(Clearwisdom.net) Although modern medicine has made progress by leaps and bounds thanks to advanced technology, chronic diseases such as diabetes, hepatitis, and cerebral vascular diseases still wreak havoc in many families. In addition, psychological ailments such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) also afflict a great number of people. In order to help those struggling with different conditions, the Taiwan Falun Dafa Association and Tainan No. 2 Middle School jointly sponsored the 98^th Physical and Mental Health Discussion Forum at Tainan's No. 2 Middle School Performing Arts Center.

Falun Gong practitioners demonstrate the first exercise--Buddha Stretching a Thousand Arms

Guest speakers at the forum included Professor Zhang Qingxi who teaches at National Taiwan University's Finance Department; Professor Lin Maocun from the Medical Research Department of Chi Mei Medical Center; Associate Professor Ai Changrui from the Management Department at National Chung Cheng University, and Doctor Wang Yuanfu from Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They shared their experiences from qigong, longevity tips, and Falun Gong practice.

Government official: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance benefits the mind and body

Opening day of the forum drew a large crowd. The sponsors said close to 200 visitors participated in the discussion the morning of day one. "We ran out of seats, so the staff brought chairs to make sure everyone had a seat."

Hong Zhengzhong, Deputy Mayor of Tainan City

Wang Rongfa, Principal at Tainan No. 2 Middle School

Professor Zhang Qingxi, who also holds the position of secretary for the Taiwan Falun Dafa Association, joined the following dignitaries for the opening ceremony: Tainan No. 2 Middle School Principal Wang Rongfa, Tainan City Deputy Mayor Hong Zhengzhong, Tourism Bureau Head Xu Gengxiu, Health Department Deputy Head Lin Bifen, and Education Division inspector Liu Xiufen.

Tainan City Deputy Mayor Hong Zhengzhong said the city government takes its responsibilities seriously when it comes to promoting the mental and physical well being of the citizenry. Falun Gong addresses Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, which is very positive. The city government has always been supportive of Falun Gong related activities.

Health Department Deputy Head Lin Bifen highly acknowledged the forum saying, "Depression has become one of the three major world illnesses. Falun Dafa teaches 'righteous thoughts,' which will greatly benefit one's heart and mind. I believe everyone will experience spiritual improvement through the classes taught here today."

Education Division inspector Liu Xiufen commented, "Falun Gong classes not only help teachers to regain balance and further serve their students better, but also have a positive influence on the students." She said the Education Division would continue to support Falun Dafa-related activities.

School principal Wang Rongfa: Discussion forum leads to a healthier campus

Tainan No. 2 Middle School was a co-sponsor of this forum. Principal Wang Rongfa said, "We'll have healthy students only when we have healthy teachers." He referred to a prior experience when the school invited doctor Wang Yuanfu to give a lecture on "Longevity and Health Practices" that received enthusiastic feedback from the faculty and students. Some teachers requested Falun Gong classes, as they believed it would help them gain even greater health benefits.

The principal said the forum is open not only to the faculty and students at Tainan No. 2 Middle School, but to everyone in the community, "We hope those who learn Falun Dafa at this forum will have a deeper understanding of how to maintain health and practice healthy lifestyles."

Professor Zhang Qingxi, who is also the secretary for Taiwan Falun Dafa Association, related his experience. Witnessing the complete recovery of a diabetic colleague and his terminally ill wife due to the miraculous healing effects of Falun Gong, he became interested in Falun Gong as well.

Professor Zhang entitled his speech "The Great Tao Is Simple." He said Falun Dafa is wonderful because it's truly profound; the principles are straightforward, as are the exercises. There are no "frills" to the practice just as there are no fees, no ceremonies, no need to alter existing relationships at work or at home, and there is no set time for the exercises.

Yoga student: I will buy a copy of Zhuan Falun

Mr. Hong Qinan, who works for Taiwan Water Corporation, and his wife, Hong Wang Jinlian, attended the first day of discussion and classes. Mr. Hong commented that the experts gave very good speeches. Mrs. Hong learned about the forum on the Internet. She has practiced qigong for three years, and yoga for more than one year, and invited her husband to come with her.

Mr. Hong Qinan and Ms. Hong Wang Jinlian

Ms. Hong Wang Jinlian works in the fashion industry and suffers from severe eye damage as a result of chronic eyestrain. She was touched by Professor Zhang Qingxi's story and said she was very interested in learning Falun Gong.

When asked what she felt the difference was between Falun Gong and qigong she said, "Most forms of qigong only have a physical component, but Falun Gong places emphasis xinxing improvement...If I practice Falun Gong, I will make progress in terms of compassion and forbearance, and Falun Gong will help me increase my kindness and patience."

She added she reaped a huge reward over the course of one day and she would like to buy a copy of Zhuan Falun.

Pain reduced after one day of practice

Su Yizhen, who works at Cathay Life Insurance Co., was eager to share her experience after listening to the speeches. She said her pain was noticeably reduced after only one day of the practice.

Su Yizhen shares her miraculous experience after practicing Falun Gong.

One of Su Yizhen's clients developed schizophrenia after he was laid off from work following a car accident. Su Yizhen helped him obtain compensation and accompanied him to Doctor Xu, who offered him an introductory film on Falun Dafa. The client was not interested, but Su Yizhen was curious and eventually bought a copy of Zhuan Falun.

During this time, Su Yizhen was suffering from a stiff and painful neck. Having heard a certain deity in a temple could cure illnesses, she went to the temple and received 20 doses of a certain drug. She took all of them but did not feel any improvement.

She said excitedly, "I took Falun Gong classes yesterday and bought a copy of Zhuan Falun afterwards before going home. I felt very light and happy in the evening and was not at all tired. I read a chapter in Zhuan Falun." She chuckled, "When I woke up this morning, my neck muscles loosened and it no longer hurt as much. I was very happy, so I read another chapter!" The audience was touched by her infectious laughter and applauded in encouragement.

Su Yizhen confidently said that, although her husband does not understand her choice as of now, she is determined to fulfill her duties and take care of the household, so her husband will know Falun Dafa teaches people to be truly kind and considerate of others.

Couple decides to practice Falun Gong after multiple sessions

Mr. Zeng and his wife have attended several Falun Gong classes. They always felt profoundly touched by practitioners' experiences. They realized this was what they had been seeking for a long time. The concepts inherent in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance struck a deep chord with them. Returning to one's true, original self is the most important thing to them.

Mr. Zeng and his wife said they would practice Falun Gong even more diligently after they go home.

Mr. Zeng said he tried to conduct himself according to the requirements set forth in Zhuan Falun. He began to examine his xinxing and treat others with kindness. "I feel wonderful. I feel there's nothing in this world that can upset me now. It's just as the saying goes, 'When you take a step back, you'll see the boundless ocean and the vast sky.'"

Mrs. Zeng is a middle school teacher. She said she is always encouraged by other practitioners' experiences, which motivate her to do the exercises and study the books. However, she would slacken over time when confronted with household chores and miscellaneous tasks at home. "This time, I will find a practice site and join group Fa study; I will take the practice seriously this time."

She said she immediately fell in love with Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and wanted to come to the forum because it's important to look inward.

Ms. Zheng and her husband said they would practice Falun Gong with more vigor, as they hope to experience the miracle and wonders of Falun Dafa.