Falundafa.org

Chapter IV Falun Gong Practice System
 

Falun Gong is a special cultivation practice in the Buddha School. Its uniqueness distinguishes itself from other regular cultivation methods of the Buddha School. Falun Gong is an advanced cultivation practice system. In the past, it served as an intensive cultivation method that required practitioners with extremely high Xinxing (mind-nature) or great inborn quality. For this reason, this cultivation practice system is hard to popularize. However, in order for more practitioners to improve their levels, to know about this cultivation system, and also to meet the demands of numerous devoted practitioners, I have compiled a set of cultivation exercises suitable for the public. In spite of the modifications, these exercises still far exceed average cultivation systems in terms of what they offer and the levels at which they are practiced.

Falun Gong practitioners not only can quickly develop their energy potency and supernormal capabilities, but also can acquire a Falun (law wheel) that is incomparable in power in a very short period of time. Once formed, the Falun rotates automatically in a practitioner’s lower abdomen at all times. It incessantly collects energy from the universe and transforms it into Gong (cultivation energy) in a practitioner’s Benti (true being). Thus, the goal of "the Fa (law) refines the practitioner" will be achieved.

Falun Gong consists of five sets of movements, which are Buddha Showing A Thousand Hands Exercise, Falun Standing Stance Exercise, Penetrating the Two Cosmic Extremes Exercise, Falun Heavenly Circulation Exercise and Way of Strengthening Divine Powers Exercise.

1. Fozhan Qianshou Fa (Buddha Showing A Thousand Hands Exercise)

Principle:

The Buddha Showing A Thousand Hands Exercise is centered around stretching to open up all energy channels. After practicing this exercise, beginners will be able to acquire energy in a short period of time and experienced practitioners can quickly improve. This exercise requires all energy channels to be opened up at the outset, enabling practitioners to immediately practice at a very high level. The movements of this exercise are quite simple because Great Tao, as a rule, is simple and easy to learn. Though the movements are simple, on the macro-level they control many things evolved by the entire cultivation system. When practicing this exercise, one’s body will feel warm, and experience a unique sensation of there being a very strong energy field. This is caused by stretching and opening all the energy channels in the entire body. Its 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. At the same time, it enables the practitioner to quickly enter the state of having a Qigong energy field. This exercise is practiced as the basic exercise of Falun Gong and is usually done first. It is one of the methods to strengthen cultivation.

Kou Jue (Verse recited once right before the exercise)

Shen Shen He Yi, Dong Jing Sui Ji
Ding Tian Du Zun Qian Shou Fo Li

Preparation:

Relax the entire body but not too loose. Stand naturally with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees slightly. Keep the knees and hips relaxed. Pull your chin in slightly. The tip of the tongue touches the upper 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 practice you will have the feeling that you are very big and tall.

Liang Shou Jieyin (Conjoin the Hands)

Raise both hands with palms facing up. The thumb tips slightly touch each other. Join the other four fingers and overlap them on top of each other. For males, the left hand is on top; for females the right hand is on top. The hands form an oval shape and are held at the lower abdomen area. Keep both upper arms slightly forward, with the elbows suspended, so the underarms are open (as shown in Fig. 1-1).

   

Mi Le Shen Yao (Maitreya Stretching His Back)

Begin with Jieyin (conjoining hands posture). While raising the conjoined hands, straighten both legs gradually. When the hands reach the front of the face, separate them and turn both palms upward gradually. Once the hands are above the top of the head, the palms face up and the fingers of both hands point to each other at a distance of 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) (as shown in Fig. 1-2). At the same time, push the head upward and press the feet downward on the ground. Press up hard with the base of both palms and stretch the body for about 2 to 3 seconds. Then immediately release the whole body, particularly the knees and hips should return to the relaxed state.

Ru Lai Guan Ding (Tathagata Filling Energy into the Top of the Head)

Follow the above posture. Turn both palms outward 140 degrees to both sides simultaneously, so that the inside of the wrists face each other, forming the shape of a "funnel". Flex the wrists and move them downward (as shown in Fig. 1-3).

When the hands reach the front of the chest, the palms face the chest at a distance of about 10 cm (4 inches). Continue moving both hands down to the lower abdomen (as shown in Fig. 1-4).

