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Here
are some select favourites. For a comprehensive list of spiritual
books & films,
go direct to the Religion & Spirituality section of the Amazon
website from our links page.
You are
welcome to submit to this page. |
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~ Inspiring
Films ~ (with
no sexual or violent scenes)
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Wings
of Desire
Sophisticated, abstract, mesmerizing. This
art-house film is likely to stay with you for life. It detaches
itself from the limits of storyline: rather we experience a floating,
transcendent journey in symbol and motion. The angels,
who watch over European city life, have a worldly feel yet, through
powerful imagery largely in beautiful shades of gray, the viewer
is transported into their ethereal realm. Highly recommended.
Brother Sun
Sister Moon
The story of St Francis of Assisi. Music by
Donovan. This classic film is a 'must see'. Pure, innocent and uplifting.
Though slow moving, it holds your attention all through. Also suitable
for children.
Baraka
A visual masterpiece, released in 1992, 93
minutes. An incredible journey through 6 continents, 24 countries.
Baraka is an ancient Sufi word, translated as "a blessing",
or "as the breath, or essence of life from which the evolutionary
process unfolds." Breathtaking shots from around the world show
the beauty and destruction of nature and man. Coupled with an incredible
soundtrack including on site recordings of The Monks Of The Dip
Tse Chok Ling Monastery. The cinematography is outstanding. Shots
flip from solitary Monks to crowded streets from great temples to
images of war firing a hundred and one thoughts in your mind that
you never complete. Visual images include... Orthodox Jews, Whirling
Dervishes, a solar eclipse, Buddhist monks, African tribal rituals,
Jerusalem's Wailing Wall, rain forests, Ayers Rock, Big Sur country,
Hawaiian volcanoes, Brazilian slums, time-lapse footage of car and
pedestrian traffic, post-Persian Gulf War shots of Kuwait's burning
oil fields, burning-of-the-dead ceremonies on the Ganges, refuse
dumps of Calcutta, Auschwitz, Egyptian Pyramids, Angkor Wat, Mount
Everest, Tuol Sleng in Cambodia, Indonesian factory workers.
Koyaanisqatsi
Koyaanisqatsi is an apocalyptic vision
of the collision of two different worlds -- urban life and technology
versus the environment. The musical score is by Philip Glass. Like
Baraka, this film does not have a storyline. Rather it is
a powerful visual meditation, probing the heart's connection to
the human family, all creatures on planet Earth, and our relationship
with it.
Song
of Bernadette
Another black & white classic. Jennifer
Jones plays the legendary French peasant who experiences the Virgin
Mary at Lourdes grotto in 1858. When Bernadette is told the grotto
contains healing waters, conflicts arise in the community. Henry
King (The Snows of Kilimanjaro), directs this beautiful film with
great sensitivity . Jones (who won an Oscar for Best Actress) is
radiant as lead actor. No matter what faith, religious people are
sure to value this film, which also earned Academy Awards for the
cinematography and score.
The Little
Buddha
This imaginative story focuses on an American
child who is recognized as a possible 'incarnation' by some Tibetan
Lamas. It is not a true story, but does contain a beautiful interwoven
film sequence of the life of Siddhartha becoming the Buddha - certainly
the highlight of the film. The story itself is interesting, a little
indulgent and too long. The happy ending is nonetheless confusing
for Westerners unfamiliar with the flexible possibilities inherent
in Tibetan Buddhist-style reincarnations. Children enjoy watching
this film, though I recommend a good break halfway through.
The Cup
A lighthearted film set in a Tibetan Buddhist
monastery. Everyone will enjoy the warm heartedness and humor as
the young monks do all they can to get to see the World Cup. Great
family viewing, with no serious agenda to 'teach': rather it is
wonderful that these monks are happy to portray the truth that their
lives are in many ways similar to us all. Suitable for children.
The Passion
of Joan d'Arc
If you don't think a black & white, silent
film can mesmerize you, think again! This film never lets go. There
isn't an unconsidered or well shot frame, and the lighting is masterful.
The actors gesture of glance so well that you hardly need the subtitles.
Maria Falconetti conveys every emotion. The new musical score 'Visions
of Light' gives the film voice and color. You'll find yourself watching
this classic time and time again. One reviewer says "That thing
that has really been lost in the technology and 15 minutes of stardom
our world promises us can be seen and touched in this film. It is
what a film should be."
