Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Burmese Harp


For some reason I am thinking about the 1956 Japanese motion picture, The Burmese Harp, (also known as Harp of Burma). The picture, directed by Kon Ichikawa (who died last year on February 13th), is based on a book by Michio Takeyama -- a children's story actually -- and to this day, I believe it still stands as the most powerful and intelligent Buddhist-themed motion picture ever made.

If you have seen it, you know what I'm talking about. It is breathtaking.

If you haven't, permit me to suggest that you rent or purchase a copy, and watch it with your friends.

On one level, it is the story of a World War II Japanese soldier in Burma who steals a monk's robe to wear.

On another level, it is nirmanakaya.

Yes, it is.

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