A Way of Mourning

Awesome piece Sam. I was in downtown Lahore 2 years ago during Muharram shooting a film and it was a stark contrast to what was happening in the Sufi shrines to be sure. It really was one of the most incredible things I've ever had the privilege to witness. Good for you for ballsin' it and getting down there to film. We also did a scene (we were shooting a narrative) at the school and in the alley that your final shot is in. Really nice to see it again. Thanks for the insightful piece.

kunnikr is right when he reminds us that virtually all religions have some sort of self-scourging practice being enacted somewhere in their congregation. There are the penitentes in the Catholic faith, the prostrations across country for long distances and around stupas, etc. They can be and are forms of meditation through rhythmic repetition of physocal movement. The frightening thing about what was shown in this video is the frenzy that the participants work themselves into, because no good can ever come of this sort of mindliess emotionalism. It's just a frightening to see a bunch of fundamentalists babbling in "tongues" and writhing around on the floor in their own form of religious ecstacy. It becomes mindless, without reason, and dangerous, for it is in these moments that people strike out against those who think differently thean they do.

I really like these pieces that get a camera out into an entirely different culture and, as the piece mentions, give access to something rarely seen by people outside of that culture. However, I have to agree with julietp and say that I would have liked to have heard more of the peoples' own commentary on what they're doing; sure, we are given this exclusive look at a fascinating ritual, but can we really understand it without hearing it explained from the very people who practice it? The emotions seen at the end of the piece in particular show just how connected this culture is with their practices, and as such I feel like some equally heartfelt words from the practicers would add significant value to the piece.

Excuse me if I've said it before. THIS is the best pod, most immediate, essential, in-depth, dangerous--ever on Current. Sam, let's collaborate, where are you?

Interesting visuals, but I wish that we could have perhaps heard from some of the people who practice this mourning. It had a bit of a voyeuristic feel. A very good friend of mine has actually beat himself to the point of bleeding, I've seen the scars, but the entire ritual takes on a different meaning when he explains why he did it and how it made him feel. I'm not defending the practice, but it is important to remember that all religions have extreme rituals and that it isn't necessarily indicative of the whole. Remember Opus Dei?

Interesting. For some reason, religion, all religions, bring out the best and the worst in humans.

This piece is fascinating in the way that it approaches this sacred mourning process. It is hard to even fathom the level of suffering amongst people caught in this long-standing violent conflict. However, I wonder, is it emotionally healthy to focus on such intense mourning in this way? Is the idea of emotional health relative to cultural norms?