Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World

Buddhism, one of the world's most ancient belief systems, is both a religion and a philosophy, attracting 350 million followers around the world. Hosted by historian Bettany Hughes, filmmaker Faris Kermani's BBC-aired series—presented stateside on PBS—takes viewers on a tour of Buddhism, noting how it began and where it has traveled, as seen through the prism of seven spectacular ancient and modern Buddhist wonders of the world. First stop is the "mecca of Buddhism," the temple at Bodhgaya in northern India, where 2,500 years ago a young aristocrat named Siddhartha Gautama tried to understand the causes of suffering and sorrow he saw around him. Attracting followers, Buddha ("the enlightened one") considered himself a guide and teacher, and certainly not a supreme being. The documentary looks at the "three jewels" of Buddhism, the life and example of the Buddha, the community of Buddhist priests and nuns, and the dharma (teachings of the Buddha). Buddhism is distinguished by flexibility, diversity, and the belief that each individual has the capacity to achieve his or her own spiritual liberation. The goal is to attain nirvana, which is a state of enlightened release from the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Hughes also takes viewers to such landmarks as Sri Lanka's "Temple of the Tooth," the ruins at Cambodia's Angkor Wat complex, the magnificent golden statue of the reclining Buddha in Bangkok, and recently built shrines near the hectic metropolitan areas of Hong Kong and Los Angeles. While Hughes notes that Buddhism is ultimately better experienced than explained, she provides illuminating comments on the importance of meditation, as well as the concepts of karma and Zen. A fine look at an expanding world religion, boasting eye-filling views coupled with interesting insights, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)