Dharma Rising

By the 1960’s Buddhism had arrived in the West to stay.Challenges of modernity were always its nemesis, but now that Buddhism is attracting unprecedented numbers, how is it adapting to modern materialism?  This three part documentary series looks at the changing face of Buddhism in contemporary culture.

Dharma Rising Part One
Saturday, January 7 & Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT

Dharma Rising looks through the eyes of the first generation of Western born Buddhist teachers at the changing face of the Dharma as it encounters the West.  It examines the new roles Western Buddhist teachers and institutions are adopting as they face the challenges of modernity.

Dharma Rising Part Two
Saturday, January 14 & Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT

Part Two looks at how the fundamental tenets of Buddhism are being interpreted between the twin horns of tradition and reform. The nature of the Buddhist Enlightenment is questioned, with some wishing to discard the ‘mystical’ state of non-duality that others maintain is central, if not the ultimate goal, of the practice. For the latter, rebirth is a given, a realization in advanced state of meditation. For the former it is a cultural artefact of Buddhism’s Indian roots and should be dispensed with as Buddhism adapts to modernity.

Dharma Rising Part Three
Saturday, January 21 & Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT

Part 3 looks at the work of Alan Wallace, a scientist, meditation teacher and former Buddhist monk who believes that the contemplative and scientific traditions must join together to study the nature of the mind if we are to solve the growing problems of modernity. It follows him leading an eight week retreat in Thailand for 35 Westerners as they grapple with trying to understand and discipline the mind.