My Italian friend Ludovico in Milan wrote this incredible book on India in his mother tongue and has devoted a full chapter on "Appointment with Bahubal." He and his wife attended the Mahamastekabhishek celebrations in February 14th 2006. I am translating his message to the world for a readership especially in Italy and Europe about the magnificance of Bahubali - the once-every-12-years ceremony ... paying reverence to the 57 ft statue on the hill.
Global Cultural Diversity Films (GCDF) is completing a one hour film story on "The Legend of Lord Bahubali" for global TV networks and DVD distribution.
For more information contact: New York Filmmaker Vinanti Sarkar at Emails: vinanti.v@gmail.com or globalfilmlinks@earthlink.net
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
SHARING IDEAS on JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT - A Way of Life
RECORDING IDEAS SHARED BY JAINS ON FILM:
"JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT - A Way of Life"
FILMMAKER CONVERSES WITH JAINS IN INDIA
FOR MORE IDEAS FOR THE FILM:
Filmmaker: Thanks for your reply. We noted your pointers ... Jains must not forget when producing films for the Westerners (Americans, Canadians and Europeans, as well as South America) is a very different film language and style of presentation. They are highly sophisticated with visual languages and have no time to waste on something that does not interest them. Yale University reviewed some footage and are only interested in the "ancient Jain rituals" i.e. Jains praying and celebrating major occasions - to speak for themselves ...so that they can continue to show India as a primitive civilization.
Our R & D shows over 99% of Westerners have never heard of Jains, they see it as another section of Hinduism. The other 1% belong to other Asian and Buddhist faiths and have read about Jainism and again believe it is part of being a Hindu.
To capture the imagination of the Western mind set - we will have a blond, blue-eyed American host visiting Palitana who discovers for himself/herself: "Who Are Jains, What is Jain Dharma and Why Ahimsa, Anekant and Aparagraph are the three major principles and the essence of Jain scientific philosophy - factors that are so important for the world today ...
After filmimg beautiful sunrise film footage ... the American host visitor stands spell-bound on the hill below Palitana trying to explain: "All sacred religious sites in the world - churches, mosques, gurdwaras and temples celebrate a theme, a form, a story, a legend, an episode of life through the beauty of design, forms, sculptures and archecture. The grace of Jain temples is so unique that it is compellingly complex ... Asthetically speaking, Jain temples are perfection in designs and archectures ... They are a part of the heritage of the world."
Not only for Jains, Vashnavas, Hindus and all the others faiths ... Jain temples represent a great significance as part of the heritage of the world ... Few sacred places can match the grace, the setting, the rapture of elegance, of Jain sculptures ... offering a personal experience, at once inspiring and uplifting in search of the Divine ...
Every pilgrimage is the sense of the sacred. Every pilgrimage brings that which is sublime and noble in human nature.
This Jain pilgrimage is like no other ... It is rooted in a wise understanding and the affirmation of nature. And that is why it is an invitation to transcendance .. The film: "PALITANA - City of Temples on the Hill" focuses on the archecture of Jain temples and concentrates on the particular uniqueness, partly because - most were built in ancient time during the affluence of Jains ... as rulers, Emperors of great Empires ...
They reflect the sense of exquisite beauty ... Of culural refinement. Palitana is a majestic saga of "that which is truly poetic" in glorifing asthetic style --
Mr. Manoj Kothari wrote: As a born Jain and as a business leader from India and as a Futurist, I can point out a few things from my perspective-
1. I was born Jain but got multiple influences shaping my life i.e. Zen, Sufi, Osho's articulation of western philosophies, ancient hindu systems and philosophies etc.
2. RELIGION OF THE FUTURE: Jainism is one of the least understood and propagated religion/philosophy because it does not belong to TODAY. Yes, it would lie on top of the Maslov's pyramid amongs other religions/systems and it also means that it is highly individualistic. "you are your only saviour" is the underline ... There is no external sangh, guru or miracle would save you ... Now this is a teaching for tomorrow, as the world is heading for highly INDIVIDUALISTIC society.
3. THINKING IS BEING: You become what you think repeatedly. Jains' mantra NAMO SIDDHANAM ... salutes all the human and beings with a soul who have attained siddhi. It simply means that by repeatedly thinking of these great souls, you become like them. This is also reflected in Chaandogya Upnishad. I would name it as World's simplest principle of achieving greatness. Think of Obama everyday and you would be Obama or at least Obama like one day.
4. SIMPLICITY & SUSTAINABILITY: Jain values of vegetariansim, simple living, non-violence have a deep 'Systems thinking' towards universe. The great SUSTAINABILITY debate that western countries have started, is built to the very foundation in jainism. There is a need to reinterpet this live-and-let live-thinking from jainism and modernism perspective.
