Buddhism in Ceylon1963

Year Published: 1963

Country of Origin: Germany

Description: 16mm Film - Buddhism in Ceylon - BRD 1963 Direction: Paul Zils Script: Paul Zils and Regi Siriwardena Buddha, which means 'the enlightened one,' is the title of the Indian founder of the religion who, about 500 years before Christ in Benares, experienced the enlightenment that all was due to true knowledge. A sapling of the tree under which Buddha received enlightenment reached Ceylon from India over 2000 years ago, where today this religion is preserved in its purest form. Everywhere the 'Bodhi' tree stands in veneration, reminding us of the example of this man. The birth, enlightenment and passing away of Buddha are celebrated in the 'Festival of Lights': Lanterns, fire wheels, dancing and drumming unite the devout people. But despite this splendor, Buddhism is a harsh religion. It is known that all flowers will wither and all lights will go out before man is given a rebirth. In a meaningful way, next to the coffin around which mourning people are gathered, there is a water vessel which, in overflowing, passes on the stream of life to another and another vessel. 'Man determines his own destiny,' said Buddha. But this obligatory teaching is not always heeded. So people take refuge in amulets, fortune tellers or even Hindu gods. From pre-Buddhist times, incantatory dances have survived, which are supposed to grant protection from the devil in case of illness. The goal of the Buddhist is to overcome all desire. Five moral rules summarize the free resolutions to which the believer should submit: abstinence from killing, stealing, lying, abstaining from intoxicants, and abstaining from fornication and adultery. Those who wish to turn to the higher path enter the monastic order. After rigorous preparation, the novice enters the monastery in solemn procession. From now on he will have only his yellow robe, a razor to shave the hair of his head, a cloth to filter the water and a vessel for the alms food. In self-discipline and meditation, he embarks on the 'eightfold path' that will show him the way to nirvana.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcixoQX2mTI

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