Amongst White Clouds
American director Edward A. Burger takes us on his unforgettable journey into the hidden lives of China’s forgotten Zen Buddhist hermit tradition.
Amongst White Clouds is a look at the lives of zealot students, gaunt ascetics and wise masters living in isolated hermitages dotting the peaks and valleys of China’s Zhongnan Mountain range. The Zhongnan Mountains have been home to recluses since the time of the Yellow Emperor, some five thousand years ago.
Many of China’s most realized Buddhist masters attained enlightenment in this very range! And now? It is widely thought that this tradition was all but wiped out by the twists and turns of history. Amongst White Clouds shows us this is not the case.
One of only a few foreigners to have lived and studied with these hidden sages, Burger reveals to us their tradition, their wisdom, and the hardship and joy of their everyday lives.
With both humor and compassion, these inspiring and warm-hearted characters challenge us to join them in an exploration of our own suffering and enlightenment in this modern world. (Excerpt from amongstclouds.com)
Watch the full documentary now
January 9th, 2010 at 19:21
I find it satisfying that there are people like this who can be happy without all the trappings of what we deem “modern necessities.” In fact, it may be quite the opposite; our possessions often lead to unhappiness as they create craving for more. A most unusually insightful film…thanks Vlatko for including this little gem!
January 10th, 2010 at 20:40
Very enlightening documentary overall.
The only complaint I have is the frequency of the extremely poor editing of the subtitles. There must have been 10 different times people would be speaking and you would simply see that subtitle flash the screen for literally only a half second.
January 13th, 2010 at 17:04
Capricious,
I noticed that too.
January 16th, 2010 at 21:46
despite the editing the message was clear. calming and enlightening. thank you.
February 21st, 2010 at 12:49
a truly wonderful documentary……………..
March 2nd, 2010 at 00:29
Possessions… we are happy when we pursue them. When we attain them, we are unhappy. Because the moment we acquire them, they possess us, because we are afraid to loose them. We possess things only for a very brief moment. After that, the possession reverses. Yet, we can have anything… provided we do not allow it to possess… us. Aah, there are so many ways to be. I liked the video! A very refreshing look at one of the Tibetan Ways To Be..
March 2nd, 2010 at 02:30
Please, make that “…look at one of the Tibetan-like Ways..”