Alexej Pakkanen saw Shen Yun Chinese Spectacular in Tampere for the first time on Sunday; he thought it was so good, he saw it again on Monday.
There was a warm atmosphere at Tampere Hall during the Devine Performing Arts final show in Finland. With a standing ovation, joyful faces and waving hands, the audience said goodbye to the artists. In the front row sat guitar player Pakkanen wearing a colourful Chinese outfit to celebrate the occasion.
Born in Saint Petersburg, but a resident of Finland for the past 16 years, Pakkanen explains why he felt he needed to come see the show again.
"It is really fantastic! I didn't want it to ever end. I don't have words to describe all this. It is like therapy for the soul and one's consciousness, in the literal sense of the word," said a smiling Pakkanen.
To the question whether the show was different the second time around, Aleksej says the show for him is about the message.
"It doesn't feel different today, but since I know what is going to happen I can focus better on the message and also enjoy it more.
He said he has also learned something about Chinese culture.
He said he learned the Chinese words, "Zhen, Shan and Ren," which he described as "those important words, that is Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance."
"If you start thinking about this, that is the mind/character/disposition of the universe should be compassionate, joyful and happy. I have been pondering for many years over these basic questions of truthfulness, life and death and so on," Pakkanen continued.
"I have made up my mind to live according to truthfulness, and if you live according to truthfulness, you will be a good person automatically, since a truthful person cannot be evil. And then compassion will lead to forbearance. It is like a chain reaction. If you think like this it will bring a peaceful feeling."
The first scene of the show, "Descent of the Celestial Kings" Pakkanen said was his favourite. The piece depicts a legend where is about king who asks the gods to go with him down to the human beings to rule for a thousand years.
If there was a performance again tomorrow, would you see it? "Yes, definitely. And if they return next year I will see it."
Aleksej Pakkanen wished to send a greeting to the Chinese People. "I send them blessings that they shall be strong in their beliefs."
For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese Spectacular. For our complete coverage please visit: http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/
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