The next exercise called the Falun Standing Stance is a standing meditation with four wheel-embracing positions. This is on one level "an endurance exercise in relaxation," (Hongzhi, 2003). How long can one stand to be relaxed all depends mainly on letting go of distracting thoughts. Basically, just stand as relaxed as possible for as long as possible as if holding a big ball of energy (the Falun) in front of your head. Then, after about seven to ten minutes (or as long as possible), the hands keep the round shape and move to the lower abdominal area. After holding for a while, the hands are moved overhead. After they are held for a while there, the hands move, once again, down to where the main meridians in the hands line up with the ears, about a foot from them on each side. At the end, as in the first exercise, the hands are overlapped in front of the lower abdomen (dan tein energy channel.) Mr. Li Hongzhi in his book The Great Consummation Way Of Falun Dafa (2001) explains the principle of the stance: "Standing Stance is a tranquil standing meditation composed of four wheel-holding positions. Frequent performance of Falun Standing Stance will facilitate the complete opening of the entire body. It is a comprehensive means of cultivation practice that enhances wisdom, increases strength, raises one's level, and strengthens divine powers. The movements are simple, but much can be achieved through the exercise. Beginner's arms may feel heavy and painful. After doing the exercises, the whole body will immediately feel relaxed, without feeling the kind of fatigue that comes from working. When practitioners increase the time and frequency of the exercise, they can feel a Falun rotating between the arms. The movements of Falun Standing Stance should be done naturally. Don't intentionally pursue swaying. It is normal to move slightly, but obvious swaying should be controlled. The longer the exercise time, the better, but it differs from person to person. Upon entering into tranquility, do not lose awareness that you're exercising, but instead maintain it." The following instructions are from www.falundafa.org.

1. Preparation: Stand naturally with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend both knees slightly. Keep the knees and hips relaxed. Relax the whole body, but don't become too loose. Tuck the lower jaw in slightly. Touch the tip of the tongue to the hard palate, leave a space between the upper and lower teeth, and close the lips. Gently close the eyes. Maintain a serene expression on the face.


2. Conjoin the hands (Liangshou Jieyin).


3. Holding The Wheel In Front Of The Head (Touqian Baolun): Start from Jieyin (the conjoined hand position). Slowly raise both hands from the abdomen, separating them in the process. When the hands are in front of the head, the palms should face the face at eyebrow level. Have the fingers of the hands pointing toward one another, with a distance of 15 cm (6 inches) between them. Form a circle with the arms. Relax the whole body.


4. Holding The Wheel In Front Of The Lower Abdomen (Fuqian Baolun): Slowly move both hands downward. Keep the arms in the wheel-holding position as they reach the lower abdominal area. Hold both elbows forward, keeping the underarms open. Keep the palms facing upward, the fingers pointing toward one another, and the arms in the shape of a circle.


5. Holding The Wheel Above The Head (Touding Baolun): While maintaining the wheel-holding position, slowly raise the hands until they are over the head. Have the fingers of both hands pointing toward one another, and the palms facing downward. Keep a distance of 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) between the fingertips of both hands. Have the arms form a circle. Keep the shoulders, arms, elbows, and wrists relaxed.


6. Holding The Wheel On Both Sides Of The Head (Liangce Baolun): Starting from the previous position, move both hands downward next to the sides of the head. Keep the palms facing the ears, with both shoulders relaxed and the forearms upright. Don't keep the hands too close to the ears.


7. Overlap The Hands In Front Of The Lower Abdomen (Diekou Xiaofu): Move the hands downward to the lower abdomen. Overlap the hands.


8. Closing Position: Liangshou Jieyin (Conjoin the hands).