Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy at Miaoli Celebrates Its 17th Birthday by Spreading Happy Energy with Hakka Culture
Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy at Miaoli held a grand celebration for its 17th anniversary on Feb. 27th (Mon.). Over 1200 other guests joined this special feast of spirituality and culture. Although it was cold on the day, the academy was filled with warm and happy energy.
On the ceiling of the academy’s halls of culture hung a “Greeting Dragon Lantern,” hand- made with Hakka floral fabric by Tai Ji Men dizi, and 108 other beautiful vibrant lanterns, meant to wish everyone a splendid new year.
Tai Ji Men dizi at the Miaoli academy come from all walks of life, including wood sculptors, orange growers, and ginger farmers. Since many residents of the Miaoli County are Hakkas, Tai Ji Men dizi especially chose Hakka culture as the theme of the event. At the beginning of this auspicious Year of the Dragon, they utilized their creativity and the philosophy of yin and yang, which they learned at Tai Ji Men, while decorating the “halls of culture” at the academy, where many delicate pieces of wood sculpture and straw weaving crafts are on display. Some Tai Ji Men dizi were making special Hakka mochi (or rice cake) and tea; some were making roasted oranges, which are believed to have the effect of nurturing the stomach and lungs and symbolize good fortune; still others were making hot ginger tea, which symbolizes longevity. Wherever you looked, you would find pleasant surprises and inspirational and heart-warming words. The guests were invited to experience the beauty and wisdom of Chinese culture while participating in these meaningful cultural activities.
The dragon is an auspicious celestial animal that protects all living creatures; therefore, wherever the dragon is, the place is blessed with good fortune. Mr. Dung-Lung Chen, a Tai Ji Men dizi, stated, “Tai Ji Men is an ancient menpai that places great emphasis on propriety and justice. Every thing we do has its significance and profound meanings. For this anniversary, we have especially presented several celestial dragons of different designs, each of which was meticulously hand-made by Tai Ji Men dizi under the guidance of Dr. Hong, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men. Each celestial dragon is unique and brings blessings to all.” As soon as the guests entered the Miaoli academy, they could see the display of“The Auspicious Dragon Emerges and Golden Carps Leap over the Dragon Waterfall” in the front yard. Legend has it that the golden carps fight all odds, swim upstream, and achieve great success by leaping over their destination the “Dragon Waterfall.” The academy displays the golden carps and the life-like golden dragon soaring in the clouds to wish people the very best in the Year of Dragon. By the dragon is a spinning globe, which signifies that if everyone keeps thinking good thoughts, the positive energy will definitely turn the world around to create a better future for all.
On the ceiling of the academy’s halls of culture hung a “Greeting Dragon Lantern,” hand- made with Hakka floral fabric by Tai Ji Men dizi, and 108 other beautiful vibrant lanterns. They are meant to wish everyone a splendid new year. Each of the guests was invited to make for themselves a “Five Treasure Lantern,” representing the five treasures of life—health, happiness, wisdom, wealth, and bliss. Tai Ji Men dizi and their guests, holding their self-made lanterns, wished that everyone has an illuminant light within the heart and stays cheerful all year long.
Additionally, a group of young Tai Ji Men dizi ages between 7 and 17 presented a traditional Hakka “Mountain Song” and an energetic dance “What a Bright World.” The pure vitality of the children and youth touched all the guests’ hearts and also showed that the precious cultural heritage had been successfully passed down to the young generations. One of the guests was so moved by Tai Ji Men’s performance that he shed tears and said that he is a Hakka but had never gained such a deep insight into Hakka culture in his daily life.
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