Tai Ji Men’s Toronto Peace Gala Unites Global Leaders | WPN World People News

Dignitaries from around the globe gather in Toronto to celebrate Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy’s 60th anniversary with its nonprofit cultural event, “A World of One Heart—Peace and Sustainability.”

During Canada Culture Days 2026, Tai Ji Men organized a series of public cultural events celebrating the 60th anniversary of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy under the theme “A World of One Heart—Peace and Sustainability.” The three events, held at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts from October 2 to 4, each drew a full house and widespread interest. Audiences at the October 2 opening event praised the production for its uplifting celebration of beauty and goodness.

Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, former heads of state and government from five nations, and global leaders join hands to usher in the next 60 glorious years of peace.

The October 3 event welcomed five former heads of state and government, along with international leaders, former government officials, and representatives of international organizations. Through martial arts, music, artistic expression, and multicultural exchange, Tai Ji Men dizi (apprentices) conveyed their vision of promoting peace, conscience, and sustainable development.

Auspicious creatures, including the Celestial Dragon and Fire Phoenixes, bring blessings to the world, symbolizing the inauguration of an endless era of peace and prosperity.

Former Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona praised the performers’ skill and precision, expressing admiration for the high caliber of the production. He also noted the audience’s deep appreciation for Dr. Hong Tao-Tze and his efforts to make the world a better place, saying, “Dr. Hong must have gotten a sense of the deep . . . and warm and sincere appreciation we have for him for trying to make this world of ours a better place.”

Through weapons, fans, and traditional forms, Tai Ji Men dizi demonstrate the true spirit of martial arts—promoting peace and ending conflict.

Former Leaders from Five Nations and International Dignitaries Join Dr. Hong to Illuminate “PEACE 60”

Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren (Grandmaster) of Tai Ji Men, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to friends and supporters around the world for their longstanding support, which has enabled Tai Ji Men dizi to continue advancing together toward sustainable peace. He emphasized that humanity’s ability to build a sustainable and prosperous future depends on conscience, noting that awakening conscience is a shared responsibility of paramount importance to all humanity.

Symbolizing compassion, wisdom, courage, and brightness, the "Golden Peacocks" joyfully interact with the Qilin, offering blessings for a peaceful and sustainable world.

Dr. Hong shared, “Guided by the great aspiration—‘Our only wish is for all people to live in peace; our every thought is devoted to peace for the world’—my dizi and I join hands with like-minded spirits around the globe. Together, through conscience and acts of kindness, we kindle the light of hope to warm and illuminate more hearts as we move toward the next glorious sixty years and strive to reach new heights of human civilization!”

Dr. Hong further emphasized, “Only conscience, love, and aspirations in action can sustain humanity’s future. As long as the power of love endures, there will always be hope for peace.”

Angels send the Arrows of Love to people’s hearts, bringing light and hope to the world.

A major highlight of the events was a special ceremony in which Dr. Hong Tao-Tze joined distinguished guests in illuminating the “PEACE 60” light display, uniting their good intentions and expressing their heartfelt wishes for world peace and sustainable development. Participants included former Prime Minister of Lesotho Pakalitha B. Mosisili; former President of Ecuador Rosalía Arteaga Serrano; former President of Trinidad and Tobago Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona; former Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Y. Thinley; former President of Croatia Ivo Josipović; former Austrian Minister of Defence Werner Fasslabend; Jerry White, a co-leader of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, a recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize; and Massimo Introvigne, editor-in-chief of Bitter Winter.

After ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, Dr. Hong leads the audience in making a "peace dove" hand gesture, sending wishes for peace.

A historic highlight of the event was the first-ever ringing of the “Bell of World Peace and Love” in Toronto, Canada. During the solemn ceremony, Dr. Hong rang the bell nine times, expressing his hope that conscience would guide humanity and kindness would pave the way to peace; that all living beings would live in safety and the world would enjoy lasting peace and sustainability; and that the universe would exist in harmony and all hearts would find their way back to their original home. Following the ceremony, Dr. Hong led those present in a collective prayer for peace, creating a deeply moving moment of shared hope and goodwill.

The Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy’s 60th-anniversary nonprofit cultural event, titled "A World of One Heart—Peace and Sustainability," opened in Toronto with a live orchestra presentation.

Honoring 60 Years of Conscience Education and Peace Initiatives: Global Dignitaries Present Awards to Dr. Hong

Dr. Hong was honored with awards and gifts presented by international leaders across various sectors, including former heads of state and government from five nations. The year 2026 marks a dual milestone: the 60th anniversary of the Kingdom of Lesotho's independence and statehood, concurrent with the 60th anniversary of the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy.

Pakalitha B. Mosisili, former Prime Minister of Lesotho, presented Dr. Hong with a special gift—a limited-edition Diamond Jubilee commemorative blanket woven with a traditional diamond pattern. The blanket symbolizes pristine perfection while embodying blessings of peace, timely rains, and prosperity. In August of this year, Former Prime Minister Mosisili also conferred upon Dr. Hong the “Global Conscience and Peace Leadership Award,” calling it a well-deserved tribute and praising Dr. Hong for bringing light, peace, and love to the world over the past 60 years.

Former Ecuadorian President Rosalía Arteaga specially commissioned women from the town of Cotacachi to create a handmade woven artwork for Dr. Hong. Embroidered with mountains, houses, and people, the piece expresses sincere respect for life and nature.

Former President of Trinidad and Tobago Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona presented a “Certificate of Commemoration and Honorary Tribute,” commending the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy under the leadership of Dr. Hong for six decades of dedicated service to humanity.

Former Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Y. Thinley presented a certificate of recognition honoring Dr. Hong’s outstanding leadership in advancing human well-being. He remarked, “Happiness is the end goal of all our endeavors. Without peace, sustainability, and conscience, there cannot be happiness. What Dr. Hong and Tai Ji Men are doing is . . . paving the path to sustainable happiness, which is why I am so happy to be here.”

Former Croatian President Ivo Josipović presented a certificate of appreciation, praising Dr. Hong as “a moral visionary and advocate of the conscience movement.” He also gifted a music box featuring his own musical composition, the opera Lennon, which is based on the life of John Lennon.

A Moving Celebration of Love and Peace

Heartfelt Tributes to Dr. Hong’s Enduring Efforts to Make the World a Better Place

The cultural presentation elevated martial arts into an art form, transforming physical strength into an expression of global peace. Mythical creatures—including the Celestial Dragon, Fire Phoenixes, and Auspicious Lions—offered blessings to humanity, while Golden Peacocks and Qilins joined the celebration. Blending traditional formations with innovative martial arts choreography, the presentation captivated audiences with its breathtaking artistry and emotional depth.

Another highlight was the Angel Family, which filled the venue with messages of love and hope. Dressed as angels, Tai Ji Men dizi (apprentices) from different generations shared heartfelt wishes for the world: Candlelight Angels illuminated the path of hope, Prayer Angels brought people together in solemn prayer, and Archery Angels aimed straight for the heart, symbolically sending love to all. Their collective aspiration for world peace created a moving atmosphere that left spectators uplifted and joyful.

Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, former President of Trinidad and Tobago, praised the presentation as phenomenal, highlighting its exquisite artistry, diverse dance styles, and meticulously honed skills that approached perfection. He said the event left the audience with “a very warm and humane feeling.”

He was particularly impressed by the young performers, commending their ability to demonstrate a high level of professional competence. He also remarked, “Dr. Hong must have gotten a sense of the deep . . . and warm and sincere appreciation we have for him for trying to make this world of ours a better place.” Describing Dr. Hong as “a general in the trenches of humanity,” Carmona recognized his steadfast efforts to make the world a better place and advance global peace.