Shuang Shou He Shi (Press the Hands Together in front of the chest)

When reaching the lower abdomen area, immediately lift the hands up to the chest and He Shi (Figure 1-5). When doing Heshi, fingers and the base of the palms are pressed against each other, with a hollow space between the palms. Hold the elbows up, with the forearms forming a straight line. (Keep hands in the lotus posture, except doing Heshi and Jieyin, this is the same for the following exercises).

   

Zhang Zhi Qian Kun (Hands Pointing to Heaven and Earth)

Begin with the posture of Heshi. Separate the two hands 2-3 cm (1 inch) apart and at the same time, start to turn them. Males turn the left hand (female the right hand) towards the chest and turn the right hand outwards, so that the left hand is on top and the right hand is at the bottom. Both hands are in a straight line with the forearms (as shown in Fig. 1-6).

Then, stretch the left forearm diagonally to the upper left, with the palm facing down until the hand reaches the head level. The right hand is still at the chest with the palm facing up. As the left hand is extended, stretch the entire body gradually, push the head upward and press the feet downward. Stretch the left hand upward in the upper left direction, while the right hand that is in front of the chest stretches outward together with the upper arm (as shown in Fig. 1-7). Stretch for about 2 to 3 seconds, and then immediately release the entire body. Move the left hand to the front of the chest and Heshi (as shown in Fig. 1-5).

Then turn the palms again. The right hand (female the left hand) is on top and the left hand is at the bottom (as shown in Fig. 1-8).

The right hand repeats the previous movements of the left hand, that is, extend the right forearm diagonally upward with the palm facing down until the hand has reached as high as the head. The left hand is still at chest with the palm facing upward. After stretching (as shown in Fig. 1-9), immediately release the entire body. Move the hand to Heshi in front of the chest (as shown in Fig. 1-5).

Jin Hou Fen Shen (Golden Monkey Splitting Its Body)

Begin with the posture of Heshi. Separate the hands at the chest and extend them toward 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, straighten the two hands forcefully at the sides and stretch out in four directions (as Fig. 1-10) for 2-3 seconds. Immediately release the entire body and Heshi (as shown in Fig. 1-5).

  

Shuang Long Xia Hai (Two Dragons Diving into the Sea)

From Heshi, separate hands and extend them down towards the lower front. When the two arms are parallel and straight, they should form an angle of about 30 degrees with the legs (as Fig. 1-11). Stretch the entire body. Push the head upward and press the feet downward. Stretch for about 2-3 seconds. Release the entire body instantly. Draw back the two hands and Heshi.

Pu Sa Fu Lian (Bodhisattva Placing Hands on Lotus)

From Heshi, separate both hands and extend them diagonally to the sides of the body, with the angle between the arms and the legs at about 30 degrees (as shown in Fig. 1-12). Stretch the whole body gradually and the fingertips stretch out downward with a little force. Then, release the entire body immediately. Move the hands to the chest and Heshi.

Luo Han Bei Shan (Arhat Carrying a Mountain on His Back)

Begin with Heshi. Separate the hands and extend them to the back of the body. At the same time, turn both palms facing back. When the hands are passing the sides of the body, flex the wrists slowly. When the hands reach behind the body, the angle between the wrists and the body is 45 degrees (as shown in Fig. 1-13). Stretch the entire body gradually. After the two 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. Release the entire body immediately. Draw back the hands and return to Heshi.

  

Jin Gang Pai Shan (Vajra Toppling a Mountain)

Begin with Heshi. Separate both hands and push forward with the palms. The fingers point up. Keep the arms at the shoulder level. After the arms are straightened, push the head upward and press the feet downward. Keep the body upright (as shown in Fig. 1-14). Stretch out for 2-3 seconds. Immediately release the entire body. Put the two hands together in front of the chest and return to Heshi.

