Product Details

• Directors: Tom Tanquary
• Producers: Linda Whang
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Victory Multimedia Consignment
• DVD Release Date: March 10, 2009
• Run Time: 101 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0017078VG
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #205,179 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Rediscover our lost heritage in: "Finding Our Ancient Wisdom: The Spiritual Origins of Western Civilization," the new DVD release from Golden Thread Films. Scholar and author Peter Kingsley has spent his life uncovering the forgotten secret right at the roots of western civilization. The teachings of the foundational figure of Empedocles have been studied for centuries, but Kingsley took a new approach that led him straight to the hidden heart of Empedocles' meaning. The result was a startling discovery with enormous implications: Empedocles, one of the West's great philosophers, was a mystic. The foundation stone of so much of western science, philosophy, and culture was not the legendary Greek rationality of the textbooks but a profound, living spirituality. This film shows us how much we have forgotten but it also shows us the way to regain our lost heritage and become what we were meant to be. Kingsley demonstrates throughout the film how even the most common things, done consciously can change our lives. Eckhart Tolle says: "Peter Kingsley's teaching is a journey back to the source - not only of Western civilization but, more importantly, to the source within you. To understand him is to be transformed."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Ancient Wisdom We Can Use Today, April 16, 2008

By 

Morna Watson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Finding Our Ancient Wisdom- The Spiritual Origins Of Western Civilization (DVD)

This is a masterful distillation of the essence of Peter Kingsley's work. Video usually lacks the warmth and energy of being in the presence of a speaker. This piece, however, held my attention from beginning to end. It achieves a consummate balance between the historical background and the spirit of this ancient knowledge; as well as a simple, experiential process for us to practice today.

Some years ago, I read In The Dark Places Of Wisdom several times and later Reality. I was inspired and moved by the story but was unable to grasp exactly how to apply it to my life. I knew that the author wanted me to access something that was beyond the mind. But what? And how?

Now, having seen this DVD, I really 'get' what Peter Kingsley wants us to understand. The clarity of his message is given a grounded, practical emphasis by the skillful way in which this film has been filmed, edited and presented.

As Peter Kingsley says in Reality, "All the details in it are just a trick. But what it does offer is the space for you to create a nest in it, make yourself at home".

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart Connection, September 1, 2008

By 

Sandra Gaia-Rae - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Finding Our Ancient Wisdom- The Spiritual Origins Of Western Civilization (DVD)

This is an excellent film, not only in the writing, editing and production but also in the clarity with which Peter's teachings are presented. The other aspect that struck me so profoundly is that I have been so much more present in a calm way, feeling and noticing how the feelings are in my body. Noticing that I am selective with listening to music now, instead of having music play all day at work but not enjoying or feeling it. Now I turn it off and when I have it on I hear and feel the magical sounds of Mozart. Once again enjoying the silence, less fearful of allowing this process to happen as the ego has a smaller and smaller voice maybe. Peter's words and your beautiful, clear, uncluttered examples have made an indelible impression on my heart. Thank you Peter.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tonic for modern life, March 31, 2008

By 

Robert Holtkamp (West Hollywood, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Finding Our Ancient Wisdom- The Spiritual Origins Of Western Civilization (DVD)

After watching Peter's video, I began applying one of the practices he described when walking my dogs. Day by day, layers of sensory experience unfolded, and I began noticing the color of the flowers, the smells, my own shadow bobbing along, the temperature of the air and the songs of the birds. Stopped on the street, watching and listening to the wind in the trees, I felt connected to everything and realized that experiencing the sky, the moon and the clouds was an experience in common with people everywhere on the planet as far back as there were people.

Finding Our Ancient Wisdom is a tonic for modern life. I recommend everyone carve out the time to see it.