower abdominal area, overlap them. For
males, the left hand goes on the inside; for females, the right hand goes
on the inside. Have the palm of the outer hand facing the back of the
inner hand. Keep a distance of 3 cm (1 inch) between the hands and another
3 cm (1 inch) between the inner hand and the lower abdomen. Usually the
hands are kept this way for 40 to 100 seconds (Fig. 1-15). Finish the
exercise by conjoining the hands in the
Jieyin
position.
2. Falun Standing Stance
(Falun Zhuang Fa)
Principles:
This is the second Falun Gong exercise. It is a still,
standing exercise composed of four wheel-holding positions. There are few
movements and each position needs to be held for quite a while. Beginners’
arms might initially feel heavy and achy. After doing the exercise,
though, the whole body will feel relaxed, without feeling any of the
fatigue that comes from physical work. When practitioners increase the
frequency and duration of the exercise, they can feel a Law Wheel rotating
between their arms. Doing the Falun Standing Stance exercise frequently
will help open the entire body completely, and it will enhance gong
strength. Falun Standing Stance is a comprehensive means of cultivation
that increases wisdom, raises a person’s level, and strengthens
supernatural powers. The movements are simple, yet much can be achieved
from this exercise and nothing is left out. During the exercise, do the
movements naturally—you must be aware that you are doing them, and don’t
sway, though it is normal to move slightly. As with the other exercises of
Falun Gong, the end of this exercise does not mean the end of the practice
since the Law Wheel never stops rotating. The duration of each movement
can differ from person to person, but the longer, the better.
Verse:
Shenghui Zengli43
Rongxin Qingti44
Simiao Siwu45
Falun Chuqi46
Preparation – Relax
the whole body, but don’t become too loose. Stand naturally, with feet
shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees slightly. Keep the knees and hips
relaxed. Tuck your chin in slightly. Touch the tip of the tongue to the
hard palate. Leave a little space between the teeth. Close the lips and
gently close the eyes. Maintain a serene expression on the face. Conjoin
the hands in Jieyin.
Holding the Wheel in Front of the Head
(Touqian Baolun)
– Start with the hands in Jieyin. Slowly raise both hands from the
lower abdomen, separating them in the process. When the hands have reached
the front of the head, have the palms point toward the face at eyebrow
level. Have the fingertips of the hands point toward each other, with 15
cm (5 inches) between them. Form a circle with the arms and relax the
whole body (Fig. 2-1).
Holding the Wheel in Front of the Lower Abdomen
(Fuqian
Baolun)
–
Slowly bring both
hands downward from the previous position. Keep the wheel-holding position
unchanged as they reach the lower abdominal area. Keep a distance of about
10 cm (4 inches) between the hands and the abdomen. Hold the elbows
forward, keeping the underarms open. Have the palms face up and the
fingers of the hands point toward each other, with a distance of 10 cm (4
inches) between them. The arms should form a circle (Fig. 2-2).
Holding the Wheel Above the
Head
(Touding
Baolun)
–
From the previous position,
raise the arms slowly, keeping the circular shape unchanged. Hold the
wheel above the head with the fingers pointing toward each other. Keep the
palms facing downward, with a distance of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) between
the fingertips of the hands. The arms should form a circle. Keep the
shoulders, arms, elbows and wrists relaxed (Fig. 2-3).
Holding Wheels on
Both Sides of the Head (Liangce Baolun)
–
Starting from the previous position,
slowly move the hands downward to the sides of the head. Keep the palms
facing the ears, the forearms upright, and the shoulders relaxed. Don’t
hold the hands too close to the ears (Fig. 2-4).
Overlapping the Hands in
Front of the Lower Abdomen (Diekou
Xiaofu) – Slowly move both
hands down from the previous position to the lower abdomen. Overlap the
hands (Fig. 1-15). Finish the exercise by doing
Jieyin.
3. Penetrating the Cosmic Extremes
(Guantong Liangji Fa)
Principles:
The purpose of this exercise is to mix and merge the
universe’s energy with the energy inside the body. A great amount of
energy is expelled and taken in. In a very short time, the practitioner
can expel the pathogenic and black qi from his or her body and take
in a great deal of energy from the universe, enabling the body to be
purified and to quickly reach the state of “a Pure-White Body.” Also,
while the arms are moving up and down, the exercise facilitates the
“opening of the top of the head” and unblocks the passages under the feet.
