Abstract:

For half a century Huston Smith has immersed himself in the world's religions, seeking to understand their hold on the human heart and imagination. Now, Bill Moyers talks with Smith about how the six great religions -- Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam -- differ, and what they hold in common. Richly embellished with art, architecture, music and poetry from around the world, the series leads you to an understanding of the common heart of religious experience. Smith relates how he discovered the mysteries of multi-phonic chanting during a sabbatical among Tibetan monks. He discusses the intertwining of opposites, the key to Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Smith offers his interpretation of the meaning of prayer in Western religions, and speaks of the difficulty of achieving spirituality today. He sees all of the world's religions offering windows to the same transcendent truths. Titles are: "Hinduism and Buddhism," "Confucianism," "Christianity and Judaism," "Islam," and "A Personal Philosophy."