Learning to Forgive: A Film Viewing Adventure, by Francis G. Lu, M.D.

Learning to Forgive: A Film Viewing Adventure

by Francis G. Lu, M.D., and Br. David Steindl-Rast

Since 1990 Dr. Francis Lu and Brother David Steindl-Rast have led annual 5- or 7-day film seminars at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Films on a particular
spiritual theme (such as Healing Through Gratefulness)
are shown and discussed, focusing on the participants’ personal experiences. "Learning to Forgive: A Film Viewing Adventure" was one of two themes in 2003.

"To err is human; to forgive, divine." We know this quotation from Alexander Pope, but do we realize its implications? All of us carry the divine spark of forgiveness in our hearts. We can neglect and quench this spark; but if we fan it ablaze, it will bring light and warmth and healing into the world and into our own lives. Can you think of a more likely setting for this to happen than an Esalen seminar? Forgiveness is an art that can be learned and practiced. The better we understand ourselves, the more ready are we to forgive ourselves and others. Films have a unique power to facilitate this process.

Our film selection meets two criteria: one, aesthetic and the other, psychological. The films we will see are outstanding examples of filmmaking from around the world, and they feature Enneagram types which model different approaches to forgiveness. You need not be familiar with the Enneagram; this is your chance to get acquainted with it. Nor is it necessary that you are an expert on cinema. All you need is a readiness to embrace the forgiveness of which W. B. Yeats wrote:

"I am content to follow to its source
Every event in action or in thought;
Measure the lot; forgive myself the lot!
When such as I cast out remorse
So great a sweetness flows into the breast
We must laugh and we must sing,
We are blest by everything,
Everything we look upon is blest.”


	+ home > features > readings > Learning to Forgive
Favorites A Good Day - Video Angels of the Hours Candles (Light A Candle) E-cards (Send an Ecard) Labyrinth Pilgrimage Word for the Day Library Topics >>>>> ABC of Gratefulness An Economy of Gratefulness Angels and Animals At Home in the Body Caring for Earth Confusion/Guidance Creativity Fear/Peace Grief/Joy Loneliness/Belonging Religious Harmony Simple Living Youth and Elders Articles Br. David Steindl-Rast >> Books Videos Articles Audio & Downloads More ... Calendar Grateful News Gift People Gratefulness Books Haiku Light Up the World Picture Gallery Poetry Practices for Grateful Living Questions and Answers FAQ Join Newsletter E-courses Events and Retreats Events with Brother David ------ Forums ------ Groups in Your Community Grateful Living Practice Grief and Gratefulness Light A Candle - Forum About A Network for Grateful Living Brother David Board of Directors Advisors, Staff & Helpers Press & Media Link to Us Contact Us Support Us Please Donate Now! Gift Shop 中国语文 Deutsch Español	Learning to Forgive: A Film Viewing Adventure by Francis G. Lu, M.D., and Br. David Steindl-Rast Since 1990 Dr. Francis Lu and Brother David Steindl-Rast have led annual 5- or 7-day film seminars at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Films on a particular spiritual theme (such as Healing Through Gratefulness) are shown and discussed, focusing on the participants’ personal experiences. "Learning to Forgive: A Film Viewing Adventure" was one of two themes in 2003. Description: "To err is human; to forgive, divine." We know this quotation from Alexander Pope, but do we realize its implications? All of us carry the divine spark of forgiveness in our hearts. We can neglect and quench this spark; but if we fan it ablaze, it will bring light and warmth and healing into the world and into our own lives. Can you think of a more likely setting for this to happen than an Esalen seminar? Forgiveness is an art that can be learned and practiced. The better we understand ourselves, the more ready are we to forgive ourselves and others. Films have a unique power to facilitate this process. Our film selection meets two criteria: one, aesthetic and the other, psychological. The films we will see are outstanding examples of filmmaking from around the world, and they feature Enneagram types which model different approaches to forgiveness. You need not be familiar with the Enneagram; this is your chance to get acquainted with it. Nor is it necessary that you are an expert on cinema. All you need is a readiness to embrace the forgiveness of which W. B. Yeats wrote: "I am content to follow to its source Every event in action or in thought; Measure the lot; forgive myself the lot! When such as I cast out remorse So great a sweetness flows into the breast We must laugh and we must sing, We are blest by everything, Everything we look upon is blest.” Films shown in this order: Wild Strawberries Marvin’s Room Death and the Maiden Les Miserables Dead Man Walking Cry, The Beloved Country East of Eden Rhapsody in August Late-night bonus films: Autumn Sonata Sunrise Regret to Inform See other film themes: Twenty Favorite Films from the Esalen Film Seminars 1990-2011 Twenty More Favorite Films Healing Through Gratefulness, Exploring Nirvana and Salvation , Renewing Integrity Through Film: The Vision of Truth, Exuberance, Creativity and Delight, Renewing Wholeness: The Spiritual Experience of Viewing Great Films, Families in Film: Now and Forever, Intolerance, Social Injustice & Reconciliation, Wisdom and Compassion, Imagining the Feminine, Films Envisioning a Hopeful Future Guiding Lights in Film: Inspirations to Live By