5. SECRET of WEALTH: Why are jains sucesssful businessmen around the world ? There is a message for the World in this alone. How do they get the intellect and drive to be on top of the most fields they have chosen as careers ? It does connect to fundamental value systems which by now would have brought about genetic changes.
Hope these realities will help in further understanding Jain Dharma.
I think you are working on a great project. There is a need to bring Jainism in modern perspective and rationale of the 21st millennium - which has been missing from the ritualistic and ancient articulation the gurus have been preaching. Let me know what help would you need from me, I would be happy to associate on this project.
Filmmaker: Thanks for your reply. We noted your pointers ... Jains must not forget when producing films for the Westerners (Americans, Canadians and Europeans, as well as South America) is a very different film language and style of presentation. They are highly sophisticated with visual languages and have no time to waste on something that does not interest them. Yale University reviewed some footage and are only interested in the "ancient Jain rituals" i.e. Jains praying and celebrating major occasions - to speak for themselves ...so that they can continue to show India as a primitive civilization.
Our R & D shows over 99% of Westerners have never heard of Jains, they see it as another section of Hinduism. The other 1% belong to other Asian and Buddhist faiths and have read about Jainism and again believe it is part of being a Hindu.
To capture the imagination of the Western mind set - we will have a blond, blue-eyed American host visiting Palitana who discovers for himself/herself: "Who Are Jains, What is Jain Dharma and Why Ahimsa, Anekant and Aparagraph are the three major principles and the essence of Jain scientific philosophy - factors that are so important for the world today ...
After filmimg beautiful sunrise film footage ... the American host visitor stands spell-bound on the hill below Palitana trying to explain: "All sacred religious sites in the world - churches, mosques, gurdwaras and temples celebrate a theme, a form, a story, a legend, an episode of life through the beauty of design, forms, sculptures and archecture. The grace of Jain temples is so unique that it is compellingly complex ... Asthetically speaking, Jain temples are perfection in designs and archectures ... They are a part of the heritage of the world."
Not only for Jains, Vashnavas, Hindus and all the others faiths ... Jain temples represent a great significance as part of the heritage of the world ... Few sacred places can match the grace, the setting, the rapture of elegance, of Jain sculptures ... offering a personal experience, at once inspiring and uplifting in search of the Divine ...
Every pilgrimage is the sense of the sacred. Every pilgrimage brings that which is sublime and noble in human nature.
This Jain pilgrimage is like no other ... It is rooted in a wise understanding and the affirmation of nature. And that is why it is an invitation to transcendance .. The film: "PALITANA - City of Temples on the Hill" focuses on the archecture of Jain temples and concentrates on the particular uniqueness, partly because - most were built in ancient time during the affluence of Jains ... as rulers, Emperors of great Empires ...
They reflect the sense of exquisite beauty ... Of culural refinement. Palitana is a majestic saga of "that which is truly poetic" in glorifing asthetic style --
Mr. Manoj Kothari wrote: As a born Jain and as a business leader from India and as a Futurist, I can point out a few things from my perspective-
1. I was born Jain but got multiple influences shaping my life i.e. Zen, Sufi, Osho's articulation of western philosophies, ancient hindu systems and philosophies etc.
2. RELIGION OF THE FUTURE: Jainism is one of the least understood and propagated religion/philosophy because it does not belong to TODAY. Yes, it would lie on top of the Maslov's pyramid amongs other religions/systems and it also means that it is highly individualistic. "you are your only saviour" is the underline ... There is no external sangh, guru or miracle would save you ... Now this is a teaching for tomorrow, as the world is heading for highly INDIVIDUALISTIC society.
3. THINKING IS BEING: You become what you think repeatedly. Jains' mantra NAMO SIDDHANAM ... salutes all the human and beings with a soul who have attained siddhi. It simply means that by repeatedly thinking of these great souls, you become like them. This is also reflected in Chaandogya Upnishad. I would name it as World's simplest principle of achieving greatness. Think of Obama everyday and you would be Obama or at least Obama like one day.
4. SIMPLICITY & SUSTAINABILITY: Jain values of vegetariansim, simple living, non-violence have a deep 'Systems thinking' towards universe. The great SUSTAINABILITY debate that western countries have started, is built to the very foundation in jainism. There is a need to reinterpet this live-and-let live-thinking from jainism and modernism perspective.
5. SECRET of WEALTH: Why are jains sucesssful businessmen around the world ? There is a message for the World in this alone. How do they get the intellect and drive to be on top of the most fields they have chosen as careers ? It does connect to fundamental value systems which by now would have brought about genetic changes.
