• 1980
  • 1h
The Spirit of Asia

Summary David Attenborough visits Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, and India-countries where the world's most ancient religions and art forms have remarkably endured into the 20th century, View more details

  • 1980
  • 1h

The Spirit of Asia

Directed : Unknown

Written : Unknown

Stars : David Attenborough

All cast & crew

0

Details

Genres : Documentary

Release date : Jan 12, 1980

Countries of origin : United Kingdom

Language : English

Production companies : British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Summary David Attenborough visits Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, and India-countries where the world's most ancient religions and art forms have remarkably endured into the 20th century, View more details

Details

Genres : Documentary

Release date : Jan 12, 1980

Countries of origin : United Kingdom

Language : English

Production companies : British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Photos

The Spirit of Asia (1980)

Episodes

View All Seasons
Episode 1 • Jan 12, 1980
The World of Shadows
In Indonesia, ancient communities across 13,000 islands believe in nature spirits and ancestral ghosts. They perform sacrificial rituals and build megaliths-like obelisks, stone slabs, and large tables and chairs-to honor these spirits.
Episode 2 • Jan 19, 1980
The Morning of the World
In the 16th-century, when neighbours converted to Islam, Bali maintained a blend of Hinduism and spirit worship. Life is filled with pageantry and festivals. Dance-dramas involving possession and exorcism serve as offerings to the gods.
Episode 3 • Jan 26, 1980
Land of the Cosmic Mountain
When Indian religion arrived in Java, ancestral shrines were re-dedicated to Shiva, and the Buddhist temple of Borobudur was created. Despite Islam now being the main religion, shadow puppets are still revered as ancestral spirits.
Episode 4 • Feb 02, 1980
The Story of Rama
The Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic, has captivated imaginations for 2,000 years. In India, it's performed annually at the world's largest theatre, in Benares, during the Dussehra festival, with giant blazing effigies of the Demon King.
Episode 5 • Feb 09, 1980
The Haunted Land
The Irrawaddy River is a vital waterway that flows through central Burma. Along its banks lie the ancient ruins of Pagan, once the center of a powerful empire. An end to near-isolation is now revealing how unique the country really is.
Episode 6 • Feb 16, 1980
Artists in Exile
In southern France, an old army camp turned Vietnamese village shelters refugees. It uniquely preserves a spirit possession cult, absent even in Vietnam. Cult members have colorful shrines with Buddha images and silk-clad spirit dolls.
Episode 7 • Feb 23, 1980
God-Kings of Angkor
In ancient Cambodia, God-Kings built fine temples in dense jungles. Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious building, honors Vishnu and God-King Suryavarman II. Despite war and suffering, the temples endure, and dancers perform safely.
Episode 8 • Mar 01, 1980
Land of a Million Buddhas
In Thailand, modern culture coexists with ancient traditions. Miniature temples stand alongside hotels, and monks perform car ceremonies. Thailand boasts countless Buddha images, produced over 1,300 years, outnumbering its population.
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