With humor, concern and compassion, Zen priest, author of the Tassajara Bread Book and a tenzo (chief cook) at the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Edward Espe Brown teaches us to treat food “as if it was your eyesight.” Brown’s approach to cooking reminds us of our moment by moment interconnectedness with all that is present around us. Archival manifestations of Suzuki Roshi, Brown’s teacher, also remind us of our connectedness with the abiding wisdom of our past. As for our future, How To Cook Your Life is a cautionary teaching against the destructive, unthinking production and consumption of our food.

(Germany, 2007, 100 min., in English and German with English subtitles.) – G.R.

Note: This screening made possible by the generous support of Jade Pier.