Before doing the exercise, picture
yourself as two large empty barrels standing upright between heaven and
earth, gigantic and incomparably tall. With the upward movement of the
arms, the qi in the body rushes directly out of the top of the head
to the upper extreme of the universe; with the downward movement of the
arms, it goes out through the bottoms of the feet to the lower extreme of
the universe. After these movements of the arms, the energy returns to the
inside of the body from both extremes, and is then sent out in the
opposite direction. The arms are moved up and down in opposite directions
nine times each. On the ninth movement, the left arm is held up (females,
the right arm) and kept there, then the other arm is brought up. Next,
both arms move downward together, bringing the energy to the lower
extreme, and then back to the upper extreme as they move along the body.
After the arms move up and down nine times, the energy is brought back
into the body. The Law Wheel is turned clockwise (as viewed from the
front) at the lower abdomen four times to spin the energy that is outside
the body back in. The hands are conjoined in Jieyin to end the
exercise, but not the functioning of gong.
Verse:
Jinghua Benti52
Fakai Dingdi53
Xinci Yimeng54
Tongtian Chedi55
Preparation – Relax
the entire body, but don’t become too loose. Stand naturally, with feet
shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees slightly. Keep the knees and hips
relaxed. Tuck your chin in slightly. Touch the tip of the tongue to the
hard palate. Leave a little space between the teeth. Close the lips and
gently close the eyes. Assume a serene expression on the face. Conjoin the
hands in Jieyin, then put them together in Heshi in front of
the chest.
Singular Up-and-Down Arm
Movement (Danshou Chong’guan)
– From the Heshi posture, the exercise starts with singular
arm movement in which the arms glide slowly along with the energy
mechanisms outside the body. Following along with the movements of the
arms, the energy inside the body flows up and down continuously. For
males, bring the left arm up first (Fig. 3-1); for females, bring the
right arm up first. Slowly bring up the arm, passing along the front side
of the face and extending it above the top of the head. Simultaneously,
slowly lower the other arm. Keep alternating the arms in this way (Fig.
3-2). Keep both palms facing toward the body at a distance of 10 cm (4
inches). When doing the exercise keep the entire body relaxed. One
up-and-down movement of the arms is counted as one time. Repeat a total of
nine times.
Double Up-and-Down Arm Movement
(Shuangshou
Chong'guan)
–
At
the ninth singular-arm movement, the left arm (females, the right arm)
stays up and waits while the other arm is brought up. Both hands are
pointing upward (Fig. 3-3). Next, move both arms downward at the same time
(Fig. 3-4). Keep the palms facing the body at a distance of 10 cm (4
inches). One up-and-down movement of the arms is counted as one time.
Repeat nine times.
Turning the Law Wheel With Both Hands
(Shuangshou Tuidong Falun)
– After completing the double-arm movements, move both arms downward past
the face and over the chest until reaching the location of the lower
abdomen. Now turn the Law Wheel at the lower abdomen (Fig. 3-5, 3-6, and
3-7), with the left hand inside for males and the right hand inside for
females. Keep a distance of 3 cm (1 inch) between the hands and between
the inner hand and the lower abdomen. Turn the Law Wheel clockwise (as
viewed from the front) four times to spin the energy from outside back to
the inside of the body. When turning the Law Wheel, keep the movements of
the hands within the area of the lower abdomen.
Conjoin the Hands (Liang
Shou Jieyin) (Fig. 1-1)
4. Falun Cosmic Orbit
(Falun Zhoutian Fa)
Principles: This
exercise enables the human body’s energy to circulate over large areas.
Rather than going through only one or several meridians, the energy
circulates from the entire yin side of the body to the yang
side, over and over again. This exercise goes far beyond the usual methods
of opening up the meridians and the great and small cosmic orbits. It is
one of Falun Gong’s intermediate-level exercises. With the previous three
exercises as a base, this one is intended to open up all meridians
throughout the body (including the great cosmic orbit) so that the
meridians will gradually be connected throughout the entire body, from top
to bottom. The most outstanding feature of this exercise is its use of the
Law Wheel’s rotation to rectify all abnormal conditions in the human body.