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~ Inspiring
Films ~ (including
sexual or violent scenes)
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Samsara
This profound film shows fascinating insights
of spiritual life - particularly the state of yogic-consciousness
of the main character in his cave retreat, and how he is sensitively
brought back into the world.
From there he is unexpectedly challenged by the presence of his sexual
energy, and chooses worldly life. This film contains highly erotic
scenes, with a refreshing beauty and gentleness. After a serious mistake,
sad and repentant, the yogi again has to choose between worldly or
monastic life. This film deserves to be viewed more than once, as
it communicates much beyond words.
St
Patrick
The story of Ireland's patron Saint. This film
could equally be placed in the 'no sexual scenes or unnecessary violence'
category, as the little bit of violence is necessary in the story.
For family viewing, parents may want to view this first to identify
those scenes they may wish their children to not see. However, the
violence is indeed true to the story and is presented well in the
context of the Saint's life. It is a good film, inspiring the viewer
as to what can be achieved through dedicated effort and steadfast
faith.
Seven Years
in Tibet
Tells the story of the early part of the Dalai
Lamas life, from the true account of the first Westerner to ever meet
him. However, as a mainstream movie it is presented in the usual populist
way. Too much time given to the Westerner, and particularly the ending,
which seems placative. While it is entertaining, the insight into
the early life of the Dalai Lama is much more valuable viewing. Suitable
for older children.
Kundun
This remarkable film unofficially 'follows'
on from Seven Years in Tibet, telling the story of the Dalai Lama's
life up to his escape from Tibet. Every detail in this film was immaculately
researched and sensitively presented. Due to it being a true account,
we see some deeply saddening scenes that represent the tragic killing
of so many monks. However, we have found that young people can watch
this film, especially with some supporting explanation. A 'must see'.
Esther
The Bible story of Esther, the Jewish woman
who saved her people, is told in this docudrama featuring Louise Lombard
and F. Murray Abraham. As a Persian girl, Esther was taken into the
harem of the king, Xerxes. Taken by her beauty, the king made her
his queen. She had to juggle her loyalties to the ruling Persians
and to her own Jewish people. The king's chief minister, Haman, hoped
to see the Jews annihilated, but thanks to Esther's heroic stance,
(as celebrated at the Jewish Feast of Purim), they defended themselves.
The production captures the period, the major facets of the story,
and is true to biblical accounts.
Jesus of Montreal
A film that remains in the memory. As a contemporary
and symbolic story of the crucifixion of Christ, it is heart-wrenching
and also extremely uplifting. The main character, Lothaire Bluteau,
is an actor who
won't compromise his art. While playing 'Jesus' in a passion play,
he lives aspects of Jesus' character. You don't necessarily
realise the connection with the real Christ until the end of the film,
as it's a modern story. A 'heavy' film also with many light, humorous
moments. The cast is superb and the imagery, lasting. Moving and though-provoking.
The Apostle
Review: amazon.com
Written, directed, and personally financed by
Robert Duvall, The Apostle was the culmination of a 14-year
effort on the part of its creator, who also stars as the dynamic,
God-fearing Texas preacher Euliss "Sonny" Dewey. Vibrantly authentic
with its use of real gospel preachers and extras carefully selected
from parishes of the deep South, the film treats its complicated characters
with the kind of compassion and moral complexity mainstream Hollywood
wouldn't dare muster. This is especially true in the case of Sonny,
who responds to his wife's infidelity with a crime of passion that
sends him on a new and uncharted quest for redemption. Under the assumed
identity of "The Apostle E.F.," he settles in a tiny Louisiana town
to revive an old church, where he undergoes a transformation of spirit
and purpose that enlivens his community. But will the law catch up
to him? Does he deserve to be punished? Fueled by Duvall's powerhouse
performance, The Apostle refuses to praise or condemn its fascinating
central character, leaving the proper degree of forgiveness up to
the viewer.
Jesus
of Nazareth
Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, 1977. A six hour
+ film of Jesus' life. Good drama. The first hour tells of Jesus'
birth. Other landmark events are also depicted with equal respect.
Passages of the Bible are quoted verbatim, and locations are convincing.
Many of the characters are played by Semitic-looking actors. Zeffirelli,
as a purest, covers the social and political events behind Jesus'
following, and the spiritual crisis of the people.
Ghandi
This movie documents the life of the famous
father of nonviolent protest, Mahatma Ghandi. The
tragic massacre scene, though violent, is of course what happened.
This is an inspiring and important film to watch. Ben Kingsley is
superb in the role of Ghandi, and one comes away feeling hope that
our efforts in peaceful demonstration and peace-activism can be successful
in the end.