 

Die Kou Xiao Fu (Overlap the Hands in front of the Lower Abdomen)

Begin with Heshi. Slowly move the hands downward, turning the palms to face the abdomen area. When the hands reach the lower abdomen area, overlap the hands. For males, the left hand is inside, for female, the right hand is inside. The palm of one hand faces the back of the other. Keep a distance of 3 cm (1 inch) between the two hands and between the inner hand and the lower abdomen. It is usual to overlap the hands for 40 to 100 seconds (as Fig. 1-15). Finish the exercise with Liang Shou Jieyin (as shown in Fig. 1-16).

 

2. Falun Zhuang Fa (The Falun Standing Stance Exercise)

Principle:

This is the second set of Falun Gong exercises. It is a tranquil standing exercise composed of four wheel-embracing movements. The movements are monotonous, and each posture is required to be held for quite a long time. Beginners may feel their arms heavy and sore initially. After the practice, however, their entire body will feel relaxed without feeling any tiredness that comes from working. As the frequency and length of practice increases, practitioners can feel a Falun rotating between the two arms. Frequent practice of the Falun Standing Stance will enable the entire body to completely open up and enhance the energy potency. Falun Standing Stance is a comprehensive cultivation method to increase wisdom, upgrade levels, and strengthen divine powers. The movements are simple, yet much can be achieved from this exercise and what it practices is all inclusive. During practice, do the movements naturally. You must be aware that you are practicing. Do not sway though it is normal to move slightly. As with other exercises of Falun Gong, the end of this exercise does not mean the end of the practice, because Falun never stops rotating. The duration of each movement may differ from person to person; the longer, the better.

Kou Jue (Verse recited once right before the exercise)

Sheng Hui Zeng Li Rong Xin Qing Ti
Si Miao Si Wu Fa Lun Chu Qi

Preparation:

Relax the entire body but not too loose. Stand naturally with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees slightly. Keep the knees and hips relaxed. Pull your chin in slightly. The tip of the tongue touches the upper palate. Leave a little space between the teeth. Close the lips and gently shut the eyes. Maintain a serene expression on the face. Shuang Shou Jieyin (conjoin the two hands) (as shown in Fig. 2-1).

  

Tou Qian Bao Lun (Holding the Wheel in front of the Head)

Start from Jieyin (conjoined hand posture). Slowly raise both hands from the lower abdomen while separating them. When the hands have reached the front of the head, the palms are facing the face at the eyebrow level. The fingertips of both hands point to each other at a distance of 15 cm (5 inches). The two arms form a circle and the entire body is relaxed (as shown in Fig. 2-2).

   

Fu Qian Bao Lun (Holding the Wheel in front of the Abdomen)

Move both hands gradually downward from the previous position. Keep the posture unchanged until they reach the lower abdomen area. Keep a distance of about 10 cm (4 inches) between the hands and the abdomen. Hold the two elbows forward, keeping the underarms open. The palms face up. The fingers of both hands point to each others at a distance of 10 cm (4 inches). The arms form a circle (as Fig. 2-3).

Tou Ding Bao Lun (Holding the Wheel above the Head)

From the previous position, raise the hands slowly, keeping the circular shape of the arms unchanged. Hold the wheel above the head with the fingers pointing to each other. The palms face downward and keep a distance of 20-30 cm (8 – 12 inches) between the fingertips of the two hands. The arms form a circle. Keep the shoulders, arms, elbows and wrists relaxed (as shown in Fig. 2-4).

Liang Ce Bao Lun (Holding the Wheel on Both Sides of the Head)

Slowly move the hands downward from the previous position to the sides of the head. Keep the palms facing both ears, the forearms upright and the shoulders relaxed. Do not keep the hands too close to the ears. (as shown in Fig. 2-5).

Die Kou Xiao Fu (Overlap the Hands in front of the Lower Abdomen)

Slowly move both hands down from the previous position to the lower abdomen. Overlap the hands (as shown in Fig. 2-6).

Finish the exercise with Liang Shou Jieyin (conjoined the hands) (as shown in Fig. 2-7).

 

3. Guantong Liang Ji Fa (Penetrating the Two Cosmic Extremes Exercises)

Principle:

This exercise is intended to penetrate the cosmic energy and mix it with the energy inside of one’s 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 body and take in a great deal of energy from the cosmos so that his body can be purified, reaching the state of "a Pure-White Body" quickly. In addition, while doing the hand movements, this exercise facilitates the "opening of the top of the head" and unblocks the passages under the feet.