Massimo Introvigne, Editor-in-Chief of Bitter Winter magazine, emphasized that the presentation is fundamentally an act of love. He noted that while the audience naturally enjoys the stunning spectacle, the event serves a far deeper purpose than mere entertainment. “The idea is that the audience should walk out of the auditorium, transformed and willing to bring the values of peace and love and conscience to everything we do, to everything we try to achieve.” He affirmed Dr. Hong’s conviction that conscience is the ultimate key to achieving that transformation.

Johnny Ford, founder of the World Conference of Mayors (WCM), expressed profound admiration for the event, praising its powerful expression of peace, love, and strength. Deeply moved by the experience, he declared, “It touched my heart so much. I'm ready to go now and tell it on the mountain: Peace, love for everyone. Let's change this world.”

Global Dignitaries Honor Dr. Hong’s Six Decades of Advancing Peace and Conscience

Toronto’s Celebration of Love and Peace Culminates in International Tributes to His Enduring Mission

Dr. Hong Tao-Tze was honored with awards and gifts presented by former heads of state and government from five nations—Lesotho, Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, Bhutan, and Croatia—as well as international delegates. He received congratulatory letters from Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, and Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure of Ontario. Additionally, he was presented with a certificate of appreciation from Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism of Ontario, alongside a certificate of recognition from Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough—Agincourt and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

In his certificate of appreciation, Minister Graham McGregor, on behalf of the Government of Ontario, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Tai Ji Men's contributions to education, cultural exchange, community engagement, peacebuilding, and the promotion of conscience, love, and mutual respect in Canada. He also welcomed international guests attending the 60th-anniversary celebration of the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, honoring its rich educational and cultural heritage while offering warm wishes for a memorable event and continued success in the years ahead.

On October 4, Tai Ji Men’s celebration of love and peace in Toronto concluded magnificently. Distinguished guests in attendance included Henry R. Ori, former Minister of Education, Science and Culture of Suriname; Angelique Codina, Vice President of the International Peace Alliance; and Lourdes (Lumy) Fuentes Castillo, Board Member of the Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre. Representing the Ethiopian Association in the Greater Toronto Area and Surrounding Regions (EAGTAR) were President Rahel Gettu, Secretary General Berhanu Lemma, and Board Member Wond Wossen Gebru. Additionally, Catherine Limbertie, Secretary and Treasurer of the Community Folk Art Council of Toronto, attended the opening event on October 2.

Former Minister Henry R. Ori, who made a special journey from Suriname to attend the grand occasion, expressed that watching the young performers display their remarkable talent was truly unbelievable. Offering them his highest compliments, he noted that by uniting peace and sustainability, a stronger world and a stronger people can be built.

Angelique Codina, Vice President of the International Peace Festival in Toronto, praised Tai Ji Men’s mission as outstanding and deeply commendable. Having previously invited Tai Ji Men to perform at the festival's opening ceremony on September 21 at Nathan Phillips Square, she noted that the 60th-anniversary celebration of the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy highlighted how culture and the arts play a vital role in fostering peace.
Describing the event as spectacular and inspiring, she commended Tai Ji Men’s Shifu (master) and dizi (apprentices) for traveling the globe at their own expense to spread peace through concrete acts of kindness and compassion. She emphasized that their vision extends far beyond a single organization or community—it is a global aspiration where the cultivation of conscience remains paramount.

A World of One Heart—Peace and Sustainability

Extraordinary Eastern Martial Arts Touch Hearts Worldwide

For 60 years, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze has led his dizi in practicing qigong to cultivate health while actively serving the global community. He has been particularly dedicated to promoting the movement of An Era of Conscience and played an instrumental role in advancing the initiatives that led to the United Nations’ designation of both the International Day of Conscience and the International Day of Hope, fostering these universal values.

Tai Ji Men’s Shifu and dizi have traveled the globe at their own expense to organize ceremonies of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, inviting leaders from all walks of life to make heartfelt wishes for peace. To date, their journeys have spanned 123 countries, and 704 prominent leaders across 159 nations have rung the Bell—including 90 heads of state and government alongside 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates.