Hope these realities will help in further understanding Jain Dharma.
I think you are working on a great project. There is a need to bring Jainism in modern perspective and rationale of the 21st millennium - which has been missing from the ritualistic and ancient articulation the gurus have been preaching. Let me know what help would you need from me, I would be happy to associate on this project.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT - Completed remarkable 10 min Film for Fundraising
INVITATION TO RAISE BUDGET FOR A ONE HOUR TV PROGRAM to enter the River to River Film Festival in Florence, Italy
We worked with three young American editors and over 200 hours of digital/HD video to complete the 10 min DEMO and we are now building a major social media network for producing a series of films on "JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT - A COSMIC Way of Life" as a global TV series.
It took over three years of research (R&D) and three pre-production location trips to India filming to produce enchanting "Palitana's Temple Cities on the Hill", "Magnificent Archtecture of Ranakpur" and "Ancient Ellora Cave Temples" and "THE ANNOINTED - Legend of Bahubali" in Sravenbelgola (South India).
We interviewed H.H. Acharya Mahapragya, major swamies, monks and nuns; Indian, British and American Jain experts, academic professors, authors, community leaders, - even the eminent brother of Indu Jain , Chairman of the Times of India. We returned with over 150 hours of digital/HD video. But alas ! our financial backers - Jain diamond merchants and businessmen - could no longer pay for the editing ...due to the U.S. economic recession and other personal reasons.
It was not in our kismet until now, when Tushar and Dina Kothari handed us a check to complete the 10 min film. They genuinely believe that Americans and the western world needs to understand who Jains and what Jain Dharma has to offer the world. This 10 min film: "JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT" reveals answers to questions on how to reverse daily realities and offers the alternative life-style of simplicity for modern civilization.
The film opens referring to the ancient Jain scriptures that reports on the existence of 24 Tirthankars (Prophets) who lived hundreds and thousands of years ago ... beyond 2,500 BC. These liberators of the soul discovered the timeless scientific traditions of simple and harmonious living with the first basic principle of Ahimsa (Non-Violence) towards all human beings, animals, birds, insects and Nature herself.
Modern leaders like India's Mahatma Gandhi, America's Martin Luther King Jr. and South Africa's Nelson Mendala liberated the souls of their people by challenging the concept of independence and moral and civil liberty through Ahimsa ... the teachings of non-violence and making it their own.
It is important to show America and the world - Who are Jains ? The word pronounced “Jane” translates in Sanskrit as “Jina” which in English spells “spiritual victor – the victorious ones” ... “a liberated soul” ... free of greed and demands of materialism … the conqueror of the world of suffering, temptations and earthly illusions.
We began the film project after meeting Donald Rubin, Chairman of the Rubin Museum of Art (www.rmanyc.org) when he told me it was his dream to have the first Jain Art Exhibition in New York (because he owned a couple of Jain mandala paintings ...). I reminded him that not too many people in America know about Jains, so he challenged me to make the film.
Within days, I started introducing him to all the wealthy Jains in USA and India ... and eventually after three years ... two young Jain men born in this country, working in high finance, handed Donald a check for $250,000 to organize "VICTORIOUS ONES: Jain Images of Perfection" from 18 Sept to 12 Feb 2010.
We welcome you to team up with Global Cultural Diversity Films (GCDF) Inc. as partners and assist us in raising funds to inform and educate Americans and the world about the remarkable scientific philosophy and cosmology, especially Ahimsa, Anekantvad and Aparigrah.
Please contact us if this project is of interested to you, your family and your friends ...
With regards, Sincerely, Vinanti
Vinanti Sarkar,Director, Global Cultural Diversity Films (GCDF) Inc. 425 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022. Tel: 22-759-4568 Email: vinanti.v@gmail.com -- Website: www.globalfilmlinks.com Linkedin / Twitter / Facebook / MySpace, etc. Review short clips on www.vimeo.com 5084696 or 5084856 or 50864417 or 5092260 or 5092316 and join our discussions on blog: http://jainenlightenment.blogspot.com
This was our first draft edit cut ... We are working on deadline - to complete the films as soon as possible ... and start entering them in global film festivals ...
We worked with three young American editors and over 200 hours of digital/HD video to complete the 10 min DEMO and we are now building a major social media network for producing a series of films on "JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT - A COSMIC Way of Life" as a global TV series.
It took over three years of research (R&D) and three pre-production location trips to India filming to produce enchanting "Palitana's Temple Cities on the Hill", "Magnificent Archtecture of Ranakpur" and "Ancient Ellora Cave Temples" and "THE ANNOINTED - Legend of Bahubali" in Sravenbelgola (South India).
