Zen

I Rate This Movie: One Giant Full Moon
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Never has the topic of enlightenment been captured so eloquently and symbolically. A great full moon shines brightly upon every element of this picture: scenery, performances, costuming, and story. It captures Zen in its infancy, its growning pains, and its lasting legacy. It gives you an insight into the stillness and silence of Zen practice. It's inspiring and full of wisdom. Multiple viewings are definitely recommended. The DVD includes a featurette, which is also beautiful and gives further insight into Dogen and Zen.

eyes horizontal and nose vertical
Prepare to be immersed in the now - in the active world of monks seeking answers and men and women living in dispair and confusion. The dharma and the value of just sitting will be revealed - directly and from beautiful actors in images of high production value. A well made film. Could you be a Zen monk? Can Zen insight be about how to live in this world as a man or a woman? Eyes horizontal and nose vertical.

Dramatization of how Dogen founded Soto Zen in Japan
Portrays the Tendai priest who considered that his sect had gotten away from its founder's intentions of quiet contemplation, and instead developed into a worldly (with an army of guards for protection) practice full of ritual with many practitioners not really sincere. He went to China as had most priests searching for Dharma instruction and found a practice which he developed into one of simple meditation and contemplation. He is considered one of the great Buddhist philosophers of Japan. I am not an historian, and am not sure of the details, but for someone who is interested in foundations of Japanese culture or particularly in Buddhism, I would recommend this movie as an enjoyable way to get an historical introduction. It will not teach anyone how to practice, but it does present history and some of the spirituality.

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