RAPID CITY, S.D.—Independent journalist Shad Olson, who had written books and political commentaries, enjoyed Shen Yun’s evening performance at The Monument on April 15.
“We’re at a crossroads—not just in China but here in the United States as well,” he said.
Mr. Olson was touched by the story dance depicting the communist party’s persecution of Falun Gong—a peaceful meditation upholding the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
“In the Democratic Party, communist ideology is taking hold. Many of our younger generations believe that communism is the answer for world peace and for prosperity and equality.”
“One of the vignettes in Shen Yun’s performance showed people’s fixation with their phones and being overcome and addicted to digital devices. These factors in the world separate us from our true nature, our spiritual self. This leads to frustration, then to jealousy and violence,” Mr. Olson said.Shen Yun presented “a universal message of hope, faith, and peace for all of the human race.” He believed returning to “the simplicity and the truth of that central message—is our only hope for humanity.”
Referring to the spirituality depicted in Shen Yun, Mr. Olson said we all need spiritual renewal and rebirth. That is the only way to transcend the “strife and chaos and anger and violence of this present realm.”
We need to “focus on the simplicity, joy, and goodness of what it means to be a human being,” he said.
“There is a spark of divinity in the soul of every human being that was placed here by our Creator. Only by hearing his voice again and returning to the humility, simplicity, and the gentleness of spirit— [can there be] hope for humanity.”
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