Seeing Like the Buddha - Enlightenment Through Film

Considers film as a form of Buddhist ritual and contemplative practice.
In this important new contribution to Buddhist studies and Buddhist film criticism, Francisca Cho argues that films can do more than simply convey information about Buddhism. Films themselves can become a form of Buddhist ritual and contemplative practice that enables the viewer not only to see the Buddha, but to see like the Buddha. Drawing upon her extensive knowledge of both Buddhism and film studies, Cho examines the aesthetic vision of several Asian and Western films that explicitly or implicitly embody Buddhist teachings about karma, emptiness, illusion, and overcoming duality. Her wide-ranging analysis includes Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ... and Spring (South Korea, 2003), Nang Nak (Thailand, 1999), Rashomon (Japan, 1950), Maborosi (Japan, 1995), and the films of American Terrence Malick.

About the author

Francisca Cho is Associate Professor of Buddhist Studies at Georgetown University. Her books include Religion and Science in the Mirror of Buddhism (written with Richard K. Squier) and Embracing Illusion: Truth and Fiction in The Dream of the Nine Clouds, also published by SUNY Press.

Product details

• Authors: Francisca Cho, Cho Francisca
• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.03.2017
• EAN: 9781438464398
• ISBN: 978-1-4384-6439-8
• No. of pages: 190
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Other religions; RELIGION / Buddhism / Rituals & Practice, RELIGION / Buddhism / General, Buddhism, PERFORMING ARTS / Film / History & Criticism, Worship, rites, ceremonies and rituals, Film Theory & Criticism, Film history, theory or criticism, Buddhist Worship, Rites & Ceremonies