December 09, 2000

NEW HAVEN - In Tracey Zhu's native country of China, practicing the controversial form of meditation known as Falun Gong could lead to arrest, imprisonment and persecution.

In her new home, the gentle exercises and quiet contemplation have been honored by both Gov. John G. Rowland and Mayor John DeStefano Jr. with a week-long celebration.

Though Zhu is thrilled that politicians would recognize the ritual she says brings her inner peace, she believes the public still misunderstands Falun Gong.

"People perceive us as [], but we are not. This is not a religion or a political movement," she says.

"It's a practice for people who want to improve their body, mind and spirit."

Zhu is among the group of local devotees to Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, who are introducing the mix of Taoism, Buddhism and deep breathing techniques around the state.

Inside the New Haven Public Library, Zhu and Benjamin Zgodny of Hamden use soft voices to gently guide a group through the movements.

"It's a tranquil exercise. You should have your mind clean," Zgodny says as he performs the first exercise, called Buddha Showing 1,000 Hands. "If you think of anything, it will limit your growth.

" The pair stand relaxed, with their knees slightly bent. They slowly raise their arms, pointing their hands toward the sky and making a series of gentle stretches and movements around their bodies.

Several more teaching sessions are scheduled for this weekend to wrap up Falun Dafa Week. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Chapel Square Mall, practitioners will put on demonstrations and teach the exercises. Also today, from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. at East Rock Park, outdoor exercises will be taught.

Sunday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., more exercises will be performed at Yale Cross Campus between Wall and Elm streets.

Then on Tuesday, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and on Dec. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m., a seminar with lec-tures and exercises will be held at Case Memorial Li-brary in Orange.

Developed in 1992 by Li Hongzhi, Falun Gong has an estimated 1 million proponents in China alone and millions of others worldwide.

Supporters have remained defiant in the face of persecution from China's police and Communist Party, since the government outlawed the practice in July 1999.

Practitioners believe the government is worried that Falun Gong's spiritual message will threaten Communist values.

An internist at New Haven Medical Sports and Occupational Health, Zhu has practiced Falun Gong for three years and swears by its healing properties.

"It's really a science for life," she said.

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