We interviewed H.H. Acharya Mahapragya, major swamies, monks and nuns; Indian, British and American Jain experts, academic professors, authors, community leaders, - even the eminent brother of Indu Jain , Chairman of the Times of India. We returned with over 150 hours of digital/HD video. But alas ! our financial backers - Jain diamond merchants and businessmen - could no longer pay for the editing ...due to the U.S. economic recession and other personal reasons.
It was not in our kismet until now, when Tushar and Dina Kothari handed us a check to complete the 10 min film. They genuinely believe that Americans and the western world needs to understand who Jains and what Jain Dharma has to offer the world. This 10 min film: "JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT" reveals answers to questions on how to reverse daily realities and offers the alternative life-style of simplicity for modern civilization.
The film opens referring to the ancient Jain scriptures that reports on the existence of 24 Tirthankars (Prophets) who lived hundreds and thousands of years ago ... beyond 2,500 BC. These liberators of the soul discovered the timeless scientific traditions of simple and harmonious living with the first basic principle of Ahimsa (Non-Violence) towards all human beings, animals, birds, insects and Nature herself.
Modern leaders like India's Mahatma Gandhi, America's Martin Luther King Jr. and South Africa's Nelson Mendala liberated the souls of their people by challenging the concept of independence and moral and civil liberty through Ahimsa ... the teachings of non-violence and making it their own.
It is important to show America and the world - Who are Jains ? The word pronounced “Jane” translates in Sanskrit as “Jina” which in English spells “spiritual victor – the victorious ones” ... “a liberated soul” ... free of greed and demands of materialism … the conqueror of the world of suffering, temptations and earthly illusions.
We began the film project after meeting Donald Rubin, Chairman of the Rubin Museum of Art (www.rmanyc.org) when he told me it was his dream to have the first Jain Art Exhibition in New York (because he owned a couple of Jain mandala paintings ...). I reminded him that not too many people in America know about Jains, so he challenged me to make the film.
Within days, I started introducing him to all the wealthy Jains in USA and India ... and eventually after three years ... two young Jain men born in this country, working in high finance, handed Donald a check for $250,000 to organize "VICTORIOUS ONES: Jain Images of Perfection" from 18 Sept to 12 Feb 2010.
We welcome you to team up with Global Cultural Diversity Films (GCDF) Inc. as partners and assist us in raising funds to inform and educate Americans and the world about the remarkable scientific philosophy and cosmology, especially Ahimsa, Anekantvad and Aparigrah.
Please contact us if this project is of interested to you, your family and your friends ...
With regards, Sincerely, Vinanti
Vinanti Sarkar,Director, Global Cultural Diversity Films (GCDF) Inc. 425 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022. Tel: 22-759-4568 Email: vinanti.v@gmail.com -- Website: www.globalfilmlinks.com Linkedin / Twitter / Facebook / MySpace, etc. Review short clips on www.vimeo.com 5084696 or 5084856 or 50864417 or 5092260 or 5092316 and join our discussions on blog: http://jainenlightenment.blogspot.com
This was our first draft edit cut ... We are working on deadline - to complete the films as soon as possible ... and start entering them in global film festivals ...
Monday, September 14, 2009
JAIN DHARMA THE MISSING LINK TO SALVATION
THE MISSING LINK TO SALVATION (MOKSHA)
American fundraisers explained, if President Obama raised a record-setting $605 million for his campaign mostly from small $10 and $25 donations ! Why can't Global Cultural Diversity Films (GCDF)raise their budget of $250,000 ? If GCDF's film team headed by Vinanti Sarkar strongly believe that the theme of JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT TV film series will offer global impact of redemption with the ultimate recognition to Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Aparigarh (Non-Possessiveness) and Anekantvad (There is no absolute truth), there is no problem in politely asking the world through social media groups to make small donations.
Recollect and remember the days of Mahatma Gandhi (1940s-50s), Martin Luther King Jr.(1950s-1960s) and Nelson Mandela (1970s-1980s) and recognize their preachings and see the proof in the acts of Non- Violence, Non-Possessiveness, and believing "there is no absolute truth, but many truths ..." . These are the basic principles of Jain Dharma.
For the first time in modern TV series, the visual stories of "The Legend of Lord Bahubali" and his father "King Adinath - the first Tirthankar (Prophet)," and the "Man called Mahavira - the last of 24 Tirthankar (Prophet)," etc., will be related and dramatized in colorful vignettes composed in digital/HD videos. Each docu-drama TV film will show the true meaning of the idea of Non-Violence in your daily life. To observe the meaning of "Non-Possessiveness" and overcome this thirst and desire to own, possess and supremely control those overwhelming senses of instant gratification, ruthless passion and unthinkable desire for what is not your own - it vital.
