University Professor Praises Shen Yun for Purifying Hearts and Promoting Selfless Goodness
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On the afternoon of Jan. 15, 2026, Chien Shih-lang, a professor of history at a university’s Center for Humanities and Social Studies, attended the first performance by Shen Yun New Epoch Company at the Yuanlin Performing Arts Hall in Changhua with his wife. Zheng Shunli/The Epoch Times
CHANGHUA, Taiwan—Shen Yun presents “exquisitely refined Chinese dance,” said Chien Shih-lang, a university professor of history and literature, after seeing the performance. Through dance, he said, Shen Yun brings out “the good and kind side of humanity,” allowing audiences to see “the bright side of the human world.”
On the afternoon of Jan. 15, Shen Yun New Era Company opened its first performance at the Yuanlin Performing Arts Hall in Changhua to a full house. Attending Shen Yun for the first time, Professor Chien praised the company for using superb stage artistry to convey the essence of China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture while promoting universal values. “To be able to communicate these ideals through art—I think that’s truly wonderful,” he said.
Professor Chien noted that Shen Yun engages audiences in a gentle yet profound way. Through what he described as a “warm and soft” artistic approach, the performance connects with people’s inner thoughts, presenting and inspiring universal values and, in the process, purifying the heart.
“In everyday life, most people are busy with the trivial details—food, clothing, daily necessities, all the scattered fragments of life,” he explained. “Through Shen Yun’s art, these can be purified.” He likened the experience to a process of sifting: “What is good, bright, and virtuous remains, while what is negative or impure naturally flows away and is removed.”
He emphasized that Shen Yun does not rely on didactic messaging. “This isn’t preaching,” he said. “By using a higher-level artistic expression, it subtly influences people, helping them see and reflect on things they normally overlook.” He added, “I think that’s remarkable.”
Professor Chien was also impressed by Shen Yun’s stage presentation, including its high-tech animated backdrop and live symphony orchestra. He described the stage art as unprecedented. “The digital backdrop and the dancers are seamlessly connected,” he said. “It’s a very effective form of expression that flows naturally at every moment, giving the audience an immersive experience.”
He noted the exceptional coordination between the orchestra and the dancers. “They work together extremely well,” he said. “That kind of performance requires a long period of practice and a remarkable level of unspoken mutual understanding.”
Turning to the music, Professor Chien said the scale of the production was extraordinary. “This is not something ordinary folk artists could take on,” he said. “There must be a large team behind it, supported by a powerful spirit.” The spirit he sensed, he said, was one of selflessness—“for the sake of all people, for all beings.”
“This is not about personal gain,” he explained. “The self is very small, but what is presented is something vast. That’s what makes it truly exceptional.”
He added that such selflessness carries great power. “This isn’t something most people can achieve,” he said. “Having ideals is one thing, but reaching this level is very difficult. It requires many people working together and dedicating themselves—it’s a collective effort.”
“The hardest part is perseverance,” Professor Chien said, noting that Shen Yun is now entering its twentieth year. “Doing something for a day or two is easy, but sustaining it over a long period—that’s not easy at all.”
Quoting the Chinese saying “ten minutes on stage requires ten years of work offstage,” he expressed admiration for the artists. “They’re truly impressive,” he said. “Seeing these young performers willing to dedicate themselves in this way is something I deeply admire.” He concluded by wishing the artists continued success and perseverance.
