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

Souls of Zen: Ancestors and Agency in Contemporary Japanese Temple Buddhism (2012)

June 1st, 20121h 29min

Documentary
80%

Overview

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.


Make sure to check your pop-up blocker!!

Trailer

Similar Movies

Chernobyl and Fukushima: The Lesson

Chernobyl and Fukushima: The Lesson


Released on: 2016-10-30
Documentary

Chernobyl 1986. A nuclear reactor exploded, spewing out massive quantities of radiation into the atm...

How to Cook Your Life

How to Cook Your Life


Released on: 2007-05-10
Documentary

A Zen priest in San Francisco and cookbook author use Zen Buddhism and cooking to relate to everyday...

Kintaro Walks Japan

Kintaro Walks Japan


Released on: 2005-01-01
Documentary

Kintaro Walks Japan is a documentary film produced and directed by Tyler MacNiven. It is an account ...

Running for His Life: The Lawrence Phillips Story

Running for His Life: The Lawrence Phillips Story


Released on: 2016-12-16
Documentary, Drama

Feature length documentary examining the troubled life and tragic death of college football standout...

Tokyo Idols

Tokyo Idols


Released on: 2017-07-28
Music, Documentary

This exploration of Japan's fascination with girl bands and their music follows an aspiring pop sing...

In Search of Wabi Sabi with Marcel Theroux

In Search of Wabi Sabi with Marcel Theroux


Released on: 2009-03-16
Documentary

Marcel Theroux travels across Japan in an attempt to understand Wabi Sabi, a theory of Japanese aest...

A Place of Our Own

A Place of Our Own


Released on: 2014-03-23
Drama, Comedy, History, Documentary

Dermot Morgan - Fearless Funnyman

Dermot Morgan - Fearless Funnyman


Released on: 2013-12-27
Documentary

A selection of Dermot Morgan's family, friends, colleagues and admirers, including Pat Shortt, Olive...

Cherry Blossom Time in Japan

Cherry Blossom Time in Japan


Released on: 1936-03-21
Documentary

In this Traveltalk short, the symbolic role of cherry blossoms in Japanese culture is explored as we...

Fukushima: Is Nuclear Power Safe?

Fukushima: Is Nuclear Power Safe?


Released on: 2011-01-01
Documentary

Six months after the explosions at the Fukushima nuclear plant and the release of radiation there, P...

Queer Japan

Queer Japan


Released on: 2020-12-11
Documentary

Trailblazing artists, activists, and everyday people from across the spectrum of gender and sexualit...

Toypunks

Toypunks


Released on: 2008-05-27
Documentary

Toypunks is a documentary film series covering the converging world of Japanese toys, fashion and pu...

Tempelriddaren

Tempelriddaren


Released on: 2014-01-30
Documentary, TV Movie

The Contestant

The Contestant


Released on: 2023-09-08
Documentary

The incredible true story of a man who lived for 15 months trapped inside a small room, naked, starv...

Train Night View: Yurikamome at Night Round Trip Shimbashi to Toyosu

Train Night View: Yurikamome at Night Round Trip Shimbashi to Toyosu


Released on: 2023-12-02
Documentary

Tokyo Night Cruise on the Yurikamome Line The "Yurikamome" line, connecting Shimbashi and Toyosu, i...

Echigo World’s Largest Yon-shakudama Katakai Festival

Echigo World’s Largest Yon-shakudama Katakai Festival


Released on: 2023-09-21
Documentary

The Katakai Festival, one of Niigata and Echigo's Three Great Fireworks Festivals, has a 400-year hi...

Io sono nata viaggiando

Io sono nata viaggiando


Released on: 2013-11-11
Documentary

A journey back through Dacia Maraini's and her trips around the world with her close friends cinema ...

Japon : L'Empire du sexe virtuel

Japon : L'Empire du sexe virtuel


Released on: 2016-12-22
Documentary, TV Movie

1985: Heroes among Ruins

1985: Heroes among Ruins


Released on: 2022-10-17
Documentary

"1985: Heroes among Ruins" is a reflection of disaster. It is about the human solidarity, the search...