Before doing the exercise, imagine yourself as two large empty barrels, standing up between heaven and earth, gigantic and incomparably tall. With the upward movement of the hands, the Qi inside the body rushes directly out of the top of the head to the upper cosmic extremes; with the downward movement of the hands, it goes out through the bottom of the feet to the lower cosmic extremes. Following the movements of the hands, the energy returns to the inside of the body from both extremes and then it is emitted in the opposite direction. Repeat the movements alternately nine times. At the ninth movement, hold the left hand (right hand for females) up and wait for the arrival of the other hand. Then, both hands move downward together, bringing the energy to the lower extremes and then back to the upper extremes along the body. After the hands move up and down nine times, the energy is brought back into the body. Turn Falun clockwise (viewed from the front) at the lower abdomen four times to spin the energy that is outside back into the body. Conjoin both hands to end the exercise, but not the practice.

Kou Jue (Verse recited once right before the exercise)

Jing Hua Ben Ti Fa Kai Ding Di;
Xin Ci Yi Meng Tong Tian Che Di

Preparation:

Relax the entire body but not too loose. Stand naturally with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees slightly. Keep the knees and hips relaxed. Pull your chin in slightly. The tip of the tongue touches the upper palate. Leave a little space between the teeth. Close the lips and gently shut the eyes. Assume a serene expression on the face. Shuang Shou Jieyin (conjoin the hands) (Fig. 3-1) and Heshi (put them together) (as shown in Fig. 3-2) in front of the chest.

Dan Shou Chong Guan (Single-Hand movement)

From Heshi, start the single-hand movement. The hands move slowly along with the Qiji (energy mechanism) outside of the body. Following the movements of hands, the energy inside of the body flows up and down continuously. For males, lift the left hand upward first; for females, lift the right hand upward first (as shown in Fig. 3-3).

Slowly lift the hand passing along the front-side of the face and extend beyond the top of the head. At the same time, slowly lower the right hand (the left hand for female). Keep the two hands moving alternately in this way (as Fig. 3-4). Keep both palms facing the body at a distance of 10 cm (4 inches). In doing the exercise, keep the entire body relaxed. One up-and-down movement of the hand is counted as one time. Repeat for a total of nine times.

   

Shuang Shou Chong Guan (Double-Hand movement)

At the ninth single-hand movement, the left hand (right hand for females) stays up and waits while lifting the other hand. Both hands are pointing upward (as shown in Fig. 3-5).

Then move both hands downward at the same time. (as shown in Fig. 3-6). Keep the palms facing the body at a distance of 10 cm (4 inches). One up-and-down movement of the hands is counted as one time. Repeat for nine times.

   

Shuang Shou Tui Dong Falun (Turning Falun with Two Hands)

After completing the double-hand movements, move both hands downward past the face and over the chest until they reach the location of the lower abdomen. Now turn Falun at the lower abdomen (as shown in Fig. 3-7, 3-8 and 3-9) with the left hand inside for males and the right hand inside for females. Keep a distance of 3 cm (1 inch) between the two hands and between the inner hand and the lower abdomen. Turn Falun clockwise (viewed from the front) four times to spin the energy from the outside back into the inside of the body. While turning the Falun, keep the movements of the two hands within the area of the lower abdomen.

 

Liang Shou Jieyin (as shown in Fig. 3-10)

 

4. Falun Zhou Tian Fa (Falun Heavenly Circulation Exercise)

Principle:

This exercise enables energy of the human body to circulate over large areas. Rather than going through only one or several channels, the energy circulates from the whole Yin side of the body to the Yang side over and over again. This exercise is much superior to the average methods of opening up the energy channels, or, the great and small heavenly circulation. It is an intermediate-level exercise of Falun Gong. On the basis of the previous three sets of exercises, this one is intended to open up all the energy passages throughout the body (including the great heavenly circuit), so that energy channels will be gradually connected throughout the whole body from the top to the bottom. The most outstanding feature of this exercise is to use the rotation of Falun to rectify all the abnormal conditions of the human body, so that the human body, the small cosmos, returns to its original state and the energy of the whole body can circulate freely and smoothly. When reaching this state, the practitioner will have achieved a very high level of cultivation of Shi-Jian-Fa (In-Triple-World-Fa). Those with great inborn quality can begin their cultivation of the Dafa (Great Law). At this time, their energy potency and divine powers will grow dramatically. In doing this exercise, move the hands along with the Qiji (energy mechanism). Each movement is unhurried, slow and smooth.