The time has come to compete with global media that exists on sensationalizing news with half truths, destroying confidence and self-esteem with shallow celebrity status and generating cravings to be what you are not.
Funders told us "People will respond to what moves them ... what engages their minds and tries to answer modern day questions, to become supporters. They advised us to go to social media networks on the Internet. Invite and Involve everyone ... if GCDF Inc., mission is to produce this TV films for the global audience. Take the message to the world on the Internet !
So GCDF set up its social network blogspot on www.Blogge: "JAIN ENLIGHTENEMTN - A Way of Life" to explain why it is time to produce these series of films for TV networks and WebTV. It will stand as a reminder that there is something radically wrong in the thirst for today's films focusing on violence, drugs, sex and outrageous themes that are capturing the hearts and minds of the people, especially the younger generation.
GCDF invites viewers to share unedited video-scenes of the film JAINENLIGHTENMENT on www.YouTube.com and www.vimeo.com -- abstracts from over 200 hours of digital/HD video film shot during the R & D and pre-production stages into production.
All that is left is the post-production. The final edit ! The film team has traveled extensively in India and captured some of the most amazing visuals on Jain Dharma - in a world completely unknown to non-Jains. The films are a discovery of a unique ancient scientific life-style that leads to the "path of salvation" of the individual.
Today, the world needs to understand the cosmic and scientific life-style of Jain Dharma. Even the young Buddha was an early follower of the Jain Dharma, but left due to the rigid demands of purification. In the US alone there are over 32 million Buddhist followers due to the visits of the Dalai Lama.
How will the GCDF films work ? Visually JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT will transplant human being around the world to be conscious of the ancient Jain legacy - taking them far back and beyond 6,0000 BC where man survived in pure harmony with nature. Nothing has really changed since those ancient times: wars continue to be fought, with the ultimate fear of nuclear disaster.
Always, Nature has reminded human beings that she is in control of the Planet Earth. Certainly not Man. Armies have risen where brother fought and killed brother to possess dynasties. The motivating factor always is the supreme ego embedded with desire and greed.
The films will offer answers from ancient examples of Jain life-styles ... found in modern society ...where children are taught reverance to all living beings with a soul ... from childhood to the day of death and beyond. It offers the timeless solutions to understanding the meaning of life and death, living and departing the earth spheres.
Should we appear on Facebook ? Flickr ? LinkedIn and Twitter to bring in budgetary assistanace for GCDF's post production ?
Editing is the most crucial part of filmmaking ... the heart beat ... the living soul ... of film language when relating the story. The visual effects will help viewers to recognize the "missing link" to living the good life, taught by Christ, Mohammed, Buddha, Brahma, Moses, Guru Nanak and now Mahavir.
During the scenes, new ideas relating to Jain Dharma will be shaped to show clearer forms of understanding what is happening to the world today. Visuals will share opinions with like minded people who are concerned, for example,on the questio of what can be done to eradicate terrorism ? The answer is Ahimsa (Non-Violence). Why is Planet Earth witnessing so many natural disasters worldwide ? The answer is Ahimsa (Non-Violence). Why is the world being plagued with devestation and the loss of innocence ? The answer is Ahimsa (Non-Violence)l
So, how do we raise the budget for editing JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT TV series in this financial recession and a tough economy ?
The answer is to approach like-minded people who are really concerned with the state of the world. Ask them to invest in the future of the world ... so that hey can understand for themselves, what should be their mission in life for the future of the next generation ? People put their money where their heart is ... everyone is looking for answers towards in making Planet Earth a safer and better place.
Vinanti Sarkar - vinanti.v@gmail.com
American fundraisers explained, if President Obama raised a record-setting $605 million for his campaign mostly from small $10 and $25 donations ! Why can't Global Cultural Diversity Films (GCDF)raise their budget of $250,000 ? If GCDF's film team headed by Vinanti Sarkar strongly believe that the theme of JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT TV film series will offer global impact of redemption with the ultimate recognition to Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Aparigarh (Non-Possessiveness) and Anekantvad (There is no absolute truth), there is no problem in politely asking the world through social media groups to make small donations.
Recollect and remember the days of Mahatma Gandhi (1940s-50s), Martin Luther King Jr.(1950s-1960s) and Nelson Mandela (1970s-1980s) and recognize their preachings and see the proof in the acts of Non- Violence, Non-Possessiveness, and believing "there is no absolute truth, but many truths ..." . These are the basic principles of Jain Dharma.
