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

Library of Dust

Library of Dust


Released on: 2011-01-28
Documentary

In 2004 the Oregon State Hospital, former site of the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, revealed...

The Japanese Version

The Japanese Version


Released on: 1991-02-01
Documentary

How the Japanese process American pop culture and make it their own -- a mind-bending odyssey throug...

Death Files

Death Files


Released on: 2019-12-17
Documentary, Horror

A disturbing documentary about true murders and real death.

Reila

Reila


Released on: 2023-05-11
Documentary

Raise Your Arms and Twist - Documentary of NMB48

Raise Your Arms and Twist - Documentary of NMB48


Released on: 2016-01-29
Documentary

Launched in 2011 as a sister group to girl band behemoth AKB48, the Osaka-based NMB48 has become a m...

The monk

The monk


Released on: 2023-09-21
Documentary

When Danish filmmakers Mira Jargil and Christian Sønderby Jepsen try to find balance in their stress...

Japan in 8 Minutes

Japan in 8 Minutes


Released on: 2024-06-20
Documentary

A 10 day trip to Japan captured in 8 minutes.

Walk with Me

Walk with Me


Released on: 2017-05-11
Documentary

Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, Walk With Me is a cinematic journey into the world of a monastic c...

Hiroshima Revealed

Hiroshima Revealed


Released on: 2015-08-04
Documentary, History

Pulitzer Prize -- winning journalist John Hersey caused a sensation when he published "Hiroshima", t...

A Free Man

A Free Man


Released on: 2017-03-05
Documentary

22-year-old Kei refuses to conform to the Japanese achievement-oriented society. He is homeless by c...

Japon : L'Empire du sexe virtuel

Japon : L'Empire du sexe virtuel


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

Dearly Departed

Dearly Departed


Released on: 2006-12-14
Documentary

Hollywood is a hot spot for celebrities, and tour guide Scott Michaels (E!'s "20 Most Horrifying Hol...

Toypunks

Toypunks


Released on: 2008-05-27
Documentary

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

The Self-Made Man

The Self-Made Man


Released on: 2005-03-14
Documentary

Is it ever rational to choose death? On Independence Day at Stern Ranch, 77-year-old solar energy pi...

How We Die

How We Die


Released on:
Documentary

Memento Mori is a morbidly beautiful journey into the world of alternative post mortem arrangements ...

Planet Food: Japan

Planet Food: Japan


Released on: 2012-02-20
Documentary

Merrilees Parker travels to Japan to learn about its unique food culture. She begins her journey in ...

Love, Josh

Love, Josh


Released on: 2001-06-10
Documentary

chronicles the life of Josh Keogh, a 15-year-old whose family was shattered when his father died of ...

A Global Warning?

A Global Warning?


Released on: 2007-11-11
Documentary

Global warming in context. What the climate of the past tells us about the climate of the future.

Queer Japan

Queer Japan


Released on: 2020-12-11
Documentary

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

L'empire du sushi

L'empire du sushi


Released on: 2008-01-11
Documentary