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Description
Dom Bede Griffith is a former English Benedictine priest who has become an Indian guru. He is one of the key figures in the movement which attempts to look at Christianity through Hindu eyes by usi...ng whatever is adaptable from the immensely rich Indian tradition in the service of Christianity. The programme looks at his beliefs and practices as exemplified at ' Shantivanam' in Southern India, where Dom Bede teaches people from both east and west. The film also looks at the Bangalore Centr, where students of Christianity are taught to pray using techniques of Yoga, and Biblical parables are interpreted through Indian dance. Some Indian Catholics disapprove of this attempted synthesis and see it as confusing, this criticism is also discussed. The film ends with Dom Bede celebrating mass in a form infused with the Hindu tradition. The film is a shortened version of a film originally made by Radharc Films, Eire.
Dom Bede Griffith is a former English Benedictine priest who has become an Indian guru. He is one of the key figures in the movement which attempts to look at Christianity through Hindu eyes by usi...ng whatever is adaptable from the immensely rich Indian tradition in the service of Christianity. The programme looks at his beliefs and practices as exemplified at ' Shantivanam' in Southern India, where Dom Bede teaches people from both east and west. The film also looks at the Bangalore Centr, where students of Christianity are taught to pray using techniques of Yoga, and Biblical parables are interpreted through Indian dance. Some Indian Catholics disapprove of this attempted synthesis and see it as confusing, this criticism is also discussed. The film ends with Dom Bede celebrating mass in a form infused with the Hindu tradition. The film is a shortened version of a film originally made by Radharc Films, Eire.
| Module code and title: | AD208, Man's religious quest |
|---|---|
| Item code: | AD208; 15 |
| First transmission date: | 30-09-1978 |
| Published: | 1978 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Joseph Dunn |
| Contributor: | Terry Thomas |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Hindu religion |
| Footage description: | The programme starts with film of Shantivanam, a Christian ashram in South India which is led by Father Bede Griffiths. Thomas briefly explains that it aims to adapt Christianity to Hindu culture and religion. In interview Griffiths comments on Hindu non-duality. Thomas introduces Griffiths, over shots of him with his follower. One of these, John Sullivan, pays tribute to Griffiths' influence. Shots of ceremonies in the ashram, over which Thomas describes Griffiths' followers. He also describes life in the ashram. Shots of a large Hindu temple and of worshippers at a shrine of the bull of Shiva. Thomas explains details of the ritual. In interview Griffiths argues that much can be learnt from classical Hindu texts. Shots of Christian cathedrals and churches in India. Thomas comments on the adoption of European culture by most Indian Christians. Film of traditional Indian dance being used in Christian service. Shots of Bangalore Bible Centre, where the Catholic Church has adopted Indianisation. People are seen learning to pray in the lotus position and to sing bhajans Thomas describes the success of Bangalore's Indianisation programme. In interview Griffiths advocates the use of bhajans by Christians in India. He also emphasises the differences between Hinduism and Christianity. Thomas describes Griffiths' chapel which is built in an Indian style. Details of the chapel's decoration are examined. Griffiths comments on the importance of images and symbols. Interview with Benedict Mascarenas, an Indian Roman Catholic layman who strongly opposes the process of Indianisation. He explains why he is opposed to the adoption of Hindu rituals. Thomas describes the extent and nature of this lay opposition over shots of letters condemming Indianisation. Film of mass being celebrated at Shantivanam ashram by Griffiths. In voice-over Thomas explains that the mass has many Hindu rituals. In interview Griffiths explains his ideas on the meeting of semitic and oriental religions. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72873 |
| Production number: | 00525_3436 |
| Videofinder number: | 3606 |
| Available to public: | no |
