The Meditative Life 2018

By JBFC Marketing Volunteer Dotty Battel

“It’s a lifelong gift, something you can call on at any time.”

These words were spoken by Sir Paul McCartney about meditation. So if you’re feeling stressed out in this chaotic world of ours (and who isn’t?), or just want to be in the company of charismatic people who have devoted their lives to exploring, interpreting and enhancing the human experience (and who doesn’t?), come and immerse yourself in The Meditative Life: Meaning, Happiness, and Connection. The program, which runs Feb 7 -27, includes 10 inspiring films…..here a few highlights:

Opening Night: Ram Dass: Going Home
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 7:30

In this intimate and lyrical short film (32 min.), we find ourselves sharing the daily life in Maui at the home of this iconic spiritual leader, whose path, you may recall, began as a Harvard professor alongside Timothy Leary during the counterculture of 60’s.  Now an old man, suffering from a life-changing stroke, we share in his meditation on life and his joyous preparation for his journey “home.

Conversation with longtime friend of Ram Dass and Grammy-nominated artist Kishna Das, moderated  by Garrison Institute’s Jane, Kolleeny and reception 

The Last Dalai Lama?
Thursday, Feb. 8, 7:00

This 82 year old larger-than-life monk wrapped in saffron and burgundy has led quite the life!  He was forced to flee to India from Tibet in 1959.  In exile, he brought his “radiant serenity” to the western world and dedicated himself to the pursuit of his abiding focus: “the relationship between Buddhist meditation and brain function, particularly as it applies to human emotions.” (Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter).  Today, the Chinese government is claiming the right to choose the next Lama which would be the end of the line of the Tibetan lineage.

Q&A with filmmaker Mickey Lemle 

Check out this BBC interview of the Dalai Lama about realizing that he may be the last:

The Work
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7:00

Take a group of maximum security inmates at Folsom State Prison, put them in a room with men from the outside who have volunteered to participate in a 4-day therapy retreat, and what do you get?  A gripping doc packed with raw emotions! “Sceptics may enter Folsom with suspicion, but these are extraordinary scenes, so shocking and dynamic they might be mistaken for exorcisms.” (The Guardian)

Reel Talk with JBFC Programming Director Brian Ackerman and Programmer Karen Goodman

Walk With Me
Thursday, Feb. 22, 7:00

In this immersive film, with the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch as your guide, and under the tutelage of Zen Buddhist and mindfulness guru Thich Nhat Hanh, you will enter the life of tranquility and inner calm at Plum Village, the monastic community that he established in southwestern France in 1982.  “It may be the most soothing 90 minutes you’ll spend in a cinema this year.” (Time Out)

Q&A with members of the Order of Interbeing, established by Thich Nhat Hanh in 1966

Want to know more about Thich Nhat Hanh?  Watch this interview he had with devoted fan Oprah Winfrey in 2016:

Learn more about all the films in this edifying, inspiring series and get tickets HERE.