This enables the human body—a small cosmos or universe—to return to its
original state, and to have the whole body’s energy circulate freely and
smoothly. When that is achieved, the practitioner has reached a very high
level in Triple-World-Law cultivation and, if he or she has great
spiritual potential, can now move on to cultivate the Great Way (Dafa).
At that time their gong strength and supernatural powers will grow
dramatically. When doing this exercise, the hands should follow the energy
mechanisms. Each movement should be unhurried, slow, and smooth.
Verse:
Xuanfa Zhixu60
Xinqing Siyu61
Fanben
Guizhen62
Youyou Siqi63
Preparation –
Relax the entire body, but don’t become too loose.
Stand naturally, with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees slightly.
Keep the knees and hips relaxed. Tuck your chin in slightly. Touch the tip
of the tongue to the hard palate. Leave a little space between the teeth.
Close the lips and gently close the eyes. Maintain a serene expression on
the face.
Conjoin the hands in Jieyin, then
put the hands together in Heshi in front of the chest.
Separate the hands from Heshi. Move
them down to the lower abdomen while turning both palms to face the body.
Keep a distance of about 10 cm (4 inches) between the hands and the body.
After the hands have passed along the lower abdomen, extend them further
downward along the inner sides of the legs and, at the same time, bend at
the waist and squat down (Fig. 4-1). When the fingertips get close to the
ground, move the hands in a circle from the front of the feet, along the
outsides of the feet to the heels (Fig. 4-2).
Then, bend both wrists
slightly and bring the hands up along the backs of the legs (Fig. 4-3).
Straighten the waist while lifting the hands up
along the back (Fig. 4-4). During the exercise, don’t let either hand
touch any part of the body, or the energy on them will be taken back into
the body. When the hands cannot be lifted any higher [along the back],
make hollow fists (Fig. 4-5), then pull them forward passing through the
underarms. Cross the arms in front of the chest (There is no special
requirement for which arm is to be above and which below—it depends on
what’s natural for the individual. This is the case for both males and
females.) (Fig. 4-6). Open the hollow fists and place the hands over the
shoulders (leaving a space). Move both palms along the outer (yang)
sides of the arms. When reaching the wrists, turn the hands so the palms
face each other at a distance of 3-4 cm (1.25 to 1.5 inches). That is, the
outer thumb is now turned to be on top and the inner thumb is below. At
that time, the hands and the arms should form a straight line (Fig. 4-7).
Turn both palms as if holding a ball; that is, the outside hand is turned
so that it ends up inside and the inside hand is turned so that it ends up
outside. As both hands push along the inner (yin) sides of the
lower and upper arms, raise them up and over the back of the head (Fig.
4-8). The arms should form an “x” at the back of the head. Next, continue
to move the hands further down toward the backbone (Fig. 4-9). Separate
the hands, with the fingertips pointing downward, and connect with the
energy of the back. Then move both hands in parallel over the top of the
head to the front of the chest (Fig. 4-10). This then completes a cosmic
orbit. Repeat the movements nine times. After completing the exercise,
move the hands down along the chest to the lower abdomen.
Overlap the hands in front of the lower
abdomen (die kou xiao fu) (Fig. 1-15), and then conjoin the hands
in Jieyin (Fig. 1-1).
5. Reinforcing Supernatural Powers
(Shentong Jiachi Fa)
Principles:
Reinforcing Supernatural Powers is one of the serene cultivation exercises
in Falun Gong. It is a multi-purpose exercise intended to strengthen
supernatural powers (including supernatural abilities) and gong
strength by turning the Law Wheel using Buddha mudras, or “hand
signs.” This exercise is above the intermediate level and was originally
kept as a secret exercise. To fulfill the wishes of those who have reached
a basic level, I have specially made public this cultivation method to
save predestined practitioners. The exercise requires meditating in the
full-lotus position. The full-lotus position is preferable, though the
half-lotus position is also acceptable. During the exercise, the flow of
qi is strong and the energy field around the body is large. The
hands move with the energy mechanisms planted by your shifu. When
the hand movements start, the heart follows the movement of the thoughts.
