Title of the Movie: Tashi and the Monk
In this paper, you will analyze how Buddhism shows up in a movie of your choice. It may be helpful to just choose your favorite movie. The movie does not have to directly mention or be about Buddhism. You will interpret how at least one of the themes (e.g., change, desire, suffering, etc.) from Buddhism shows up in the movie. The theme should be one or more of the Three Marks of Reality, the Four Noble Truths, The Noble Eightfold Path, etc.
Be sure to follow each part of the prompt below so you don’t lose points.
Your paper should be 4-5 pages in length (12pt. font, double space) and must include the following.
Section A – Introduction
Include what you are going to write about and why you chose this particular movie. Here’s an example.
In this paper, I discuss the Buddhist theme(s) of (The Three Marks of Reality, The Four Noble Truths, The Noble Eightfold Path, etc.) portrayed in the (title of the film) and compare that to Buddhism as discussed in this course. In doing so, I use examples from the film and class readings to make points about my analysis. I chose this film because…
Section B – Historical Context
Give a detailed overview of the life of Siddhartha/the Buddha from events surrounding his birth, his early life, his midlife and the end of his life including his last words.
Describe the Four Passing Sights. State why you think the Four Passing Sights and the Great Going Forth were major turning points in Siddhartha’s life.
Section C – Social Location and Description
The description should include the following (within 1-2 paragraphs).
the title, the director/writer’s name, date, and any other pertinent background information
the setting – which includes the city, state or country; regional designation such as urban, rural, suburban, small town, wilderness, etc.; time period (e.g. the 1990s)
synopsis – general overview of the story
Section D – Buddhist Themes
At what point of the story does the Buddhist theme (change, suffering, desire, etc.)? Describe what’s going on in the story before this scene.
Describe the scene in which the Buddhist theme is portrayed.
Describe in detail how the Buddhist theme is represented in the film.
Section E – Comparative Analysis
Compare the film’s portrayals of the Buddhist theme to Buddhism as discussed in this course by answering the following.
Define and describe all of the important elements of the Buddhist theme according to the course readings, lectures, discussion, etc. Cite pages from the textbook.
Give three similarities of the Buddhist theme as it is in the film compared to that theme according to the course readings.
Give three differences of the Buddhist theme as it is in the film compared to that theme according to the course readings.
Section F – Conclusion
Make on summarizing statement about the similarities and differences you identified in the film. What do you think the writer/producer of the film is trying to do or say about the Buddhist theme? What makes you think this?
