Tai Ji Men Movement marked a momentous occasion on July 30, 2023, as they celebrated the 80th birthday of their visionary Founder and Grand Master, Dr Hong Tao-Tze, uniting many qigong practitioners worldwide in a journey of balance and harmony. Founded in 1966, Tai Ji Men embraces the core philosophy of harmonising opposing forces like yin-yang and body-energy (qi), transcending cultural boundaries.
The celebration was attended by hundreds of dizis and prominent figures including Taiwan’s Government Vice-President as well as Taipei’s Mayor Chiang Wan-an among others, all of them echoing Dr. Hong’s timeless message of global peace. Beyond Tai Ji Men, Dr Hong Tao-Tze‘s influence extends as an advocate for cultural preservation and world harmony. With a legacy spanning decades, he continues to inspire well-being and unity.
On July 30, 2023, the celebration of the Founder and Grand Master of the Tai Ji Men Movement’s 80th birthday took place in Taipei.
Dr Hong Tao-Tze, 80 years young
Dr Hong Tao-Tze is the Shifu (Grand Master) of thousands of qigong practitioners known as the Tai Ji Men, a spiritual movement he founded in 1966. Tai Ji Men is an ancient “menpai,” meaning a school, of qigong, martial arts, and self-cultivation that gathers tens of thousands of dizis (disciples) in Taiwan and abroad (they also have a growing number of centres in the US, for example).
Wisdome Entrenched in Taosim
It is deeply entrenched in the wisdom of Taoism. At its core, the academy’s spiritual philosophy revolves around achieving a harmonious balance between opposing forces such as yin and yang, heaven and earth, and the body (heart) and energy (qi).
The followers of Tai Ji Men, known as dizi or disciples, come from diverse backgrounds and various faiths, without any requirement to adopt Taoism. By aligning with their inner convictions and engaging in the practice of qigong and martial arts, these dizis endeavour to enhance their physical well-being, cleanse their hearts, and rediscover the essence of their souls.
Dr Hong Tao-Tze was celebrated by high officials and international human rights activists
The celebration was attended by hundreds of dizis and prominent Taiwanese figures, including the Mayor of Taipei, Chiang Wan-an, and the Vice President of the Executive Yuan of Taiwan’s government.
Among the special guests was also a delegation of international scholars and activists, such as Dr Agorom Dike, President of the Caribbean and African Faith-Based Leadership Conference and Liaison to the White House Faith-Based Cabinet Offices, Herta Margarethe Habsbourg-Lorraine, President of the Austrian NGO Flame of Peace, Willy Fautre, President of Human Rights Without Frontiers, Thierry Valle from the UN ECOSOC NGO Freedom of Conscience, Massimo Introvigne, Director of Bitter Winter magazine, or Eric Roux, Vice-President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights.
Tai Ji Men, being known internationally for their cultural and artistic presentations, the event was an opportunity for a great artistic show with dancers, martial art practitioners, singers, and musicians, who thrilled the audience for more than two hours of entertainment.
Peace throughout the world
Dr Hong Tao-Tze was, of course, at the centre of the celebration, and he delivered a message of peace to the attendees, as usual wishing everyone peace throughout the world. At 80, Dr Hong Tao-Tze exudes health and youthfulness. As evidence of his good work, the enthusiasm and happiness of his dizis were dazzling, and the celebration was a real demonstration of joy for all the participants.
Chinese Culture
Dr Hong’s endeavours encompass the celebration of traditional Chinese culture, as well as global advocacy for world peace and compassion. His academy integrates fields such as medicine, philosophy, literature, and education, forming a comprehensive approach to martial arts.
The bond between Dr Hong Tao-tze, affectionately known as ‘Shifu,’ who fulfils the roles of both a revered fatherly figure and a teacher, and his students, referred to as ‘dizi,’ is profoundly robust. Similarly, the dizi shares profound connections among themselves. The organization places significant emphasis on moral principles that aspiring dizi must uphold before they can be accepted as disciples of Tai Ji Men.
Peace and Love, a non-stop message and command
The Tai Ji Men Cultural Goodwill Group and the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), of which Dr Hong Tao-Tze is the President, have embarked on journeys to 101 nations, spreading the message of conscience, love, and peace.
In addition to instructing and leading the Tai Ji Men Dizis, Dr Hong has gained global recognition for initiating a worldwide peace movement. He has convened with a multitude of international leaders, ranging from Pope Benedict XVI and Nelson Mandela to the Secretary-General of the UN, as well as government officials from nations across the globe. His objective is to advance global harmony through diverse methods like cultural interactions and solemn ceremonies involving the ringing of the Bell of World Peace and Love. That is what Taiwan was celebrating in July.
