Film Description
Colors of Compassion: Teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh was filmed primarily at the first retreat for people of color led by Zen Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hanh at Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, California, in 2004. The retreat organizers figured that about fifty people would sign up. Imagine their surprise when over three-hundred people of color enthusiastically responded. It was the largest Buddhist retreat for people of color in U.S. history.
The film crew was given the rare opportunity to film the entire retreat and interview monastics and retreat participants. The powerful wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh is threaded throughout the film along with insights of practitioners who spoke about the practice of mindfulness and its impact on issues of discrimination, identity, ancestral wounds, community, and social justice. As the film opens, the viewer is invited to a cinematic retreat, “You may participate with your mindfulness, breath and song.” There are two songs in the film and both are sub-titled so that viewers may also sing.
There is a notable visibility of women Dharma teachers in the film. One dynamic speaker is Zen Priest, Hilda Ryūmon Gutiérrez Baldoquín, Sensei, from the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. Born in Cuba and raised in Harlem, Ryumon Sensei has traveled extensively teaching conflict resolution and cross cultural awareness. In her interview she gives key points for dealing with painful emotions and balances it with a sense of humor.
Sister Dang Nghiem, a monastic from Deer Park Monastery, was born in Vietnam during the war. She struggled with an unclear sense of identity for many years. Strong in her practice of mindfulness, she offers eloquent insight into the question of identity, wisdom that people of any cultural and racial background can appreciate. Four teenagers from an inner city youth program in Boston are also interviewed, sharing thoughts about suffering and human kindness.
Through it all, Thich Nhat Hanh teaches the profound practice of mindfulness in a way that makes it accessible for everyone. The film ends with the Five Mindfulness Trainings ceremony which is beautiful to behold.
Viewers may watch the film for a greater understanding of Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings of mindfulness as well as to understand issues faced by people of color and understand how Buddhist practice can empower people of color. Martin Luther King, Jr. nominated Thich Nhat Hanh for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1967 due to his extraordinary efforts for peace during the war in Vietnam. His work for peace has never stopped and it is certainly hoped that the film will introduce more audiences to his great contributions towards alleviating the suffering of humanity.
Buddhist Teachings for People of Color? Yes.
The world premiere of Colors of Compassion: Teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh took place at BuddhaFest Film Festival in Washington, D.C., on June 19, 2010. It was a remarkable community offering from festival producers, Eric Forbis and Gabriel Riera who expertly produced four days of films, talks, meditation and other activities at the Katzen Arts Center of the American University. See www.buddhafest.org for more information.
Now the film is available to purchase on DVD or for screening rentals. See "DVDs" for information on how to order a copy.
