Souls of Zen: Ancestors and Agency in Contemporary Japanese Temple Buddhism

June. 01,2012      
Rating:
8.4
Trailer Synopsis Cast

The Japanese population’s reaction to the catastrophe of March 2011 has been described as “stoic” by the Western media. The Japanese code of conduct is indeed deeply rooted in their Buddhist traditions, and young filmmakers Tim Graf and Jakob Montrasio observe in detail what this means for the people and their religion. At graveyards, in temples, at monasteries and with families, they question the impact this triple affliction has had on the lives and beliefs of the inhabitants. How deeply do their beliefs affect their grieving? What role do the monks play in assisting people with their grief? And, what effects has this enormous catastrophe had on their religious rituals? SOULS OF ZEN inserts the events of March 2011 into the context of traditional Zen Buddhism, examining Japan’s religiousness and the beliefs of those practising it at a crucial turning point.

Tenzin Gyatso as  Self

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Reviews

Cebalord
2012/06/01

Very best movie i ever watch

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Dotsthavesp
2012/06/02

I wanted to but couldn't!

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TaryBiggBall
2012/06/03

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

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Derry Herrera
2012/06/04

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

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