Ayelet Edelberg | "Little Buddha"
Lecture "Little Buddha," Onam, Date: 01/05/2027 in Einan Hall | Azrieli Mall, Modiin. Sorting Buddhist consciousness and unique production processes that meet cultures.
Additional Details
Lecture: Buddhism, Tulku, and Soulful Cinema
The expansive film "Little Buddha" offers a colorful and fascinating encounter with the world of Tibetan Buddhism. What is Tibetan Buddhism, how did it develop from the Mahayana stream in Buddhism, and what lies behind the idea of the rebirth of spiritual teachers? In this lecture, we will explore the basic principles of Buddhism and the spiritual uniqueness of the Tibetan tradition, and the phenomenon of "Tulku" – spiritual teachers who are reborn repeatedly to return and fulfill their role from their previous life cycle. We will investigate the concept of Samsara - the cycle of rebirth, not only philosophically but as a foundation for a life full of meaning. We will also examine the process of making the film: encounters with different cultures and the challenges of translating abstract ideas into a visual creation. This is a session suitable for anyone interested in spirit, culture, or simply loves deep cinema.
Film Screening: Little Buddha
What happens when a delegation of Tibetan monks arrives in America searching for the reincarnation of their great teacher? How does cinema translate Buddhist ideas such as Karma, Samsara, and Enlightenment into a Western viewing experience? The film by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci (The Conformist, Last Tango in Paris, The Last Emperor) presents a poetic and touching story that connects Buddhist mythology with contemporary Western reality. The plot moves between the life of a young American boy named Jesse, who might be the reincarnation of the Tibetan teacher, and the spectacular life story of Prince Siddhartha from the 5th century BCE in India – on his path to becoming the Buddha. The film features actors Keanu Reeves as Buddha, Chris Isaak, and Bridget Fonda, with stunning cinematography from Nepal, Bhutan, and Seattle, and powerful music by Ryuichi Sakamoto. It is a film that vividly reveals Buddhism in general, and Tibetan Buddhism in particular, along with its rituals and uniqueness. East and West meet here not only in the story – but also in the cinematography, music, and casting choices. This is a quality and profound cinematic experience.
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Actors: Keanu Reeves, Bridget Fonda, Chris Isaak
Countries: Nepal/India/USA
Year: 1993
Duration: 130 minutes
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