When strengthening the supernatural powers, keep the mind empty, with a
slight focus on both palms. The centers of the palms will feel warm,
heavy, electric, numb, as if holding a weight, etc. But don’t pursue any
of these sensations—just let them happen naturally. The longer the legs
are crossed, the better; it depends on one’s endurance. The longer you
meditate, the more intense the exercise is and the faster the energy
grows. Don’t think about anything when doing this exercise—no thought is
involved—and ease into stillness. Gradually enter into stillness from the
dynamic state that seems calm, but is not actually stillness. But your
main consciousness must be aware that you are doing the exercise.
Verse:
Youyi Wuyi65
Yinsui Jiqi66
Sikong Feikong67
Dongjing Ruyi68
Conjoin the Hands (Liangshou
Jieyin) –
Sit with legs crossed in the lotus position. Relax the entire body, but
don’t become too loose. Keep the waist and neck upright. Tuck in the chin
slightly. Touch the tip of the tongue to the hard palate, leave a space
between the teeth, and close the lips. Gently close the eyes. Fill the
heart with compassion. Assume a peaceful and serene expression on the
face. Conjoin the hands in Jieyin at the lower abdomen, and
gradually enter into stillness (Fig. 5-1).
First Mudra –
When the hand
movements start, the heart follows the movement of the thoughts. The
movements should follow the energy mechanisms planted by your
shifu.
They should be carried out in an unhurried, slow, and smooth way. Slowly
raise both hands in the Jieyin
position until reaching the front of the head. Then, gradually turn the
palms to face upward. When the palms are facing up, the hands will have
reached their highest point (Fig. 5-2). Next, separating the hands, draw
an arc over the head, turning them out to the sides until they reach the
front side of the head (Fig. 5-3).
Immediately after,
slowly lower the arms. Try to hold the elbows inward, with palms facing up
and fingers pointing toward the front (Fig. 5-4). Next, straighten both
wrists and cross them in front of the chest. For males, the left hand goes
outside; for females, the right hand goes outside (Fig. 5-5).
When a straight line
is formed by the arms and hands, rotate outward the wrist of the hand on
the outside, with the palm turned to face upward. Draw a semicircle, and
turn the palm to face upward with fingers pointing toward the back. The
arm should use some force. Turn downward the palm of the hand that was
inside after crossing in front of the chest. Straighten the arm. Rotate
the arm and hand so the palm faces outward. The arm in the lower front of
the body should form an angle of 30° with the body (Fig. 5-6).
Second Mudra
–
Following from the previous
position (Fig. 5-6), the upper hand moves to the inside. Turn the palm of
the upper hand toward the body and simultaneously move the lower hand up.
The movement is the same as in the first
mudra,
with the left and right hands switched. The positions of the hands should
be exactly the opposite of before (Fig. 5-7).
Third Mudra
–
Straighten the right wrist
for males (left for females) with the palm facing the body. After the
right (or left) hand moves across in front of the chest, turn the palm to
face down and move it down to the lower front where the shin is located.
Keep the arm straight. Males, turn the left wrist (females, the right)
while moving it up and passing the right hand with the palm facing the
body. At the same time, move the palm toward the left (females, the right)
shoulder. When the hand has reached its position, the palm faces up and
the fingers point forward (Fig. 5-8).
Fourth Mudra
–
This is the same
mudra
as shown above, but with the hands in opposite positions. The left hand
for males (right for females) moves on the inside, and the right hand
(left for females) moves on the outside. The movements just switch the
left with the right hand. The hands are in opposite positions (Fig. 5-9).
When doing all four
mudras
the movements are continuous, without interruption.
Reinforcing Sphere-Shaped
Supernatural Powers –
Continuing from the fourth
mudra,
the upper hand moves on the inside with the lower hand moving on the
outside. For males, the right palm (females, the left palm) gradually
turns and moves down toward the chest area. The left hand for males (right
for females) moves up. When both forearms reach the chest and form a
horizontal line (Fig. 5-10), pull the hands apart toward the sides (Fig.
5-11) while turning the palms to face downward. When the hands extend
beyond the outsides of the knees, bring the hands to waist level, with the
forearms and the wrists at the same level. Relax the arms (Fig. 5-12).
This position draws internal supernatural powers out to the hands for
reinforcing sphere-shaped supernatural powers. When supernatural powers
are being reinforced, the palms will feel warm, heavy, numb, as if holding
a weight, etc. But don’t pursue these sensations—let them happen
naturally. The longer the position is held, the better. Hold it until you
are too tired to endure it.
