Testimonial 2014 – George Iber, Ph.D., Education Professor

For those that don’t know me personally, I am a semi-retired education professor, a 63 year old grandfather, and married to my lovely Mexican wife, Susy. I began practicing Pangu Shengong (PGSG) in January of 2008, almost seven years ago, and I have been regular with the practice. To me the practice can include a single or a combination of all the forms, and continuing study of the underlying philosophy.

A testimonial is an interesting proposition; it assumes a cause and effect perspective, “What has the practice of Pangu Shengong done for me?” Some individuals clearly see a relationship between alleviating a disease and their practice, but once the disease clears up they might not see value in continuing the practice. But I would say that this is the point where the fun begins!

The grand benefit of practicing is a healthy life, a healthy life is one where everyday events and perceptions take on a quality of elegance. All food tastes better, sunsets promise fantastic new forms of color, dreams are provocative and sometimes insightful. In dreams, how many times have I decided to fly rather than walk? Countless. Ironically, a simple walk through a shopping mall can be like visiting another planet, and sadly I see much suffering. Human beings appear as empty vessels, everything passes through them.

As a direct result of PGSG and association with Master Ou, I have traveled to China, Peru, Mexico, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and am certain that the list will grow in time. Of course anyone can travel to those places, and maybe I would have too, but not with the constant sharing of a sacred outlook. For example, watching the rain pour off a monument of Guan Yin, driving to a wedding discussing The Way of Lao Tzu, walking the streets of Macau poking into Taoist temples, being cured of an intestinal dilemma while sitting on a rock in Uxmal, banking over the Nazca Lines of Peru in a small plane, wondering if we were the hummingbirds the ancients depicted. Companions on these trips are wise in their own right, spiritual friends. Thanks to them, my Tai Chi practice is better, I’ve learned some acupuncture principles, and can cook some good stir-fry meals. Last May, Susy and I bathed in “sacred water” in Bali, and sung vibrations in a mountain lake with Master Ou and others. On the night of the full moon, we saw a natural formation rock form the shape of a praying goddess.

Of course there are concrete health benefits, like losing about 8 kilos just by drawing in the abdomen while practicing the moving form. Most people trying to lose weight won’t believe me. Recently, while living in Merida, Mexico, I’ve used my body to work on the house, carrying cement blocks, climbing ladders to the roof, painting in the hot sun (chop wood, carry water); none of which may be remarkable for a 20 something person, but this is bliss for a 60 something!

I’ve saved the best benefit for last: Joy. By applying the principles of the password, cultivating the mind/heart, the “result” is joy. Letting anger go, adopting patience, speaking with reason, expressing compassion, brings joy to daily life. Master Ou recommends we apply these principles to ourselves. He is a poet and his reference to traditional Chinese poets, philosophers, and religious figures through his music, songs, and mystical writings is profound, but the love he expresses is an inspiration. So, what has the practice of PGSG done for me? The answer to that can only be expressed by a joyful laugh.