(Clearwisdom) Dr. James Powell teaches Religion and Philosophy, Buddhism in particular, in Madison, Wisconsin. He also hosts a local show called "Buddha Vision" in Madison. Dr. Powell commented, "I have been following Falun Gong for some years, and especially the kind of Buddhist-Daoist blend of Chinese Buddhism, which I've especially loved for many years. And I was really astonished to see that demonstrated so beautifully here."
Dr. Powell graciously spoke to a Clearwisdom reporter and gave his impressions after he watched the 6th show of the Chinese New Year Spectacular in San Francisco. "I hate to say it, it actually did make me cry, especially the prison scene where this woman is being beaten and taken off to realm of the Buddhas. I thought that was [touching], especially when one thinks of the kind of suffering Falun Gong members have had to experience under the communist government. So, while I am a big fan of China, I am not a fan of that government. And it's shows like this that can open up more Americans to what I will say is the true traditional spirit of Chinese culture, especially the spiritual beliefs and practices that make China the China I know from studying religion."
Dr. Powell was asked to comment about using this format of art, music and dance to reflect traditional Chinese culture and specific aspects, such as the persecution of Falun Gong. He replied, "I thought not only the Falun Gong persecution, but also the Manchurian essence, if you will, came out in the dance, and the Tibetan as well. We know these people also suffered badly, these non-Han Chinese people. So I thought it was wonderful to see this positive portrayal of all these essentially Buddhists cultures there. But we can say Buddhist-Daoist for the Chinese aspect. But to see them equally and positively portrayed through their dance and their essence, if you will, and the stunning background visual imagery where we get a sense of the physical landscape, was excellent, really."
While discussing what kind of impact this type of show can bring to people in the United States that may be unfamiliar with the Chinese culture, Dr. Powell went on to say, "I think this is exactly what Americans need to see, and to realize the difference between the communist party and the Chinese [people]. I know I tell my students that the Chinese didn't destroy Tibet, Manchuria. It was the communist party that did that, and that's such a big distinction. Many Americans don't realize how important that distinction is. It's as big as saying Nazis or Germans. Those are two very different ideas. But, especially, I think the art, the music, that's the way to reach people more than [by] newspaper or even, forgive me, radio shows. Its actually seeing and feeling the culture that reaches people. Absolutely."
When asked about the music and dances themselves and the mix of Western and Chinese culture, Dr. Powell said, "I noted the Western mix. On some level I was impressed by that because it is a mixed up world now. We're all hybridizing our cultures--Global-ish now, not just English we speak. On the other hand, there was a part of me that felt maybe seeing Chinese traditional instruments, I might have enjoyed that more, although the pianist was brilliant. So I have no complaints. However, I tend to be a fan of authentic traditional cultural aspects. That would be my only comment, but it was excellent, really."
The reporter asked Dr. Powell to select three or more adjectives to describe the performance. This is what Dr. Powell followed with, "Revealing, touching, liberating, beautiful, vivid, really kind of heart-wrenching, too--because I know what's gone on there. And you know, I cried during the thing, especially the section where the woman is in prison and being beaten. When you know about the organ-harvesting and the whole destruction of Tibetan culture, the assimilation of Manchurian culture, you know its devastating, and its just so painful to see."
Dr. Powell said, "I am planning to bring my children next year for sure... I'm going to plan on coming here. I wish this could play in Madison, our capital. It would be so appreciated. I think there'd be a big turnout to see this."
Category: Shen Yun Performing Arts
