Where did we come from? Where will we return? What is the invisible chain of life that connects a person’s past and present? Tai Ji Men, an ancient menpai (similar to school) of qigong, martial arts, and self-cultivation, presented a profoundly inspirational play ‘Back to the Origin” in Taiwan on May 28, 2017. Nearly ten thousand people across the globe watched the performance either in person or via live stream from one of 8 locations, including Los Angeles and San Jose, California. The play resonated deeply with the viewers and inspired them to sincerely reflect on their own lives. Following its internationally acclaimed performance at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, Tai Ji Men delivered another masterpiece to awaken the world.

The play aims to inspire people to reflect on their own lives and awaken their conscience. Every aspect of the play, including music, costumes, props, backdrops, etc. was produced by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the grandmaster of Tai Ji Men, and his disciples. Life is like a play; a play mirrors life. Scenes depicting the manifestations of human flaws in response to temptations, conflicts between good and evil, and choices between right and wrong led the audience members on a journey crossing the boundaries of time and space, awakening the ancient memories hidden in the depths of their hearts.

The play, presented by over 400 Tai Ji Men members, ages between 9 and 66, portrays events ranging from tens of thousands of years ago to present day and contains various forms of arts, including traditional martial arts infused with modern creativity, contemporary songs and dances, ancient singing, folksongs, and a traditional opera. From the play, viewers gained an insight into the dawn of time, the origin of life, and the cycle of reincarnation, and they easily related to the main characters. One of the themes–when a person’s heart is polluted by greed, anger, stupidity, arrogance, and doubt that person is blinded by those forces of negativity–also resonated with the viewers. The entire performance, woven together through the development of the leading characters, has a quickly unfolding plot and contains profound meanings. Through the stories of the main characters and the conflicts between good and evil, the viewers embarked on a voyage through time and obtained a deeper understanding of the meaning of life. The play, incorporating over 20 pieces of music written and composed by Tai Ji Men members under the guidance of their grandmaster Dr. Hong, is especially inspirational. A highlight was the unique performance by Tai Ji Men member that drew upon on her years of qigong practice, to present ancient-style singing that contained powerful energy and profound wisdom, touching the depths of the listeners’ hearts.

After watching the performance live in Taiwan, Yu-Jing Sun, who has won many international awards for her advertising videos, praised the play for elevating people’s souls and stated, “The form is only its exterior; it is invaluable that the play elevates people’s souls.” Effie Chen, a teacher in Los Angeles, traveled to Taiwan to attend the event and remarked, “The play allows the viewers to reflect on the meaning of life, the value of their existence, and the final destinations of their life journeys. It is exceedingly important for modern people as it awakens people’s conscience.” Dr. Susan Selfridge, a musician who watched the live stream in Los Angeles, said, “The spirit of ‘Back to the Origin’ has been deeply engraved on my heart and constantly serves as the compass to guide me to move upward towards goodness.”

Tai Ji Men is a traditional menpai (school) of qigong, martial arts, and self-improvement. For years, Dr. Hong has led Tai Ji Men members to spread the message of love and peace through cultural exchanges in 71 countries straddling every populated continent. In 2014, it launched the movement of An Era of Conscience; to date, people from 197 countries have participated in it, forming a positive butterfly effect throughout the world. In this tumultuous time, it is hoped that all people can protect their conscience, maintain balance and stability in their hearts, and inject positive energy into the world. In 2017, “Back to the Origin” hopes to inspire people to find the key to helping themselves in the face of challenges and encourage them to work together for themselves and the whole world!

Picture Description

“Back to the Origin” explores the creation of the universe, the origin of life, the cycle of reincarnation, the balance of tai ji, and the philosophy of yin and yang. Tai Ji Men members’ presentation of the five-phase flags, which symbolize the five elements of nature, demonstrates both strength and tenderness and is powerful and inspiring.

The play is presented by over 400 Tai Ji Men members, ranging in age between 9 and 66, under the guidance of their grandmaster Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze. One of the scenes depicts spring, when flowers blossom and everything is full of vitality.

The play takes the audience back to the peaceful heaven, where auspicious lions and golden phoenixes radiate happiness, warmth, and compassion.

Where did we come from? Where will we return? The main character, blinded by his negative thoughts, becomes awakened and cries remorsefully. The play aims to inspire people to reflect upon themselves and awaken their conscience.

Robbers and a corrupt official bully people in the originally peaceful Happy Village; the villagers scream in pain and aspire for peace.