For ten days his life remained in danger until Master Yang applied the power of her qi to heal the man's injuries. The government then declared that Dayan qigong should be available to all who desired to learn it. Recently the form has become widely taught, and Master Yang herself has become a special kind of "national treasure" in China. "Dayan" means "wild goose". In the Zhou Dynasty a wild goose was included in wedding gifts as a symbol of marital fidelity. In later times a wild goose was embroidered on the court robes of officials who had advanced in the civil examination system to the third highest level. The wild goose exemplifies high culture and in ancient China it was not customary to kill them for food or game.

According to traditional Chinese thoughts, the wild goose embodies the Five Constant Virtues: "Ren"--ethics and perfect virtue free from selfishness; "Yi"--right conduct, loyalty, and faithfulness; "Li"--respect, reverence, and good manners; "Zhi"--wisdom, knowledge, cleverness, and prudence; and "Xin"--truth and sincerity. Wild geese migrate long distances, flying 1000 miles or more. They fly in a "V" formation, following naturally in a line. They always migrate on the same day to the same place. They supposedly mate for life. When a mate dies the survivor laments and does not seek another mate. When the flock sleeps, they post sentries to warn of approaching danger. Though they are water birds, they are generally vegetarian. Thus, say the ancients, "to be a good person one must be like a wild goose."