Carving the Divine: Buddhist Sculptors of Japan, Online 9/23

Teachers
Practice Center
Date / Time
September 23, 2023 / 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Event Type
Special Events & Exhibits
Description

Saturday, 7 – 9 pm PT

Join us for a Virtual Viewing Party of "Carving the Divine," a visually stunning and poignant documentary that offers a rare and intimate look into the life and artistic process of modern-day Busshi—practitioners of a 1400-year lineage of woodcarving at the beating heart of Japanese Mahayana Buddhism. Busshi sculpt intricate, delicate, and divine images of Buddhist deities, demons, and saints. This ancient tradition is struggling to survive. Following the film, there will be a Q&A session with director Yujiro Seki, who lives in Japan.

The film provides profound insight into the Japanese psyche as well as the nature of human perseverance through suffering. The film follows apprentices struggling to prove themselves worthy of their mentors and struggling to preserve this ancient legacy in a rapidly changing Japan. The Busshi Grand Master Saito says his quest is to "leave nothing but great works behind." This film is truly a great work that will inspire everyone who watches it.

Watch the trailer on YouTube: "Carving the Divine: Buddhist Sculptors of Japan." Read an article on the film in Lion's Roar.

Fee Information
  • General $20
  • Current SFZC Members $18

NOTE: This event is a fundraiser for the film; however, if you'd like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee, please email rezoffice@sfzc.org.

Register Online

Or call 415-865-1899.

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