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In a country where one-sixth of the males become monks, all things are religious in Tibet, according to narrator Huston Smith. The religious philosopher and author (
The World's Religions) explains the tenets of the Tibetan's unique brand of Buddhism, while noted spiritual filmmaker Elda Hartley provides astonishing footage of monks engaged in discussions with dance-like movement, the faithful making strings of prayer flags and artisans carving prayer blocks and ceremonial masks. Smith's prose ranges from poetic to over the top ("a society left on the shelf, set in amber, left in deep freeze"), but Hartley's range (from breathtaking skyscapes to small moments like a monk protectively removing a single snail from an oft-trodden path) may justify Smith's enthusiasm. Tibet had already been long occupied by China when this 27-minute documentary was shot in the late 1960s, and not enough has changed for the Tibetan people since to make this documentary outdated.
--Kimberly Heinrichs
From the Back Cover
Visit one of the most spiritual places on earth: Tibet. Acclaimed author Dr. Huston Smith (
The Religions of Man) provides the moving narration to filmmaker Elda Hartley's remarkable images of this profoundly mystical culture.
Isolated for eons within the remote Himalayas, Tibet developed one of the most deeply religious societies ever, a country where one-sixth of the male population became monks. Tibet is considered one of the last links to the "mystery cultures" of ancient Egypt, Peru, and Stonehenge. Despite years of Chinese occupation, Tibet has steadfastly maintained its unique identity and practices. Hartley preserves the images of spirituality--the fluttering prayer flags, the lavishly colorful artwork and dance, the monks engaged in lively debate. Smith's narration offers a compelling overview of the Tibetan belief system: from its deep compassion and densely populate spirit world, to the role of the Dali Lama and the many methods used in the journey toward enlightenment.
This award-winning film provides a rare glimpse at hypnotic chanting ceremonies of the Tibetan Buddhist monks--a technique so unusual that modern science has yet to understand it. Requiem for a Faith is a moving portrait of a society "that is so close to the sky, the natural occupation of its people is to pray." 30 minutes.
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