KYOTO, Japan—On the evening of April 22, the U.S.-based Shen Yun Performing Arts brought “China before communism” to life at the ROHM Theatre Kyoto. Renowned Japanese monk Daiun Miki said he was deeply moved by its “beauty of harmony” and spiritual depth, adding that Shen Yun conveys the meaning of human life and is something that people around the world should see.
Mr. Miki is a well-known monk in Japan who shares Buddhist teachings on YouTube, where he has nearly 450,000 subscribers. As the curtain rose and a scene of divine beings descending to the human world unfolded, he was profoundly touched.
“From the very beginning, the performance conveyed the meaning of why we come into this world. It showed that each person comes into life with a mission or purpose, and that we must live our lives sincerely and to the fullest.”
Mr. Miki praised the dance and music, noting that the dancers’ movements were perfectly synchronized and their expressions deeply moving.
“The performers embodied a sense of harmony,” he said.
He was more impressed with their inner spirit. “I sensed a strength and sincerity—something akin to the concept of ‘spiritual training’ in the world of Buddhist monks—that radiated directly from them. I could sense the confidence born of everything they have built up over time. I felt it very deeply,” he remarked.
Mr. Miki was especially moved by one performance by Shen Yun’s soprano singer, who he felt conveyed the essence of harmony through music.
“I was extremely moved by the soprano. It felt like a divine scale,” he said. “In Japan, we also value harmony in music, but harmony is not simply about accepting everything; it is about harmony within rhythm. I strongly felt that sense of rhythm and balance in the singing.”
Mr. Miki said the lyrics resonated strongly with him. “As a monk, I hold deep reverence for the divine, so seeing beauty conveyed in this way truly moved me.”
From his perspective as a Buddhist believer, he also reflected on the deeper meaning of compassion and moral values expressed in the performance.
“It inspired me to live more earnestly, not just for myself, but to give to others as well. I have always felt strongly that the divine wants to convey something to us and that we come from a heavenly realm with a mission in this world. That is why this aspect of the performance moved me so deeply.”
He emphasized that Shen Yun’s message is especially relevant in today’s world and should be shared widely.
“Today, science and technology are highly advanced, and life has become extremely convenient. However, human spirituality has not kept pace. As convenience increases, our desires continue to grow, and we may be losing what is most important. In such a situation, I believe Shen Yun is something people all over the world should see.”
