Corpus Christi Caller-Times: Falun Gong [Instructor] holding demonstration

Practitioners of Falun Dafa, the combination of exercise and philosophy that the Chinese government forbids its citizens to practice, will be in town today teaching their craft. The free demonstration, which is from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Central Library's La Retama Room, is intended to promote the exercise and pass on its benefits, said Hongyi Pan, a San Antonio practitioner who organized the event. Mayor Loyd Neal also proclaimed today Falun Dafa Day. "It's so great, so peaceful and relaxing," said Pan, who learned the practice from a family member in China. "The system opens the channels in the body and makes the energy flow and keep the whole body balanced." Falun Dafa - commonly referred to as Falun Gong - is a system of slow-moving exercises and moral teaching founded in 1992 that practitioners claim has attracted more than 100 million followers worldwide. The movement has also brought contempt from the Chinese government, which branded the practice as an evil sect and outlawed it last summer. The Chinese reportedly have arrested, and even killed, some followers. Pan said Falun Gong is a peaceful exercise that enhances followers' physical and spiritual well being while teaching truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. Based on the traditional Chinese Qigong practice, it consists of five positions, or exercises, blended with Taoist- and Buddhist-based ideas. Pan said his wife's chronic headaches disappeared after she began practicing five years ago. About a year later, he began travelling to other South Texas cities teaching the craft. He's been here several times as well as Austin, San Marcos and New Braunfels, he said. "A lot of American people saw us and came and learned and they feel it's very good," he said. Pan said Falun Gong is easy to learn and he encourages everyone to attend the demonstration. "It's very simple. You go there and learn the exercise and follow the teachings," he said. "You will get better and better through this system. It's simple, but really powerful." Milena Worsham, co-owner of Lotus Cup Lounge and Coffee Garden, said that anyone could learn the exercises, which aren't physically exerting. Friends recently introduced her to the practice, she said. "It's very beautiful and graceful," said Worsham, who plans on attending the demonstration. "Part of the beauty of it is learning the poses and positions."