Watch Journey into Buddhism

Journey into Buddhism is an educational documentary series produced by PBS and hosted by John Bush. It takes viewers on a spiritual journey across Asia to explore the history and teachings of Buddhism. The series begins with an introduction to Buddhism and its core principles. John Bush explains how Buddhism is the fourth-largest religion in the world, with more than 530 million followers. He highlights how this religion teaches compassion, nonviolence, and living in harmony with nature.

The first episode of the series takes viewers to Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha. There, John Bush explores the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who became the Buddha. He visits important locations such as the Mahabodhi temple and the Bodhi tree, where Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.

In the second episode, John Bush travels to Sri Lanka to explore Theravada Buddhism, one of the oldest branches of Buddhism. He visits important sites such as the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya World Heritage sites, which are known for their Buddhist architecture and art.

The third episode takes place in Thailand, where John Bush explores the impact of Buddhism on the local culture. He learns about Thai Buddhism, which incorporates elements of superstition and animism in its beliefs. He visits places such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok and the ancient city of Ayutthaya.

The fourth episode of the series takes viewers to Japan, where John Bush explores the influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese culture. He visits Zen temples, gardens, and museums that showcase the beauty and simplicity of Zen Buddhism.

In the fifth episode, John Bush travels to Tibet, where he explores the impact of Buddhism on the Tibetan people. He learns about the unique form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet, which incorporates elements of shamanism and Bon religion. He also visits important sites such as the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple.

In the final episode, the series explores the role of Buddhism in modern society. John Bush interviews people from different walks of life, including a Buddhist monk and a scientist. He discusses how Buddhism can help people lead better lives and cope with the challenges of modern society.

Overall, Journey into Buddhism is an insightful series that provides a rich introduction to Buddhism and its impact on Asian cultures. Through stunning visuals and informative commentary, John Bush takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.

Journey into Buddhism is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between September 4, 2007 and on PBS