Reinforcing Pillar-Shaped
Supernatural Powers –
Following from the previous
position, rotate the right hand (females, the left) so the palm faces
upward and, at the same time, move it toward the lower abdominal area.
When the hand has reached its position, keep the hand at the lower abdomen
with the palm facing up. At the same time, while that hand is moving, lift
the other hand and simultaneously move it toward the chin. Keep the hand
as high as the chin and have the palm face downward. The forearm and the
hand should be at the same level. At that time, both palms should face
each other and stay in that position (Fig. 5-13). That reinforces
pillar-shaped supernatural powers, such as “palm thunder,” etc. Hold the
position until you feel that it is impossible to hold any longer. Next,
with the upper hand, draw a semicircle in front of you while bringing the
hand down to the lower abdominal area. Simultaneously lift the lower hand
until it is right below the chin while turning the palm to face down (Fig.
5-14). That arm should be at the same level as the shoulder, with the two
palms facing each other. This strengthens the supernatural powers, too,
only with the opposite hand positions. Hold the position until the arms
become too tired to endure it.
Serene Cultivation
–
From the last position, draw
a semicircle downward with the upper hand (Fig. 5-15), bringing the hand
down to the lower abdominal area. Conjoin the hands in
Jieyin
and start the serene cultivation. Stay in stillness.
The longer the better.
Ending Position
–
Press the hands together in
front of the chest in
Heshi
(Fig. 5-16). Come out of
stillness and the lotus position.
Basic Requirements and Points to Note
for Falun Gong Practice
1. The five exercises of Falun
Gong can be done consecutively or selectively. But it is usually required
that you begin with the first exercise. Also, it is best to do the first
exercise three times. Of course, the other exercises may still be done
without doing the first one. Each one can be done on its own.
2. Each movement should be done
accurately and with rhythm. The hands and arms should move smoothly up and
down, back and forth, left and right. Following along with the energy
mechanisms, move unhurriedly, slowly, and smoothly. Do not move too
quickly or too slowly.
3. You must keep yourself under
the control of your main consciousness during the exercises, as Falun Gong
cultivates the main consciousness. Do not deliberately seek swaying.
Restrain the swaying of the body when it does occur. You may open your
eyes if you have to.
4. Relax the whole body,
particularly the knee and hip areas. If you stand too rigidly, the
meridians will remain obstructed.
5. During the exercises, the
movements should be relaxed and natural, free and unconstrained, easy and
unencumbered. The movements should be firm yet gentle, with some force yet
no rigidity or stiffness. If this is done the results will be more
noticeable.
6. Every time you finish doing the
exercises, you end the movements but not the cultivation mechanisms. To
end the exercises, you need only to do Jieyin. Ending with the conjoined
hands means the end of the movements. Do not put an end to the cultivation
mechanism using intention, however, because the Law Wheel’s rotation
cannot be stopped.
7. Those who are weak or
chronically ill may practice according to their conditions. They may do
the exercises less or choose to do any of the five. As to those who cannot
perform movements, they may sit in the lotus position instead. Whatever
the situation, you should continue to practice.
8. There are no special
requirements in terms of location, time or direction for the exercises.
But a clean site and quiet surroundings are recommended.
9. These exercises are done
without using any directing with thought, and that way you will never go
awry. Do not mix Falun Gong with any other system of cultivation.
Otherwise, the Law Wheel will become deformed.
10. When you find it really
impossible to enter into stillness during the exercises, you may chant
your shifu’s name. As time passes, you will gradually be able to enter
into the state of stillness.
11. Some challenges may arise when
doing the exercises. This is one way of paying for karma. Everyone has
karma. When you sense discomfort in your body, do not consider it an
illness. So that your karma may be eliminated and the way for your
cultivation paved, some hardships might come soon or early.
12. If you cannot cross your legs
for the meditation, you may do it at first by sitting on the edge of a
chair, and you can achieve the same result. But a practitioner must be
able to do the lotus position. Over time you will surely manage to do it.
13. If you see any images or
scenes when doing the serene exercises, pay no attention to them and go on
with your practice. If you are interfered with by some terrifying scenes
or feel threatened, you should immediately remember, “I am protected by
Falun Gong’s teacher. I’m not afraid of anything.” Alternatively, you may
call out the name of Teacher Li and continue on with your practice.
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