Zen for Nothing
Hidden in the wooded mountains on the west coast of Japan lies the small Zen monastery Antaiji. A young woman sets off to immerse herself through autumn, winter and spring in the adventures of monastic life. The young woman is Sabine Timoteo from Switzerland. The abbot of the monastery is Muho Noelke, born in Berlin. An interplay between the philosophy of the Japanese Zen master Kodo Sawaki and the surprises brought forth by everyday life.
Zen
In the early 1200s, Dogen brought Chinese Zen philosophy to Japan, and established the Japanese Zen school of Buddhism. He taught that a person was capable of realizing Buddhahood within himself, by way of Zazen. Zazen is extended hours of sitting and meditating to achieve a state of “Mu” (nothingness, or empty existence).
The Zen Diary
Tsutomu lives alone in the mountains, writing essays, cooking Zen food with the vegetables he grows and the mushrooms he picks in the hills. His routine is happily disturbed when Machiko, his editor and love interest, occasionally visits. Tsutomu seems content with his daily life. On the other hand, he still hasn't let go of his wife's ashes, although she died 13 years ago.
A Touch of Zen
Gu Sheng-zhai, an artist in his early 30s, still lives with his mother, but he is suddenly shaken by the arrival of Yang Hui-zhen, a mysterious princess on the run. Yang brings Gu into her circle of protectors, including a nameless monk whose spiritual guidance transforms him into a valiant fighter.
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Werner Penzel
Director
Sabine Timoteo
as
Self
Banmei Takahashi
Director
Yuki Uchida
as
Orin
Takashi Sasano
as
Rôsô
Kengo Kôra
as
Shunryô
Tatsuya Fujiwara
as
Tokiyori Hôjô
Takako Matsu
as
Machiko
Naomi Nishida
as
Mika
Toshinori Omi
as
Ryû
King Hu
Director
Jackie Chan
as
Extra
Roy Chiao
as
Hui Yuan
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