Kou Jue (Verse recited once right before the exercise)

Xuan Fa Zhi Xu Xin Qing Si Yu
Fan Ben Gui Zhen You You Si Qi

Preparation:

Relax the entire body but not too loose. Stand naturally with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees slightly. Keep the knees and hips relaxed. Pull your chin in slightly. The tip of the tongue touches the upper palate. Leave a little space between the teeth. Close the lips and gently shut the eyes. Maintain a serene expression on the face.

   

Shuang Shou Jieyin (conjoin the hands) (as shown in Fig. 4-1) and then Heshi (put them together) in front of the chest(as shown in Fig. 4-2).

Separate the two hands from the Heshi position. Move them down toward 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, stretch them further downward along the inner sides of the two legs. At the same time, bend at the waist and squat down (as shown in Fig. 4-3).

When the fingertips are close to the ground, slide the hands along the outside of both feet to draw a circle from the front of each foot to the outside of the heel (as shown in Fig. 4-4).

Then bend both wrists slightly and lift the hands up along the back of the legs (as shown in Fig. 4-5).

Straighten the spine while lifting the hands up along the back (as shown in Fig. 4-6). During the exercise, do not let the two hands touch any part of the body; otherwise, the energy on both hands will be taken back into the body.

When the hands can not be lifted any higher, make hollow fists (as shown in Fig. 4-7), then pull the hands forward passing through the underarms.

Cross the two arms in front of the chest; (There is no special requirement for which arm is above or which arm is below. It depends on one’s habit. This is the same for both males and females) (as shown in Fig. 4-8).

   

Open the hollow fists and place the two hands over the shoulders (leaving a gap). Move both hands along the Yang side (the outside) of the arms. When reaching the wrists, turn the hands so palms face each other at a distance of 3-4 cm (1 inch). That is, the outer thumb is now turned to be on top and the inner thumb is below. At this time, the hands and the arms form a "straight line" (as shown in Fig. 4-9).

Turn both palms as if holding a ball, that is, the outside hand turns inside and the inside hand turns outside. As both hands push along the Yin sides (the inside) of the lower and upper arms, raise them up and over the back of the head. The hands remain in a crossed position at the back of the head (as shown in Fig. 4-10).

   

Then, continue to move the hands further down toward the backbone (as shown in Fig. 4-11).

Separate the two hands, with 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 (as Fig. 4-12). Thus, a heavenly circuit is completed. Repeat the movements nine times. After completing the exercise, move the two hands down along the chest to the lower abdomen.

 

Die Kou Xiao Fu (overlap the two hands in front of the lower abdomen) (as shown in Fig. 4-13), and Shuang Shou Jieyin (conjoin the two hands) (as shown in Fig. 4-14).

 

5. Shen Tong Jia Chi Fa (Strengthening Divine Powers Exercise)

Principle:

The Strengthening Divine Powers Exercise is a tranquil cultivation exercise in Falun Gong. It is a multi-purpose practice intended to strengthen one’s divine powers (including supernormal capabilities) and energy potency by turning Falun with the Buddha’s hand gestures. This is an above intermediate-level exercise and was originally kept as a secretive practice. In order to meet the requests of practitioners with a substantial foundation, I especially make public this cultivation method to save those predestined practitioners. This exercise requires sitting with both legs crossed. The full-lotus position is preferred though the half-lotus position is also acceptable. During the practice, the flow of Qi is strong and the energy field around the body is quite large. The hands move to follow Qiji ( the energy mechanism) installed by the master. When the hand movements start, the heart follows the movement of the thoughts. When strengthening the divine powers, keep the mind empty, with a slight focus on both palms. The center of the palms will feel warm, heavy, electric, numb, as if holding a weight, etc. Nevertheless, do not pursue any of these sensations intentionally, just let it happen naturally. The longer the legs are crossed, the better, and it depends on one’s endurance. The longer one sits, the more intensive the exercise is and the faster the energy grows. When doing this exercise, (Do not think of anything. There is no mind intent) ease into tranquillity. Gradually enter into the state of Ding (deep tranquillity) from the dynamic state which is seemingly tranquil but not Ding. However, your main consciousness must be aware that you are practicing.

