Women’s Death and Rebirth in China Opera

Publication information:

Lin, Yuan. 2025. “Women’s Death and Rebirth in China Opera.” in Spirituality and the Arts. Harvard Divinity School: Program for the Evolution of Spirituality.

Abstract

When people talk about Chinese opera, they often think of it only as stage performance art and ignore its spiritual and healing elements. If human ancestors have long consciously used the power of music and dance to heal the spirit and body, then what is the relationship between Chinese opera and spirituality and healing? This study has conducted certain explorations in the practice of psychotherapy and discovered some related healing effects. In general, this study hopes to highlight that an art that encompasses spirituality is often stronger art, and spirituality with artistic expression is stronger spirituality. Similarly, healing with spirituality is deeper healing, vice versa, spirituality with a healing function is deeper spirituality. Through the study of Chinese opera, it can be found that art, spirituality and healing form an interrelated trinity.


Presenter Biography

Yuan Lin is a PhD candidate at Pacifica Graduate Institute specializing in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. She holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Beijing University of International Studies and an MBA from Fordham University. As a cross-cultural translator and psychotherapist, Yuan bridges psychology and spirituality for soul healing in the modern world.