The Messenger
Life of Joan of Arc, Dir. Luc Besson
Shot in France, this movie was thoroughly researched.
It is interesting viewing, though some find it more 'box-office' than
'holy-woman'. However this makes for some exhilarating scenes and,
being based on a true spiritual hero, young adults can enjoy the 'happening'
sense of history. The director's hesitates to portray the saint's
well-known spiritual experiences, other than her first 'awakening'.
Hence the great opportunity afforded by a mainstream film budget was
not taken to its full potential. Joan's character, though well acted,
is portrayed more in male terms than in female. In life she was known
to be a sensitive, a mystic, and decidedly 'female.' The film used
historical facts to get the visual details immaculately correct though
the wind-up scenes before she was burned at the stake, seem to be
speculative/interpretive. An important film nonetheless. |
World
Scripture
~ a Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts
a Project of the International Religious Foundation, published by
Paragon House
This
comprehensive book, edited by Andrew Wilson, is a key reference for
those seeking Scriptural references on a theme. Wisdom from many world
religions is immaculately presented with reverence. This book is endorsed
by leading people of the various Faiths. This large, reference book
is also deeply inspirational, as we absorb precious gems of wisdom
from our ancient human heritage. A book to help us understand each
other and to grow world peace.
Some of the themes are:
Ultimate Reality, Purpose of Life, The Human Condition, Self Cultivation
& Spiritual Growth, Live for Others. You can also search the index
on many themes such as Peace, Love, Unity, Truth, etc.
Joan
of Arc
by Herself & Her Witnesses
by Regine Pernoud. Pub. Scarborough House.
"So
here is the historical Joan as the documents portray her. This is
what her friends, enemies, and acquaintances said of her. And
this is what she said of herself during the prolonged ordeal of her
cruelly rigged trial... One feels closer to Joan in these pages than
in any of the modern biographies where the authors' mannerisms and
prejudices often obscure her behind a mist of emotion and controversy."
Saturday Review
The
Power of Now
by Eckhart Tolle
This
is a simple, practical book, by an independent, contemporary spiritual
teacher. Its refreshing, experiential reminders draw us to spiritual
awareness. It offers universal wisdom on living in the present, and
on living a responsible spiritual life.
Oxford
Dictionary of Religion
and the
Penguin Dictionary of
Religion
Both books provide essential and scholarly
information about the world's religions and spiritual traditions,
from an academic viewpoint.
The
World's Religions
- by Ninian Smart
This illustrated, comprehensive
book
is a reference text in universities around the world. Covering its
topic in a 'geographical' style, it is easy to understand.
The World's
Religions by Hustan Smith, is the
other standard, illustrated, reference text in universities. We also
recommend Smith's Why
Religion Matters.
Virtues
Project
Publications
(various)
The
Sacred Site is so impressed with the work of The Virtues Project,
that we also distribute their resources. Details of the books, Virtues
Cards & children's music can be found on various pages on this
site. Main resources:
The
Family Virtues Guide, published by Penguin, and
The Virtues Project Educator's Guide, pub. ProEd. Both are
by Linda Kavelin Popov.
We also recommend the Virtues Cards as an inspiring and practical
tool for personal spiritual growth, no matter what path you follow.
The Virtues
Project, run by people of various Faiths, has also recently
been endorsed by The Dalai Lama.
For
Every Child
UNICEF the Rights of the Child in Words & Pictures,
with a forward by Archbishop Desmond Tutu Pub. Hutchinson
This beautiful picture book deserves a place
in every home - even if there are no children living there, they will
visit!
Happy children of all cultures, with adults they can trust, are seen
laughing, playing, praying and singing, as each section of the Convention
is covered is simple language.
Each double page spread is illustrated by different artists - 14 in
all, and the full wording of the UN Convention on the Rights of the
Child is printed at the back for the reference of adults and older
children.
You can also print out the Sacred Site version of the
UN Convention, from the Fun for Children page - via Children.
Grandad's
Prayers of the
Earth
by Douglas Wood
illustrated by P.J. Lynch. Walker Books. A picture
book.
In
this children's picture book, Grandad tells his grandson how the
Earth prays is so many ways: the trees reach for heaven, streams
and rivers flow & chuckle, birds sing. One day Grandad is gone.
Now, more than ever, the boy needs to hear the prayers of the earth.
A stunning picture book for young & old, based in spirituality
rather than in religion.
"The
illustrations are quietly spectacular... Read it and weep"
The Irish Times
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