Every early spring since the 8th century, Buddhist monks at Nara Prefecture's Todaiji have practiced the Shuni-e ceremony. A series of esoteric rituals, including prayers to Kannon to protect humankind from disaster and disease, it also offers a window into Tang dynasty China. But in 2021, the COVID pandemic threatened to bring a halt to this uninterrupted tradition. Aided by an infectious disease specialist, the monks go to great lengths to hold this ancient practice for the 1,270th time. |
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Title: | Prayers for the Pandemic: 1,300 Years of Ritual at Todaiji | |
Air Date: | October 31, 2021 | |
Runtime: | 50 min | |
grasshopper rex : I'm working on getting links for it. Until then, I think all episodes can be found on YT.