Blue Mountain Dharma Educational Film Series:

The Mountain Path (2021) By Edward A. Burger

Filmmaker Edward A. Burger invites us on a journey few Westerners conceive and even fewer complete. Deep in the wilderness of the Zhongnan Mountains of China’s Shaanxi province is a congregation of hermits, living away from the cities to properly contemplate the meanings of the sutras. Driven by a deep desire to understand Buddhism, Edward and a handful of friends make their way to China to seek the teachings of these many masters.

Scattered among the woods, they find and document a number of practitioners including nameless monks, a stalwart nun, and a group of students following the teachings of a long-time resident of the mountains. Each story is different but each holds special interest for those interested in the practices of Buddhism. Many of the recluses are surprisingly happy to teach and share with the curious intruders, but a few show distaste at the filmmaker’s presence. In the end, The Mountain Pathoffers a well-rounded and personal view of the practices of traditional aesthetic Buddhism in modern China.

-J. Zimmerman

Blue Mountain Dharma continues its educational film series, screening at 7 p.m. on the evening of Tuesday, May 19th. (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.