Amongst White Clouds

Amongst White Clouds

8.49
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Ratings: 8.49/10 from 82 users.

Amongst White CloudsAmerican 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.

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Theresa
Theresa
5 years ago

Lovely film; I think there is a part in all of us wanting to be free of possessions and the attachment to them. That message is clear in all religions. We are all called to a different place in life. I would like to see a follow up to this film. Thanks.

Crina
Crina
5 years ago

I see a well chosen path and clear inner purpose. As witnessed in Orthodox Christianity back in my country at monks hidden up in mountain caves, or in Sufism and so on. These are personal spiritual journeys which we are in no position to judge whatsoever. We should take what resonates with us from their experience and use it for our own growth. Everything else is irrelevant.

kerry
kerry
7 years ago

Well, they certainly have some possessions--the tools they use to farm with. I'd say it's highly debatable whether their tools are better than more modern tools like a tractor. These monks don't appear very productive in their farming--perhaps they grow enough to feed themselves. With some better tools in the same amount of time they could grow enough to feed many more people. Their life is certainly simply and apparently relatively stress free. But they don't have much responsibility. I haven't watched the whole thing yet but I don't see any kids running around so they aren't responsible for a family.

Someone commented earlier that Buddhism is not a violent religion. That's simply not true. Read Zen at War for a good introduction to Buddhist violence.

Sparrow021
Sparrow021
11 years ago

No ; I think it surly means to let go of attachment; this and that. In the montains there is only natural hardships, plus any that you bring. The works they do must be part of thier practices..I think

athulii
athulii
12 years ago

somehow it gives an idea that we can get enlightenment only when we leave home and go up lonely hills. no offense against the great monks up there, still making this decision to stay away from the world is a great one. Still doing the same cleaning, building and cooking huh, to do this again i would never want to go to the mountains. I have seen sadhus totally surrendered and they don't even think of their next diner, or their clothing yet they also live very much in the world with people, but isolated in their true self

rastapasta
rastapasta
12 years ago

i wonder if they eat gravy up there in them hills?
second time i viewed this doc.
inchanting, scarce and devote...

Emily Stites
Emily Stites
12 years ago

Buddhism is one of the religions that I have never heard have a violent background. I have so much respect for this faith and the people who participate in it. This was a great doc that truly portrayed the true essence of a life of a Buddhist, regardless if in isolation or not.

mmhmm
mmhmm
12 years ago

Such a great film.
These men and their lives and thoughts resonate deeply within me.
Thanks for posting. <3 Blessings

kenhoffman
kenhoffman
12 years ago

I didn't think Rachel's comment was a judgement. Rather it was simply an observation or statement made in order to learn more. If you took it as a judgement that says a lot more about you then about her comment

david
david
13 years ago

What a beautiful documentary!
Especially liked the part about laypeople living unbalanced lives because they feel the two extremes, love and hate.

Also the metaphor about a persons soul being like the sky. A cloudy day might be dark and dull but it does not mean there is anything wrong with the sun:)

Stephen
Stephen
13 years ago

Where can I find a copy of this with subtitles?

insight
insight
13 years ago

Rachel, no disrespect intended; but I suspect you have a skewed misconception about the ascetic life of a hermit, lama, or arhat. It’s not so much the actual value of a possession, but rather a person’s attachment to it. You don’t know the history behind the gold watch, often a ascetic may give a teaching to a layperson, and that person has so much gratitude that they give their watch to the lama in appreciation. The lama being kind and not wanting to offend the person, keeps the watch. But it has no material value to the hermit, only sentimental value. The fact that the recluse could live such a challenging life in the mountains should say much more about his devotion to asceticism than a trinket he wears on his wrist.

It’s a good idea not to judge another unless you know the circumstances or you have reached their high level of consciousness. Else your judgments may be very shallow and narrow-minded.

rachel
rachel
13 years ago

so far interesting but i can't help but notice at 17:34 the ascetic (sp?) is wearing a gold watch...? WTF? they give up all comforts including clothes, shelter, food, etc but watches are ok? pls explain if you can...

Druidia
Druidia
13 years ago

Jack -
I have no _lue.

jack1952
jack1952
13 years ago

@ Druidia

Maybe Ellyn's "o" doesn't work. Or is that "O"? Anyway my "-" doesn't work. I'll let you -uess what letter that is.

Jay
Jay
13 years ago

I thought communism utterly extirpated this way of life, never to return. I'm glad I thought wrong. What a nice documentary this was.

G.S. Virk
G.S. Virk
13 years ago

These zealot students, gaunt ascetics living in isolated hermitages were truly wise masters living . They lived real life, life that sings truly healthy, dance and life Laughting of human life.

Druidia
Druidia
13 years ago

Ellyn -
Interesting comments. Now if I only knew what the heck a G-d is. ;^)

Ellyn
Ellyn
13 years ago

Why do you think G-d started life in Paradise. Then man ruined it and G-d banished us. Think about it. If we only do what G-d wants, we can be there again.

tim
tim
13 years ago

the subtitles on this video aren't the same as the dvd, the actual movie's subs are fine :)

Sveet
Sveet
13 years ago

Hey Vlatko,

Wicked site, so much goodness. Had a friend recommend "The Unmistaken Child" and have since been looking for it. Don't know if you could find that content but I am sure many people (myself included) would find it to be a wonderful addition to the site. Otherwise would anybody know a place to stream it? Thanks.

Yarrow
Yarrow
14 years ago

Please, make that "...look at one of the Tibetan-like Ways.." :)

Yarrow
Yarrow
14 years ago

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..

Tubz
Tubz
14 years ago

a truly wonderful documentary.................

hanan
hanan
14 years ago

despite the editing the message was clear. calming and enlightening. thank you.

Druidia
Druidia
14 years ago

Capricious,
I noticed that too.

Capricious
Capricious
14 years ago

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.

Druidia
Druidia
14 years ago

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!