For the first time in modern TV series, the visual stories of "The Legend of Lord Bahubali" and his father "King Adinath - the first Tirthankar (Prophet)," and the "Man called Mahavira - the last of 24 Tirthankar (Prophet)," etc., will be related and dramatized in colorful vignettes composed in digital/HD videos. Each docu-drama TV film will show the true meaning of the idea of Non-Violence in your daily life. To observe the meaning of "Non-Possessiveness" and overcome this thirst and desire to own, possess and supremely control those overwhelming senses of instant gratification, ruthless passion and unthinkable desire for what is not your own - it vital.
The time has come to compete with global media that exists on sensationalizing news with half truths, destroying confidence and self-esteem with shallow celebrity status and generating cravings to be what you are not.
Funders told us "People will respond to what moves them ... what engages their minds and tries to answer modern day questions, to become supporters. They advised us to go to social media networks on the Internet. Invite and Involve everyone ... if GCDF Inc., mission is to produce this TV films for the global audience. Take the message to the world on the Internet !
So GCDF set up its social network blogspot on www.Blogge: "JAIN ENLIGHTENEMTN - A Way of Life" to explain why it is time to produce these series of films for TV networks and WebTV. It will stand as a reminder that there is something radically wrong in the thirst for today's films focusing on violence, drugs, sex and outrageous themes that are capturing the hearts and minds of the people, especially the younger generation.
GCDF invites viewers to share unedited video-scenes of the film JAINENLIGHTENMENT on www.YouTube.com and www.vimeo.com -- abstracts from over 200 hours of digital/HD video film shot during the R & D and pre-production stages into production.
All that is left is the post-production. The final edit ! The film team has traveled extensively in India and captured some of the most amazing visuals on Jain Dharma - in a world completely unknown to non-Jains. The films are a discovery of a unique ancient scientific life-style that leads to the "path of salvation" of the individual.
Today, the world needs to understand the cosmic and scientific life-style of Jain Dharma. Even the young Buddha was an early follower of the Jain Dharma, but left due to the rigid demands of purification. In the US alone there are over 32 million Buddhist followers due to the visits of the Dalai Lama.
How will the GCDF films work ? Visually JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT will transplant human being around the world to be conscious of the ancient Jain legacy - taking them far back and beyond 6,0000 BC where man survived in pure harmony with nature. Nothing has really changed since those ancient times: wars continue to be fought, with the ultimate fear of nuclear disaster.
Always, Nature has reminded human beings that she is in control of the Planet Earth. Certainly not Man. Armies have risen where brother fought and killed brother to possess dynasties. The motivating factor always is the supreme ego embedded with desire and greed.
The films will offer answers from ancient examples of Jain life-styles ... found in modern society ...where children are taught reverance to all living beings with a soul ... from childhood to the day of death and beyond. It offers the timeless solutions to understanding the meaning of life and death, living and departing the earth spheres.
Should we appear on Facebook ? Flickr ? LinkedIn and Twitter to bring in budgetary assistanace for GCDF's post production ?
Editing is the most crucial part of filmmaking ... the heart beat ... the living soul ... of film language when relating the story. The visual effects will help viewers to recognize the "missing link" to living the good life, taught by Christ, Mohammed, Buddha, Brahma, Moses, Guru Nanak and now Mahavir.
During the scenes, new ideas relating to Jain Dharma will be shaped to show clearer forms of understanding what is happening to the world today. Visuals will share opinions with like minded people who are concerned, for example,on the questio of what can be done to eradicate terrorism ? The answer is Ahimsa (Non-Violence). Why is Planet Earth witnessing so many natural disasters worldwide ? The answer is Ahimsa (Non-Violence). Why is the world being plagued with devestation and the loss of innocence ? The answer is Ahimsa (Non-Violence)l
So, how do we raise the budget for editing JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT TV series in this financial recession and a tough economy ?
The answer is to approach like-minded people who are really concerned with the state of the world. Ask them to invest in the future of the world ... so that hey can understand for themselves, what should be their mission in life for the future of the next generation ? People put their money where their heart is ... everyone is looking for answers towards in making Planet Earth a safer and better place.
Vinanti Sarkar - vinanti.v@gmail.com
Thursday, July 30, 2009
JAIN'S INCREDIBLE KNOWLEDGE OF COSMOLOGY
It was at one of the classes by Dr. S.L. Gandhi that I learned the uniqueness of Jain cosmology. He lectured that Jains preceive the Universe in the shape of a human being ... the body drawn as a hour-glass. The upper part resembles a muraja, a kind of cylindrical drum; the middle part is shaped as a cymbal - a jhallari - and the lower is circular in shape.
