In the early 1990s, I felt I needed to improve my physical and mental well-being, and decided to study Taiji (Tai Chi). I eventually joined a Wushu Academy where I studied Wushu, a traditional Chinese Kung Fu, and Qigong. Qigong is a form of traditional Chinese exercise that cultivates Qi (vital energy) to improve fitness and health.

In early 1997, I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both wrists, which is a nightmare for most musicians. I consulted my doctor and was told that I would need surgery to correct the problem. Since I didn’t want to undergo surgery, I decided to try alternative methods of treatment. First I tried acupuncture, which relieved some of the pain but would require  many treatments and would take a long time. Friends at the Wushu Academy recommended practicing Qigong with one of their relatives, a Qigong Master who was well-known in North America.

After practicing her Qigong for about four months, the pain in my wrists disappeared. Impressed with the results, I began researching other Qigongs. In the spring of 1998, I journeyed to China to learn more about Qigong and to talk with various Qigong masters. While in China I repeatedly heard about a new and very popular Qigong called Falun Gong. Arriving in Taian one morning, I went to a park near my hotel to watch the morning exercises of the various Qigong groups that were practicing that day. There were a lot of groups practicing but only one interested me. The music and movements were intriguing and I decided to join the group and try the movements on the following day.

I awoke the next morning to find an extremely windy day; but nevertheless went to the park to see if any of the groups were practicing. Most Qigong masters advise against practicing outdoors in windy or stormy weather as these conditions impede the proper flow of energy. The only group that was practicing that day was the group that I was interested in! I did the Falun Standing Stance exercise, one of five exercises, that I will talk about later. The energy I felt that morning was truly intense. Later on, I learned that the group was practicing Falun Dafa.

After returning to Canada in June 1998, I began to study with two Qigong masters. Even so, I was still not satisfied that I had found the system for me. Then destiny intervened. I located an English translation of the book China Falun Gong. Totally impressed by what I read in the book, I vowed to learn about and study Falun Dafa on my next trip to China. At this point, I had no idea anyone was practicing locally; my residence is just outside of Ottawa, Canada. Destiny came knocking again when a local health magazine advertised Falun Gong classes at a high school near me. I joined the group in early November 1998. Shortly after practicing Falun Gong on a regular basis I stopped doing all other Qigong systems, Taiji, and Wushu. I also gave away or sold my collection of Qigong books.

I have been practicing Falun Gong (also called Falun Dafa) since then  and find that it offers me all that I looked for in a Qigong system. The physical, mental, and spiritual benefits are outstanding. Put simply, I feel the best I have ever felt.

CONTINUED...

In October 2001, no less than Zalnikor Zundorum (he let us call him David Bohatyretz, coz it was easier to pronounce, but only just...) himself came to visit our old Frimley base. He was responsible for some fascinating improv music with both Jaws Of The Flying Carpet and the international co-operative that is The Rotton Kidz. While he was with us, I became quite intrigued with the strange routine of 'exercises' he went through religiously every morning. So, I asked him to write a little essay on his belief in Falun Gong for the website I was planning "soon" (ahem). Having sat on the resulting article for over a decade, I've recently returned it to David for review. Et voila...

Part One: The Discovery

Greetings everyone. My name is David Bohatyretz, leader of Jaws of the Flying Carpet, an improvisational-style band and co-founder of the group Rotton Kidz. My good friend Mick Magic asked me to write an article about Falun Dafa for his new website, so here it is.