God and Buddha: A Dialogue

In 2000, two spiritual thinkers concerned with human suffering--Deepak Chopra, best known for his inspirational teachings on the mind/body connection and holistic healing; and Robert Thurman, best known as the first Westerner to be ordained a Tibetan monk, a personal friend of the Dalai Lama, and, well…father of Hollywood actress, Uma--sat together to discuss the similarities between the religious teachings of the sages of India and those of the Buddha. Filmed before a small audience at the Tibet House in New York City (where Thurman is director), the two friends voice similar concerns about the origins of human suffering as laid out in the Vedanta (the philosophical and theological views based on the teachings of the Upanishads). Fortunately, despite the many references to specific religious doctrines and the complex metaphysical nature of the discussion, both Chopra and Thurman are gifted speakers able to make the weighty material comprehensible. Both agree that life's essential “question” is how to alleviate human suffering; they therefore begin the dialogue by focusing on the reasons given by the Vedanta that man suffers: not knowing the true nature of reality; clinging to, but also fearing, that which is illusory and ephemeral; identifying with a false, constrictive self; and the fear of death. Chopra speaks in vivid metaphors that are delivered in a quick, hypnotic cadence, while Thurman brings a buoyant humor to his compelling analysis of Western society, which he feels has just begun to rediscover the spiritual journey begun with the Greeks. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (A. Cantú)