It is believed that the Universe is filled with different living beings surviving at different levels of existence. The Gods and Goddesse dwell in the Upper world of the highest heavens, and they perform many tasks, as guardian spirits of the Tirthankaras, as their attendants, as performers of workship ...
Both cosmology and cosmography have an important place in Jain mythological sculptures ...
It is believed that the Universe is filled with different living beings surviving at different levels of existence. The Gods and Goddesse dwell in the Upper world of the highest heavens, and they perform many tasks, as guardian spirits of the Tirthankaras, as their attendants, as performers of workship ...
Both cosmology and cosmography have an important place in Jain mythological sculptures ...
The cosmos, eternally existent by natures, is comprised of six types of substances: dravyas catagorised as jiva and ajiva, animate and inanimate.
The cosmos is referred to as "loka" - it is materially mathematical and geometrical as the whole as well as in parts, and is shaped like a human figure ... standing akimbo with the legs spread sideways.
The space inside the cosmos is called "lokakasa" and outside is "alokakasa" and the Siddha-sila is the space of the liberated souls; it is the summit of the cosmos.
The central part of the cosmos is "manusya-loka" where the humans inhabit and consist of innumberable continents or "divipas", except for Jambudvipa, each encircled by an ocean.
The universe is conceived as the pure white many-petalled "lotus" - utpalla-padma - in the centre of which sits the Deity ... It is said that "the Lord created the lotus in front of him, then he sat on it and meditated upon the first origin flower.
The lotus is the most pervasive symbol and purest metaphor - likened to the human heart. It is said to be "born of the light of the constellations" ... in the womb of the Universe ... the seat of generation and regeneration - signifying prosperity and youthful innocence and wonder, while invoking purity and beauty ... suggesting complete detachment and great wisdom ...
We welcome comments on Jain cosmology ...
The space inside the cosmos is called "lokakasa" and outside is "alokakasa" and the Siddha-sila is the space of the liberated souls; it is the summit of the cosmos.
The central part of the cosmos is "manusya-loka" where the humans inhabit and consist of innumberable continents or "divipas", except for Jambudvipa, each encircled by an ocean.
The universe is conceived as the pure white many-petalled "lotus" - utpalla-padma - in the centre of which sits the Deity ... It is said that "the Lord created the lotus in front of him, then he sat on it and meditated upon the first origin flower.
The lotus is the most pervasive symbol and purest metaphor - likened to the human heart. It is said to be "born of the light of the constellations" ... in the womb of the Universe ... the seat of generation and regeneration - signifying prosperity and youthful innocence and wonder, while invoking purity and beauty ... suggesting complete detachment and great wisdom ...
We welcome comments on Jain cosmology ...
Thursday, July 9, 2009
DEMO EDIT of JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT - A Cosmic Way of Life
GLOBAL CULTURAL DIVERSITY FILMS (GCDF) Inc., headquartered in New York City, USA, is editing the10min DEMO of "JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT - A Way of Life" in order to raise the budget for the 5-part digital video series on Jain Dharma and what its content has to offer North America and the world.
All our blog reviewers are invited to contribute to the content ... and interact ... and share their views with the filmmakers who have invested over three years of R & D, pre-production, productions and now post-production to make this digital video series for WebTV on the Internet ...and across global TV networks !
All our blog reviewers are invited to contribute to the content ... and interact ... and share their views with the filmmakers who have invested over three years of R & D, pre-production, productions and now post-production to make this digital video series for WebTV on the Internet ...and across global TV networks !
First quesiton to be anwered is Who are Jains (pronounced as "Jane" ? How many people have ever heard of Jains ?
The 10 min edit speaks to Americans and worldwide viewers ... as the film storyteller/ anchor starts with his personal discovery of the world's oldest civilization and a unique life style dating back to 2,500 B.C. and beyond ... to 6,000 BC - reflecting the cosmology and scientific philosophy of Jain Dharma.
The film offers unique answers to questions about daily living in "reality TV" docudramatic style, with New Age jazz music (tabla/flutes/guitar and precussionist of ancient temple bells, cowherd sounds, etc.,) and super editing skills with special effects and animation.
The director/producers' purpose of producing these films is to bring the past, present and future of the cosmology and scientific philsophy of Jainism as an alternative way of life ten years into the new millennium. It will offer solutions to our hi-tech, industralized modern world, plagued with terrorism, physical/mental violence and utmost greed.
The importance of discovering Jain cosmic and scientific realities of vegetarianism and non-violence is important for today's human survival. It offers answers to modern civilization where this ancient scientific theology is being revealed by modern scentists as Facts not Fiction ...