Monica Sanchez, founder of the Miss CARICOM International Foundation, shared that the most memorable moment of the events for her was the appearance of the angels on stage. She reflected that, in her view, Dr. Hong himself is “an angel sent down here to help us to get to this place of peace and love.”

Rev. Dr. Devon Bannister, Pro-Chancellor at CICA International University and Seminary, declared, “The entire event from beginning to end was immaculate.” He was particularly drawn to the event’s central theme of peace and sustainability. Reflecting on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he noted that their emphasis on partnerships demonstrates that no one can succeed alone. He emphasized that true progress relies on bringing people together—having someone by your side to offer support when you are weak, provide a cup of water when you are thirsty, and lift you up when you cannot make it on your own.

Patricia McDougall, Founder and CEO of Patricia's Professional Photos, marveled at the event, describing it as an extraordinarily beautiful, pure, and spectacular experience. “I have never experienced anything quite so entertaining, so beautiful, and so pure,” she shared, adding that the core message of peace, love, and unity shone through every aspect of the evening—from the striking dragon showcase to the moving moment on stage where participants held hands. Emphasizing the profound sense of harmony conveyed throughout the show, she noted that it is a beautiful event everyone needs to see.

Over 600 Tai Ji Men Dizi Unite for Peace

Creating Heartfelt Resonance Across Generations

In 2025, Tai Ji Men opened its first Canadian location in Toronto, sharing the ancient menpai (lineage) philosophy, qigong, and holistic education across North America. Driven by a vision of promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, Tai Ji Men fosters peace among people of all races, cultures, and generations.

This year, Tai Ji Men dizi from around the world shared their millennia-old culture and nearly forgotten ancient martial arts with the vibrant city of Toronto. Mobilizing more than 600 dizi both onstage and behind the scenes—ranging in age from 8 to 77 and coming from all walks of life—they drew upon their daily qigong practice to translate conscience, love, and peace into captivating artistic presentations, winning overwhelming acclaim from the audience.

Chen Mu-ying, an audience member, reflected on how fortunate she felt to witness such a spiritually enriching event. She noted that through dance and martial arts, Tai Ji Men successfully delivered a stabilizing, harmonious energy to society. She was especially moved by the angel presentation, which conveyed that when individuals carry love, peace, and conscience in their hearts, a harmonious and bright future becomes achievable for the world.

Cynthia, a Mexican immigrant, praised the event for its overwhelming positive energy, sharing that it left her feeling filled with peace and love. Reflecting on her own difficult year, she noted how comforting it was to remember the power of forgiveness and to realize that the world remains a deeply beautiful place. She added, “We have to find the beauty in every day.”

Toronto resident Justin Buckley shared that he felt deeply inspired by the event, describing a strong sense of community filled with love and kindness. He noted that the central message revolved around spreading love, peace, and goodness—particularly the importance of passing these values down to future generations, emphasizing that because children are the future, society must prepare them well.

Nicholas Zraik from Lebanon shared that the event left him feeling deeply reassured and confident, noting how inspiring it was to see people genuinely caring for one another and striving to live in peace and happiness. As a Christian, he reflected that the experience made him feel profoundly blessed. He added that he was moved nearly to tears during the angel ppresentation—especially children dancing in angel costumes—and described the moment as exceptionally beautiful.

Vinita Goel, an IT professional and Indian immigrant, shared that the presentation moved her deeply, bringing her to tears. She reflected that the appearance of the angels and golden peacocks was especially touching, calling the overall event a remarkable experience. Expressing a profound sense of connection with the cast, she marveled at how the performers balanced extraordinary professionalism with a grounded, relatable warmth that made her both laugh and cry. She added that seeing the entire audience cheer during the songs advocating for global love and peace was a truly beautiful moment that left her nearly speechless.