The Spirit of Asia
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Play S1 E1David 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,
Cast: David Attenborough
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Season 1
8 episodes
- 1. The World of ShadowsIn 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.CC1 h 0 minJan 13, 1980
- 2. The Morning of the WorldIn 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.CC1 h 0 minJan 20, 1980
- 3. Land of the Cosmic MountainWhen 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.CC1 h 0 minJan 27, 1980
- 4. The Story of RamaThe 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.CC1 h 0 minFeb 3, 1980
- 5. The Haunted LandThe 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.CC1 h 0 minFeb 10, 1980
- 6. Artists in ExileIn 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.CC1 h 0 minFeb 17, 1980
- 7. God-Kings of AngkorIn 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.CC1 h 0 minFeb 24, 1980
- 8. Land of a Million BuddhasIn 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.CC1 h 0 minMar 2, 1980
The Spirit of Asia
19801 season8 episodesEnded
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,
Creators and cast
- Studio
- BBC
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
Details and artwork from TMDB. Availability from JustWatch and can change without notice.