Today, we are living in a modern world seething in chaos and disharmony ... Extreme violence and terrorism. Even the environment is being challenged with natural destruction and disasters. Whenever the Earth rumbles, it causes havoc and utter devastation, unsettling the daily lives of human beings around the world, with mental and physical insecurities, perpetual cravings for possessions, etc., resulting in exploitation of human dignity.
This film will reveal answers to questions on how to reverse daily realities, because Jain Dharma offers an alternative life-style for modern civilization. It is a timeless tradition moving towards a simpler and more harmonious way of living by Man & Nature.
Who are Jains ? The word "Jain" translates from the Sanskrit word "Jina" which in English spells "spiritual victor" ... "a liberated soul," free of the physical body and demands of earthly possessions and greed. Jain living symbolizes how to conquer the world of temptations, inner suffering, and earthly illusions.
The 10 min edit speaks to Americans and worldwide viewers ... as the film storyteller/ anchor starts with his personal discovery of the world's oldest civilization and a unique life style dating back to 2,500 B.C. and beyond ... to 6,000 BC - reflecting the cosmology and scientific philosophy of Jain Dharma.
The film offers unique answers to questions about daily living in "reality TV" docudramatic style, with New Age jazz music (tabla/flutes/guitar and precussionist of ancient temple bells, cowherd sounds, etc.,) and super editing skills with special effects and animation.
The director/producers' purpose of producing these films is to bring the past, present and future of the cosmology and scientific philsophy of Jainism as an alternative way of life ten years into the new millennium. It will offer solutions to our hi-tech, industralized modern world, plagued with terrorism, physical/mental violence and utmost greed.
The importance of discovering Jain cosmic and scientific realities of vegetarianism and non-violence is important for today's human survival. It offers answers to modern civilization where this ancient scientific theology is being revealed by modern scentists as Facts not Fiction ...
Today, we are living in a modern world seething in chaos and disharmony ... Extreme violence and terrorism. Even the environment is being challenged with natural destruction and disasters. Whenever the Earth rumbles, it causes havoc and utter devastation, unsettling the daily lives of human beings around the world, with mental and physical insecurities, perpetual cravings for possessions, etc., resulting in exploitation of human dignity.
This film will reveal answers to questions on how to reverse daily realities, because Jain Dharma offers an alternative life-style for modern civilization. It is a timeless tradition moving towards a simpler and more harmonious way of living by Man & Nature.
Who are Jains ? The word "Jain" translates from the Sanskrit word "Jina" which in English spells "spiritual victor" ... "a liberated soul," free of the physical body and demands of earthly possessions and greed. Jain living symbolizes how to conquer the world of temptations, inner suffering, and earthly illusions.
Photographs and more information are available at New York headquarters 212-759-4568 or contact via email with your suggestions: globalfilmlinks@earthlink.net /
Join our blog at http://jainenlightenment.blogspot.com - and invite your friends to social network on a global scale ...Short films can be found on www.vimeo.com/5084696, /5084856, /5085852, /50864417, 5092260, /5092316
Sunday, July 5, 2009
EDITING 10 min of "JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT - A Way of Life"
EDITING 10 min of "JAIN ENLIGHTENMENT - A Way of Life" will enable us to bring in major funding from Jain businessmen and independent funders via personal contacts.
R & D reports there is great potential in bringing in the financing of the total budget for the one-hour film-made for global TV and DVD distribution ! It is all part of Filmmaker Vinanti Sarkar's determination to complete the production.
With over 200 hours of digital/HD film, it is proposed that after the 10 min DEMO is completed, and fundraising comenses, five major programs will be on the editing table (working titles):
1. "The Legend of Lord Bahubali"
2. "King Adinathan - 1st JainTirthankar"
3. " A Man Called Mahavira - the last and 24 Tirthankar"
4. "Sacred Pilrimages to the Temples of Palitana, Ranakpur and Shavenbegola ..."
5. "Jain Art & Sculptures of Perfection ... "
We welcome everyone to participate in suggestions and advice and become part of this unique, once-in-a-life-time feature documentaries to promote Jain Dharma in the USA and worldwide.
Our target audience are families and the younger generation who need to understand Ahimsa - Non-Violence which goes beyond physical violence.
Ahimsa translated to "reverance for life .... respect for the dignity of daily living with our neighbors."
Three world leaders - India's Mahatma Gandhi; America's Martin Luther King, Jr. and South Africa's Nelson Mendala used the basic Jain principle of Ahimsa to liberate their masses against oppression.
Today, the world is chasing the shadows of peace, as most nations prepare for war and mas destruction. This reality has resulted from the fear of the enemy - fellow human beings and next door neighbors - empowering the demand for deadly Nuclear weapons ...
What can you and I do about it ?
We invite our fellow bloggers to start discussions of how we can bring real peace ...
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