"The Buddha" (film on PBS)

The Buddha, a film by David Grubin

Premiering April 7, 2010 at 8 p.m. (Check local listings)

(The Buddha on PBS) This documentary for PBS by award-winning filmmaker David Grubin, narrated by Richard Gere, tells the story of the historical Buddha’s life. This journey is especially relevant to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. It features the work of some of the world’s greatest artists and sculptors, who across two millennia have depicted the Buddha’s life in art rich in beauty and complexity. Hear insights into the ancient narrative by contemporary Buddhists, including Pulitzer Prize winning poet W.S. Merwin and Tibet's political and spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. Join the conversation and learn more about meditation, the history of Buddhism, and how to incorporate the Buddha’s teachings on compassion and mindfulness into daily life. Details>>

More video

• THE BUDDHA: Teachings, part 3
• THE BUDDHA: Teachings, part 2
• THE BUDDHA: Teachings, part 1
• THE BUDDHA: Birth & Youth, part 1
• THE BUDDHA: Birth & Youth, part 2
• THE BUDDHA: scholars and poets (4)
• Poetry Everywhere: "For What Binds Us" by Jane Hirshfield
• Poetry Everywhere: "Yesterday" by W.S. Merwin
• Asia Society Museum: Buddhist art and sacred site