This documentary reveals the exploratory work of a team from the University of Montreal who seek to understand the states of grace experienced by mystics and those who meditate. Filmmaker Isabelle Raynauld offers up scientific research that suggests that mystical ecstasy is a transformative experience and could contribute to people's psychic and physical health, treat depression and speed up the healing process when combined with conventional medicine. In French with English subtitles.
Ages 15 to 17
Ethics and Religious Culture - Ethical Values
Ethics and Religious Culture - Religious Diversity/Heritage
Health/Personal Development - Mental Health/Stress/Suicide
Science - Biology
Have a debate in class about the question of, God creating the brain to use it vs. the brain creating God. Have a guest speaker come in who is trained in meditation and willing to give students a taste of the practise. Students should record their feelings immediately after each experience. Ask the class what they think about the impact of a stable mind on a person's health. For example, do they think that if a person has a lot of stress in their life, they are more prone to being sick? To end this lesson, ask students if they think this area remains a great debate because there hasn't been enough scientific research on and the effects of religion on well-being.