Through Compassion to Serenity in the Mindful Viewing of Japanese and Western Films

“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.”

Dalai Lama XIV

This film seminar from 2016 offered aims for a mindfulness experience of cinema: The group viewed feature films in which inspiring characters embody positive psychological qualities (compassion, courage, forgiveness, gratefulness, wisdom, serenity). Learn about the films shown by clicking on the title hyperlinks below.

The film collection includes seven great Japanese films — chosen for their potential to engender mindfulness — alongside seven Western films. The Japanese films are directed by Ichikawa, Kinoshita, Kurosawa, Ozu, Takita, and Koreeda. The Western films are directed by Bergman, Chaplin, Dörrie, Kubrick, McCarey, and Malick.

Films shown in this order:

1. Twenty-Four Eyes
2. City Lights
3. Red Beard
4. Paths of Glory
5. The Harp of Burma
6. Rhapsody in August
7. Ikiru
8. The Seventh Seal
9. Make Way for Tomorrow
10. Tokyo Story
11. Cherry Blossoms
12. After Life
13. The Tree of Life
14. Departures

See also: Twenty Favorite Films

Topic Br. David Steindl-Rast

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