In the late 1980s and 1990s, a man named Wang Lin became known as a “Qigong Master” in the eyes of countless people. He embarked on a legendary journey from obscurity to fame, only to lose himself in the maze of money and power.
This was a unique era. Amid the fervent craze for Qigong, approximately 60 million people were captivated by this mysterious power. People yearned to find a spiritual refuge beyond the constraints of reality. Wang Lin seized this special opportunity of the times.
Born in Pingxiang, Jiangxi, Wang Lin’s childhood was not smooth. The twists of fate taught him early on how to navigate human relationships. The sleight of hand he learned in a theater troupe as a youth became his treasure for winning people’s hearts later on.
As his fame grew, he began to frequent the entertainment industry. A “magical performance” at a drinking party convinced the popular actress Li Bingbing of his abilities. Subsequently, stars like Jackie Chan and Faye Wong sought him out. The wall in his mansion, adorned with photos of celebrities, bore witness to the birth of a legend.
In the business world, he capitalized on “true qi predictions” by holding expensive lectures in Singapore. Each ticket, priced at $20,000, was still hard to come by. Wealthy individuals flocked to him, viewing him as a spiritual mentor.
This “master’s” business acumen was indeed impressive. He designed a complete profit-making system: celebrities had to pay 5 million for mentorship, and the exclusive longevity treatments for the wealthy were even more expensive. Most intriguingly, he understood the value of celebrity influence; a single photo with him became a passport to financial trust.
However, this magical drama ultimately could not escape the truth. In 2011, a disciple publicly exposed that his so-called “Qigong secrets” were merely common books available on the market, revealing a series of unsavory truths. This falling out between master and disciple caused the myth of this “master” to collapse.
Looking back at this history, we see not only the rise and fall of an individual but also a microcosm of an era. During those years, while people’s material lives improved, their hearts remained filled with longing and reverence for mysterious powers. This collective unconscious became a tool for some to profit.
In 2017, Wang Lin passed away in prison. Those who once flocked to him had long deleted their photos with him, as if trying to erase this chapter from their memories. Yet the reflections this story brings us are worth remembering forever.
This case teaches us that in any era, “myths” can emerge, and rationality and wisdom are our compass to dispel the fog. While seeking spiritual refuge, we must also maintain a clear mind and view the world with a scientific attitude.
Reflecting on this history, have you also experienced a similar “master craze”? Feel free to share your stories and insights in the comments section.