The Meditative Life 2020: Consciousness, Meaning, and Connection

Feb. 6–19, 2020

Our annual series explores not only meditation and mindfulness, but also the many ways in which we investigate different realms of the human experience. This year’s programs draw us close to spiritual leaders and practitioners, steep us in traditions old and new, and reveal ways in which the modern world brushes up uncomfortably against tradition. Join us for an immersion in provocative ideas via deep discussions with guests including meditation teacher Tracy Cochran. It all starts with an unforgettable film about the late great teacher Ram Dass, the playful and profound Becoming Nobody.

Programmed by Brian Ackerman and Sharon AvRutick

Sing me a Song poster image courtesy of Participant Media

SERIES TRAILER

Becoming Nobody Feb. 7–20, 2020 “An inspiring, stirringly meditative portrait of one man’s profound spiritual influence on a world that has surely needed him.” (LA…
Sing Me a Song Feb. 8, 2020 “Balmès cunningly and rather magnificently captures fascinating commentary without any heavy-handed, obtrusive sentiments…. Powerful and thought-provoking.” (Variety) A decade ago,…
Blessed Child Feb. 10, 2020 7:00: Q&A with filmmaker Cara Jones via Skype In this intimate, nuanced look at her life and family, filmmaker Cara Jones revisits her upbringing inside the Unification Church…
Heart of a Dog: Talking Film with Tracy Cochran Feb. 12, 2020 “A philosophically astute, emotionally charged meditation on death, love, art, and dogs.” (New York Times) Join us for multimedia artist…
Rituals of Resistance Feb. 13, 2020 In this rich and incisive portrayal, Tibetan-American filmmaker Tenzin Phuntsog explores three paths of resistance against the Chinese occupation through…
Gift Feb. 17, 2020 “A beautiful, moving, and thought-provoking reflection on the creative process and the things that make us human.” (novelist Jonathan Lethem)…
Spirited Away: Talking Film with Tracy Cochran Feb. 19, 2020 “A visual masterpiece about a scared little girl’s breathtaking journey of self-discovery.” (Baltimore Sun) Director Hayao Miyazaki once said he…

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