Kou Jue (Verse recited once right before the exercise)

You Yi Wu Yi Yin Sui Ji Qi
Si Kong Fei Kong Dong Jing Ru Yi

Liang Shou Jieyin (Conjoin the Hands)

Sit with legs crossed in lotus position. Relax the entire body, but not too loose. Keep the waist and neck upright. Draw the lower jaw in slightly. The tip of tongue touches the upper palate. Leave a space between teeth. Close the lips. Gently shut the eyes. The heart fills with compassion. Assume a peaceful and serene expression on the face. Jieyin at the lower abdomen, and gradually ease into tranquillity (as shown in Fig. 5-1).

First Hand-Gesture

When the hand movements start, the heart follows the movement of the thoughts. Movements should follow the Qiji (energy mechanism) installed by the master. They should be carried out unhurriedly, slowly and smooth. Slowly raise both hands in the state of "Jieyin" until reaching the front of the head. Then, gradually turn the palms to face upward. When the palms are face-up, the hands have also reached the highest point (as shown in Fig. 5-2).

Then, separating the two hands, draw an arc over the head, rotating toward the sides until reaching the front side of the head (as shown in Fig. 5-3).

Immediately after, slowly drop both hands. Try to hold the elbows inward, with palms facing up and fingers pointing toward the front (as shown in Fig. 5-4).

Next, flex both wrists and cross them in front of the chest. For males, the left hand travels outside, for females, the right hand travels outside (as shown in Fig. 5-5).

  

When a "straight line" is formed by the arms and hands, the wrist of the hand on the outside rotates outwardly, with the palm turned to face upward. Draw a semicircle, and turn the palm to face up with fingers pointing toward the back. The hand uses a little force. The palm of the hand that is inside, after crossing over in front of the chest, turns to face downward. Straighten the arm. Rotate the arm and hand so the palm faces outward. The hands and arms in the lower front of the body should form an angle of 30 degrees with the body (as shown in Fig. 5-6).

  

Second Hand-Gesture

Following the previous position (as shown in Fig. 5-6), the left hand (the upper hand) moves to the inside. The palm of the right hand turns toward the body as the right hand moves up. The movement is the same as in the first gesture with the left and right hands switched. Hand positions are exactly opposite (as shown in Fig. 5-7).

Third Hand-Gesture

Straighten the right wrist for males (left for females) with the palm facing the body. After the right hand moves across in front of the chest, turn the palm to face down and move down till the lower front where the shin is located. Keep the arm straight. The left wrist for males (right for females) turns while moving up and crossing the right hand so the palm faces the body. At the same time, move the palm toward the left (right for females) shoulder. When the hand has reached its position, the palm faces up and the fingers point to the front (as shown in Fig. 5-8).

  

Fourth Hand-Gesture

It is the same gesture as shown above with hand positions switched. 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 are just alternating the left with the right hand. The hand positions are opposite (as shown in Fig. 5-9). All four hand-gestures are done continuously and without stopping.

 

Strengthening Sphere-Shaped Divine Powers

Continuing after the fourth hand-gesture, the upper hand moves on the inside with the lower hand moving on the outside. For males, the right palm gradually turns and moves down toward the chest area. The left hand for males (right for females) moves up. When both forearms have reached the chest area forming a straight line (as shown in Fig. 5-10), pull the hands apart toward the sides (as shown in Fig. 5-11) while turning the palms to face downward.

When both hands reach above the outside of the knees, keep the hands at the level of the waist. The forearms and the wrists are at the same level. Relax both arms (as shown in Fig. 5-12). This position is to draw the internal supernormal powers out into the hands to be strengthened. They are the sphere-shaped supernormal powers. When strengthening the supernormal powers, the palms will feel warm, heavy and numb, as if holding a weight. But do not pursue these sensations intentionally. Let it happen naturally. The longer the position is held, the better, until one feels too tired to endure it.

