Journey Into Buddhism

Journey Into Buddhism, also referred to as “The Yatra Trilogy,” is a stunningly filmed series that combines breathtaking views of sacred temples, pagodas, shrines, monasteries, and natural landscapes together with indigenous music, harmonic chanting, and informative narration to create a cinematic meditation on the Buddhist cultures of Southeast Asia and Tibet. Filmmaker John Bush's “yatra” (the Sanskrit word for pilgrimage or spiritual journey) starts with Dharma River, which captures the exquisite beauty of Laos, Thailand, and Burma through the rivers and canal systems that symbolize life's changing flow, while Prajna Earth (narrated by Sharon Stone) explores sacred places throughout Cambodia, Java, and Bali, where Buddhism and Hinduism merge harmoniously. The final film, Vajra Sky Over Tibet, offers an overview of Tibet's political, cultural, and spiritual identity during the past 1,500 years. DVD extras include the 10-minute “Vajra Realm” dance pilgrimage by Nadine Helstroffer. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (N. Plympton)