Scintilla: January 2024
scintilla /sɪnˈtɪlə/ noun a tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling
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If ever there was a message for the world at the moment maybe it’s this: be creative not destructive, be curious not condemning, be open not shut off. And what better way to do this than through literature, the arts and culture.
The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme
Since 2004, the Japan Foundation, London has been organising an annual Japanese film programme in close partnership with distinguished film venues and programme advisors in the UK. Each year, from recently released contemporary films to classics and anime, Japanese films which do not necessarily have an opportunity to be screened in this country are curated under a carefully chosen theme to highlight trends in Japanese cinema and showcase the versatility and uniqueness displayed by its filmmakers.
All across the UK there is a great line up of films probably somewhere near you!
Such as this one…
The Hidden Lamp
I was on a week’s retreat not too long ago and this was the book I took with me. The Hidden Lamp is a collection of one hundred koans and stories of Buddhist women from the time of the Buddha to the present day. This very special book brings together many teaching stories that were hidden for centuries, Stories that are extraordinary expressions of freedom and fearlessness. Unexpected, surprising and wonderful, each story is accompanied by a reflection by a contemporary woman Buddhist that help bring the old stories alive for readers today and each short koan ends in some questions for reflection or discussion. I’ve been reading one koan story each day and taking it into reflection, but this book would also make great group study.
War and Peace in a Year
On January 1st I’ve been joining a slow read of War and Peace with
. Reading a chapter a day, Simon and the whole community of people reading, are fantastic at shining light into the characters and plot (many and complicated) to make it accessible and understandable. I’ve had this three part edition of War and Peace for a long time and finally getting to read it.I also have it an audio book through Spotify (now they have included it in premium subscription) and often listen too for extra elucidation. I’ve been paying a small fortune for Spotify so I’m delighted that they have added audio books to their offering.
Then, when I reach the right moment in my reading I will watch an episode of the BBC’s fantastic adaptation on IPlayer which I watched years ago when it first came out. But now, reading the book, will be a different and richer experience.
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About me: I am a western Buddhist in the Triratna tradition and have been practising since 1986. I have a love and admiration for the simplicity and beauty of Japanese culture and aesthetics which appeals to my zen minded being. I am also a mindfulness and movement teacher, writer, and creative health professional.