 

Strengthening Pillar-Shaped Divine Powers

Following the previous position, the right hand (left for females) rotates so the palm faces upward, and at the same time, moves toward the lower abdomen area. When the hand has reached its position, the palm stays at the lower abdomen with the palm facing up. At the same time, when the right hand is moving, lift the left hand (right for females) and simultaneously move it toward the chin. With the palm still facing downward, keep the hand as high as the chin. The forearm and the hand are at the same level. At this time, both palms face each other and stay still (as shown in Fig. 5-13). This is strengthening pillar-shaped supernormal powers, such as "palm thunder", etc. Hold the position until you feel that it is impossible to hold it anymore.

Then, the upper hand draws a semicircle in front and drops to the lower abdomen area. At the same time, lift the lower hand while turning the palm to face down, until it is right below the chin (as shown in Fig. 5-14). The arm is at the same level as the shoulder, with the two palms facing each other. This also strengthens the supernormal powers, only with the opposite hand positions. Hold the position until the arms become too tired to endure it.

Tranquil Cultivation

From the previous position, the upper hand draws a semicircle down to the lower abdomen area. Liangshou Jieyin (as shown in Fig. 5-15), and start the tranquil cultivation. Stay in Ding (tranquil yet conscious state of mind); the longer the better.

  

Ending Position

Heshi (as shown in Fig. 5-16). Come out of Ding and end the cross-legged sitting.

 

Some Basic Requirements and Words of Caution for Practicing Falun Gong

1. The five sets of exercises of Falun Gong can be practiced consecutively or selectively. However, usually it is required that you begin practice with the first set of exercises. Moreover, it would be best to do the first set of exercises three times. Certainly, the other sets may still be practiced without doing the first one. Each set can be practiced individually.

2. Each movement should be carried out with accuracy and clear rhythm. The hands and arms should move smoothly, up and down, back and forth, left and right. Following the Qiji (energy mechanism), move unhurriedly, slowly and smoothly. Do not move too fast or too slow.

3. You must keep yourself under the control of your main consciousness during practice. Falun Gong cultivates the main consciousness. Do not deliberately seek swaying. Contain the swaying of the body when it does happen. You may open your eyes if you have to.

4. Relax the entire body, particularly in the areas of the knees and hips. The energy channel will become obstructed if you stand too rigidly.

5. During the exercises, the movements should be relaxed and natural, free and extended, easy and unencumbered. The movements should be firm yet gentle, with some power yet no rigidity or stiffness. Doing so will result in noticeable effectiveness.

6. Everytime when you are finished practicing, you end the movements but not the Gong. You only need to Jieyin (conjoin the hands). The end of Jieyin means the end of the movements. Do not put an end to the Gong using intention because Falun can never stop rotating.

7. Those who are weak or chronically ill may practice according to their conditions. They may practice less or choose to do any of the five sets. For those who cannot perform movements, they may practice the sitting in the lotus position instead. However, you should continue to practice.

8. There are no special requirements in terms of the location, time or direction during practice. However, a clean site and quiet surroundings are recommended.

9. These exercises are practiced without using any mindwill. You will never go deviant. But, do not mix Falun Gong with any other system of cultivation. Otherwise, the Falun will become deformed.

10. When you find it really impossible to enter into tranquillity during practice, you may chant the name of the master. As time passes, you will be able to gradually enter into the state of tranquillity.

11. Some tribulations may come up during practice. That is one way of paying off the karma. Everybody has karma. When you sense discomfort in your body, do not think of it as an illness. In order to eliminate karma and to pave the way for cultivation, some tribulations may come sooner and earlier.

12. If you cannot cross your legs for the sitting exercise, you may first practice this set by sitting on the edge of a chair. The same effectiveness can also be achieved this way. But as a practitioner, you must be able to do the lotus position. As time progresses, you shall certainly be able to do it.

13. In doing the tranquil exercise, should you see any pictures or scenes, 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 the master of Falun Gong. I am not afraid of anything." Alternatively, you may also call out the name of Master Li, and continue on with your practice.