Cinema Nirvana

Enlightenment Lessons from the Movies

By: Dean Sluyter

Narrated by: Dean Sluyter

Movie fans and spiritual seekers, unite! In Cinema Nirvana, veteran meditation teacher and film critic Dean Sluyter illuminates the hidden enlightenment teachings of Casablanca, Jaws, The Graduate, The Godfather, Memento, Easy Rider, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Big Sleep, Fistful of Dollars, and half a dozen more classic films, revealing spiritual wisdom in everything from 007's secret weapons to the colors of the Seven Dwarfs' eyes.

So grab your popcorn, sit back, and prepare to have your mind opened. Cinema Nirvana is a funny but wise, practical but wildly entertaining guide to finding enlightenment...one movie at a time.

©2005 Dean Sluyter (P)2014 Dean Sluyter

Critic reviews

"Equal parts inspiring, quirky, fascinating, and fun. Cinema Nirvana will make you look at film and faith in a new light." ( Dallas Morning News)

"If you spliced together DNA from Quentin Tarantino and the Dalai Lama, you'd get Dean Sluyter and he'd write this amazing book." (Michael Gelb, author of How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci)

"Sluyter is the movie guru I have longed for. He mines deep spiritual wisdom from classic films with tremendous humor and grace. Virtually every page contains jaw-dropping insights and laugh-out-loud surprises." (Lama John Makransky, Prof. of Buddhism and Comparative Theology, Boston College)

Magic in the Mundane

What did you love best about Cinema Nirvana?

I loved the premise of the whole book, that through popular media such as movies, we can find guidance to forge our own paths towards personal freedom and true happiness. It makes us value the magical potential of everyday life.

What other book might you compare Cinema Nirvana to and why?

The "Zen of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert Persig jumps to mind. It also used a very mundane activity (servicing motorcycles) to extract pearls of wisdom. "Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal" by Rachel Naomi Remen is another volume written towards this end.

What about Dean Sluyter’s performance did you like?

Dean's performance gave me a sense of calm centeredness even in the midst of the turmoil of our times. His voice is resonant, soothing, and carries a sense of authority. It made me trust what I was being told.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, throughout, I found myself percolating with delight. The stories are well-chosen and provocative not only for the drama of the tale––everybody loves a good yarn––but also in the depth of substance that fed my soul.

Any additional comments?

I greatly appreciated the author's broad reach from high to popular culture. He is as comfortable quoting from the "Godfather" as from the Buddha, from Jimmy Cliff to Trungpa.

Highly recommended

Would you listen to Cinema Nirvana again? Why?

Terrific, articulate talks by the author himself, probing into deeper meaning in many well known films. There is much depth and richness of detail, like many films. Upon repeat viewings, or in this case listening, one picks up additional nuance which was missed the first time around.

What about Dean Sluyter’s performance did you like?

The tone, the pace and the very clear pronunciation.

Any additional comments?

I've attended some of the author's talks over the years. They are always interesting, enriching amd thought provoking. He has a very broad and experiential understanding of many religious and spiritual traditions, which he brings to this collection of intriguing essays.

A must listen!

Any additional comments?

Outstanding audiobook. The enlightenment lessons that Dean shares with his audience are fun, simple, and profound. The clarity of his words are brought to life by the warmth and wit in his voice. I have spent long commutes to and from work listening, laughing, remembering, and waking up. Many thanks, Dean.

Eye opening listen!!

Any additional comments?

Great listen! Gave me wise & witty insight into the connection between my favorite cinema classics and Buddhist philosophy. Provided a new lens to view the characters and themes I've loved, allowing me to see beyond the images to the gems of wisdom hidden in these films. Roll over Elvis -- I'll never look at Jailhouse Rock the same way again !!

Zenly fantastic

Pure brilliance! Dean has merged his two fields of expertise into a perfect union of spirituality and American culture.