Blue Mountain Dharma Educational Film Series:
Journey Into Buddhism - Prajna Earth
Directed by John Bush
2007
Prajna is the Sanskrit word for radiant wisdom, and yatra is the word for pilgrimage or spiritual journey. This visually stunning documentary is a cinematic pilgrimage exploring the lost civilization of Angkor in Cambodia, including the largest temple in the world, the magnificent Angkor Wat. The journey continues to sacred sites of the natural world, Hindu Bali, jungles of Java, and discovering Buddhist Borobudur.
This second title in the Sacred Journey series travels to Cambodia, Bali, and Java to explore Buddhist and Hindu sacred sites. In Cambodia, cameras pan the intricately carved walls of the ancient temples of Angkor, Orange-robed monks and white-clad nuns visit the temple and engage in moving religious services, while native dancers celebrate the holy site. In Bali, film crews go to a Hindu cave temple, while in Java, filmmakers study the mammoth Borobudur Buddhist Temple. Beautifully shot footage, Sharon Stone s melodious narration, and background chanting imbue this soothing, meditative program. --Booklist
Prajna Earth is a serene cinematic pilgrimage pervaded by a quiet energy. The gentle rhythm of overland travel is replicated in the deliberately languorous pace, which allows you to be both steeped in the richness of the landscape and to absorb the significance of the symbolism. --Tim McHenry, Rubin Museum of Art, New York
This second documentary in the Journey into Buddhism series, sandwiched in between the 2001 "Dharma River" and the 2006 "Vajra Sky Over Tibet," explores the meeting points of Buddhist and Hindu traditions in Cambodia's lost Angkor civilization, including the Angkor Wat--the largest temple in the world. The journey takes us through Hindu Bali and then to observe Java's jungle trance dancers. In Java, now a Moslem country, there's the awesome sight of the gigantic seven level mandala of Buddhist Borobudur. The colorful visual spectacle is narrated by Sharon Stone and directed by documentarian John Bush. The chanting hymns by David Hykes is intoxicating. For a stunningly beautiful visual trip into exotic and lush Buddhist and Hindu locations, this film is unparalleled. --Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Blue Mountain Dharma continues its educational film series, screening at 7 p.m. on the evening of Tuesday, November 18th. (The doors open at 6:30 p.m.) The event is free, and it will be held at the Gryphon (213 West Main St., Charlottesville above Mudhouse Coffee on the historic Downtown Mall). All with an interest in Tibetan culture and Buddhism are welcome to attend. The film will be followed by a lively seminar-style discussion.
The Blue Mountain Dharma Film Series (BMD Film Series) is a monthly educational seminar on Tibetan Buddhism. Meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of each month to view and discuss films illustrating Tibetan Buddhist practice. The seminar created by Barbara Heritage, features documentaries and biographical films focusing on the lives of notable Tibetan lineage.