Search - God and Buddha - A Dialogue on DVD

Two Smart People, Quietly Thinking on Their Feet

Nicholas Croft | New York | 08/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The DVD "God and Buddha: a dialog" is a 90-minute long co-production of Mystic Fire Video and Tibet House. Mystic Fire Video is a publisher of works on a wide range of topics in the life of the mind, including experimental video art, documentaries on ancient cultures, portraits of accomplished spiritual leaders and interesting works on the holistic sciences. Tibet House, of New York City, is dedicated to the proposition that the wisdom and art of all human civilizations will vitally enrich the emerging global culture. Within this, they focus on a special concern for Tibet.

This dialog is a document of a live presentation between Columbia University professor Robert Thurman and Deepak Chopra MD, a student of Indian Philosophy and author of instructional books. Mr. Chopra presents views from Vedanta, one of the six classical systems of Indian philosophy. The term Vedanta refers both to the wisdom of the Upanishads, which makes up the last section of the Veda, and to the realization of its ultimate significance. Mr. Thurman presents views from Buddhism, which is a kind of reform movement within Hindu thought that has become an independent pluralistic tradition of it's own.

Within the first 20 minutes of the program, Mr. Chopra sums up the core teaching of Vedanta. He describes some of the causes of human suffering and also describes some of the suggested paths to discovering the true nature of reality. Most of the rest of the program is a kind of free-flowing meditation on the implications of these teachings.

Mr. Chopra, with a background in the field of medicine, conveys his insight and knowledge through a kind of systematic, formal approach to verbal communication. Mr. Thurman, with his years of experience in engaging skeptical college students, takes a more anecdotal approach. He works to win the attention, and ultimately the heart, of his audience.

"God and Buddha: a dialog" , presented against a backdrop of beautiful tapestry art at Tibet House, will provide many interesting insights to those who already have some background in Eastern philosophy. For a better introduction to these two traditions, however, this reviewer recommends the "Religions of the World" tape set, narrated by Ben Kingsley for Schlessinger Media."

Deepak Shines in this prophetic (pre-9/11) discussion

Maryann V. Arrien | Putnam Valley, NY, USA | 02/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Video production quality is really not an issue here. Content Rules. Even with a few weak camera shots, it gets the job done.
I have several audiotapes & CD's of Deepak Chopra, but I rate this DVD very highly for anyone who has a true appreciation for Deepak's work. Shot in 2000, this 90 minute discussion at the Tibet House in NY is worth its weight in gold. The issues discussed by Buddhist scholar Bob Thurman & Chopra foreshadow 9-11, and Deepak's recent book on Peace. I found the parallels between Buddhism and Vedanta very very interesting indeed. It has expanded my own interest. I really wish that this video could be seen on public television, because it could really help humans use religion as a common tool instead of a divisive weapon. I highly recommend this DVD, God & Buddha. Very rare, precious, and stimulating. I intend to screen it for some of my friends. I think even someone who never heard a Chopra tape would appreciate the deep insights into the nature of consciousness and personal growth.
I am currently listening to Chopra's more recent audio CD's "The Book of Secrets" and I believe I am enjoying them even more because I saw this older DVD. I found this DVD by accident, and I'm so glad I purchased it."

Informitive and more.

Spread the Word | Illinois | 12/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Does it really matter that this isn't a big budget DVD? The fact is you have the opportunity to listen to 2 of (in my opinion) the most knowledgable human beings on earth at our present time. More people should listen and learn what they are trying to teach us instead of being self absorbed in their surroundings and judgements. I very much enjoyed this and I believe anyone interested in learning more about life would also. Plus, I really don't believe the quality was that bad, I've seen worse. I felt good after watching it and isn't that what it is all about..... feeling good and improving our relationship with ourself, others, and creation. Peace."

God and Buddha together again

bernie | Arlington, Texas | 05/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two experts compliment each other in a free form discussion. We are immediately introduced to Vedanta by Deepak Chopra. And it is quite surprising because you are expecting some sort of new age concepts to come from him; instead you get ageless concepts that tell you what you knew before you ever heard of Vedanta. Then Bob Thurman ties this to Buddha and explains that the only difference is semantics.

The balance of the presentation is going into more detail and describing experiences that relate to the original insights.

Deepak is spellbinding from the beginning as he describes reality as a magical projection of divine consciousness. Robert Thurman takes a tad getting used to because at first you are thinking he is either "Mad Eye Moody" or Uma's father; then you settle down and replay what he is saying.

You may need to play this in small snippets so you can contemplate the thoughts placed forward. This is also an excellent place to do some supplemental reading of the Upanishads.

You will find your self repeating this presentation to pick up ideas that you want to expand on after testing them out.

How to Know God
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