Spiritual Cultivation and Life




Narrated by sister initiate Huang Mei-le, Taipei, Formosa
Recorded by Chang Yu-chieh of the Taipei News Group, Formosa

Thirteen years have passed since sister Huang was initiated. During this time, through Master's love and blessings, she has improved in her spiritual practice and enjoyed a smooth life, while her family members have remained in peace and good health. Three years ago, however, sister Huang found herself tiring easily and being troubled by frequent bouts of mild insomnia. Due to her carelessness during menopause, her condition became worse, resulting in habitual insomnia, followed by chronic pain in her lower back. She hastily went to see her brother, a physician, who warmly introduced her to several doctors of western medicine. But after examining sister Huang, they failed to diagnose anything abnormal; nonetheless, her pain continued to get worse. Besides, she had to take medications prescribed by these doctors, and because she has disliked taking drugs since childhood, she sought help from practitioners of Chinese medicine, but they could not cure her either.

Later, sister Huang's brother arranged for her to have X-rays, which revealed that her neck was inclined slightly forward and her lumbar vertebrae curved sideways. These conditions, together with an earlier fall on a rain-soaked road, had caused her pelvis to become deformed. At the time of her fall, she gave it little thought because she was young. But now that she was nearly fifty, all of her old problems relapsed and the pain caused her many sleepless nights. In addition, her meditation was affected, which worried her a great deal. She thought, "How can I be a spiritual practitioner if I can not practice meditation?"

Sister Huang tried meditating while standing, but could not stand for long due to her weak feet. She was thus in a real dilemma. Later she recalled that during the Santimen retreat at Pingtung in April 1990, Master had taught and demonstrated before the initiates how to do some simple massage and warm-up exercises before and after meditation. Sister Huang began to follow Master's instructions, massaging and exercising for a few minutes before and after each meditation session. Gradually, she recovered, and is very grateful that our Master considers all the minute details in initiates' lives. It is just that sometimes we are too careless to notice!

In order to further improve the condition of her neck, lumbar area and pelvis, sister Huang took the advice of a therapist, in addition to performing the exercises taught by Master and other flexibility routines. Sister Huang is delighted to offer her insights here for general reference. The exercises are performed in steps illustrated below from left to right, and from top to bottom. Initiates may choose to do the first and second back exercises, or skip them for the third tendon-stretching exercise. (Please refer to the illustrations.)

Sister Huang persevered in following Master's instructions and performed the healing exercises for some time, thus alleviating much of her pain and helping her meditation immensely. She especially emphasizes how honored we are to be able to receive the liberation method that has been transmitted on this planet for eons! For this reason, we should practice diligently and cherish our precious time on earth while we can. At the same time, we need to take good care of ourselves, so that we can serve as excellent tools for sharing Master's love and teachings with anyone in need.

These exercises help to warm up the muscles, and are extremely beneficial for meditation and health.

To view Master's personal demonstration of the exercises,
please visit the following websites:


Real Video 200K, 56K

 

Exercises for Relaxing the Tendons and Muscles of the Neck

1. Front inclination: Slowly bend the neck forward; use the weight of the head to stretch the neck muscles and tendons. Complete in 15 to 30 seconds.

2. Back inclination: Slowly bend the neck backward; use the weight of the head to stretch the neck muscles and tendons. Complete in 15 to 30 seconds.

3.
Rotation: Without exerting any force, slowly rotate the neck from right to left, and then from left to right, stretching the neck muscles and tendons. Repeat five times.

4.
Sideward bend: Slowly bend the neck to one side and then the other; use the weight of the head to stretch the neck muscles and tendons. Complete in 15 to 30 seconds.



Exercises to Stretch and Strengthen the Back Muscles
and Tendons Remain in bent position for 15 seconds each time.
Repeat complete cycle of movements five times.

* Do the exercises illustrated at the left twice a day to make your back muscles and bones stronger, healthier and more flexible.