Buddhists

Sure, it’s a snapshot of a Buddhist couple; it was peaceful and reflective but uninspiring. Having watched it three times I still come away saying “so what”. It failed to give Buddhism the honour it is due as a philosophy of how to live at peace in a world of suffering.

[Representing: Pagan spirituality] Well what an amazing adventure these five short films are. I found it to be a creative peek into a variety of situations that provoked an emotive response.
 
I started the journey relating to the family in Buddhists, educated in the myths with Ming, intrigued with The Wall, repulsed by Redemption then left thinking after Ceasing.

I related to Buddhists because it's how we live; my kids will choose their religion when they are old enough. I also do not attend as many retreats now because of them. I will when they are older.

Redemption repulsed me for two reasons. I have issues with spousal abuse, and I'm conflicted on the death penalty.

If this is a "sampler" of what is to come at Campfire, then we're in for a treat.

I found the short movie Buddhists particularly interesting: the reference to the implications of our actions, speech, even thoughts, on ourselves, our environment is something that is ill-understood. It is true that we all know the negative effects of “wrong actions” and the positive effects of the reverse, but, what about those of our thoughts, do they too have as much of an effect?

Buddhists recognises this age-old idea in Indian culture and gives it due importance. I agree wholeheartedly that if we were all to practice “good karma” on all planes of our existence, physical, emotional, and mental we would create a more harmonious existence.

[Buddhists] I've always been a fan of documentary, of real experiences, and real people.  This short film focuses on the lives of a not so normal English family; a family of Buddhists in a predominantly Christian society. Most interesting is the story of how they live their lives, and the balance which must be struck between the challenges of religious practice, and the demands of a modern world. As a minority religion in England, it shows how the lifestyles and the values of Buddhism sometimes compliment (and sometimes break away from) those in Western society.

Most engaging was the way in which the film looked at common cultural experiences, such as Christmas, from this unique perspective. Although Christmas does not hold any spiritual significance for them, it is still an opportunity for this family to come together to celebrate being together and giving gifts – indeed to embrace the practices of Christianity, even though their beliefs are different. It is the way that this film reveals a way to embrace aspects of Western society from a Buddhist perspective that is perhaps most interesting. It shows us a kind of progressive approach to living ones own spirituality actively. The family also emphasises a certain openness towards spirituality as something which should be left to individuals to choose, and live in their own way, just as they are.

For myself as a Buddhist and a Westerner I found it particularly interesting, as this film highlights the kind of experiences I have witnessed with Buddhism in Australia. It managed to convey personal stories of everyday people in a way which was honest and engaging, and which resonated with my own experiences.

Having very little background knowledge of Buddhism, this film raised more questions than gave answers. Many of the issues explored seem odd, because the reason behind them is never explained. It feels like the teaser at the start of a doco that will more fully explore the faith.

[From the introduction] An honest and simple portrayal of family embracing its faith/diversity. Beautifully shot in parts. The pacing of the doco was well thought out with enough time to absorb all the information. I thought it was a little short as I would have liked to have learnt more about these people, really gotten in there and learnt about what makes them tick with their faith and what struggles they’ve come up against or maybe some more drama. The irony is that it’s a doco about Buddhism. I may be looking for another type of doco.