Abstract:

"This award-winning 13-part series takes viewers on an incomparable journey of discovery to some of the world's most unique spiritual places and explores the allure of those scared spaces and vividly documents their continued powerful influence on the daily lives of countless believers. The series details the legends, mysteries, history, and facts that surround these great spiritual lands of the world. It highlights 'living faith' embodied in the architecture, expressive arts, contemporary practices, lifestyles, people, and cultures of these spiritual sites today. Located on the banks of India's great river Ganges, Varanasi is considered by Hindus to be the holiest place on earth. The eternal city of Varanasi has been a center of enlightenment and civilization for more than 2,000 years. The spiritual and cultural aspects of the Hindu faith continue to define this sacred city. Rituals and beliefs surrounding death by cremation and the end of the cycle of reincarnation are explored. Includes: 1 25-minute video; 1 Teacher's Guide with lesson plans, discussion questions, student activities, and script; 3 Blackline Masters "