Mystical Realism in Movies: The Numinous Experience of Meeting the Other

“The beginning of awe is wonder, and the beginning of wisdom is awe.” —Abraham Heschel 

 Rudolph Otto described the numinous–Mysterium tremendum et fascinans–as the wholly other, experienced as a breakthrough of wonder–both fearful and fascinating. Filmmakers have given us new opportunities to experience the numinous through mystical realism. Quoting Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy, Jeffrey Kripal gives us a definition of how mystical realism appears in film: “[As] an imaginative elaboration of human experiences that have actually occurred to numerous individuals… something both fundamentally subjective (mystical) but also empirical and objective (realism).” 

 In this third workshop at Esalen on mystical realism in movies, you will discover the numinous experience of meeting the “wholly other,” something entirely different from anything experienced in ordinary life, be it another human being, a spirit, an angel, or some form of alien or artificial intelligence. Your cinematic repertoire will include films directed by Jean Cocteau, Terrence Malick, Alfred Hitchcock, Wim Wenders, Steven Spielberg, and a film inspired by Toni Morrison. The seminar employs methods developed over 28 film seminars at Esalen (1990-2016) co-led by Francis and Brother David Steindl-Rast: mindful film viewing, contemplative reflection, and group interaction focused on the participant’s unique experience. 

7.5 CE Credits for Health Professionals is available for an additional $35 fee payable to the workshop leader. Click here for details.

Dr. Lu personally recommends, but does not require, that participants use a N95 mask during the workshop sessions, which will be provided.