山道
THE MOUNTAIN PATH
a film by Edward A. Burger, 2021
filmed in Shaanxi Prov., China / 93 min / 2K / Stereo / Mandarin w/ EN subtitles
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
SCREENINGS
REVIEWS - Asian Ethnology
- Video Librarian
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Synopsis
A spirited young man journeys into the mountains of China in search of a Buddhist hermit master. Along the trail he meets an unexpected cast of dedicated recluses; the gaunt ascetic, the persevering nun, a wise old master and his disciples, all who, despite living far from the world, teach him all about how to live within it.
Edward A. Burger lived in China for over twelve years and is one of the few foreigners to have lived and studied with the hermits of the Zhongnan Mountains. The Mountain Path recounts his personal journey, including the story of how he found his lifelong teacher and entered into the world of these dedicated recluses. We witness the practical everyday challenges of mountain solitude, while the hermits share precious teachings on life, death and the journey within.
The Mountain Path is crafted from original footage Edward gathered over fifteen years ago to make his critically acclaimed film, Amongst White Clouds. Offering a whole new cinematic experience, The Mountain Path includes new interview footage and a new voice-over narration and editing style; all revealing a fresh and deepened perspective on the timeless teachings of these hermits in modern times.
““First there is no mountain, then there is no path. Then you have to ask yourself what you want from this life.””
““A deeply engaging portrait of contemporary Chinese Buddhism on the ground, in the daily lives of striving, enduring, thinking human beings…” ”
““We intimately connect with how the ascetics live, eat, practice, meditate, view the world, and experience their humor and warmth on their journey to liberation.” ”
““Watching The Mountain Path is a meditative experience. Just beautiful.””
““The Mountain Path” shows that hermits are not a literary trope, but a facet of Chinese religion, a lived experience that somehow has survived the centuries. Hanshan and Shide, whose 9th century poems have inspired generations of seekers, are alive and well.
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