Last evening I was given the opportunity to preview a screening DVD of Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen, a film depicting the life of a 12th-century Benedictine nun. This amazing woman wore a variety of hats including mystic, composer, philosopher, playwright, poet, naturalist, scientist, physician, herbalist and ecological activist. Hildegard von Bingen was a visionary who believed her prophetic visions were messages sent to her directly from God. In 1148 Pope Eugene III formed a commission to test her communications with God, the commission reportedly believed her and as a result the church recognized her as a true visionary and seer.
What was most interesting to me is about this remarkable woman in history is a medieval nun's interest in education in general, which included music, science, and natural healing. Herbal medicine was touched on very briefly in the film after Hildegard von Bingen is named the convent's abbess. She is shown outdoors in a teaching role instructing younger nuns about the healing properties of plants. An important quote in the film by this remarkable woman in history is "First the soul must heal; then the body will follow" which clearly shows she understood mind-body-spirit connections.
The human aspect of Hildegard and her sister nuns are portrayed in the film when eruptions of envy and emotions of anger are displayed. This may seem surprising considering the more solemn demeanor or saintly disposition that might be expected from nuns and priests during that time period. However, when Barbara Sukowa, the actor portraying Hildegard, acted like a tantrum-ridden child when she discovered a beloved young nun was to be removed from her care my inner-child, who understands having hissy-fits, applauded. Such raw emotion... this nun was a real person who had real emotions and strong desires.
This film's portrayal of her shows a woman from the past who was driven to live and learn, which in my belief is the ultimate human path to spiritual growth.
About the theatrical release of VISION: From the Life of Hilegard von Bingen
Vision will be playing in BOSTON, CHICAGO and MINNEAPOLIS on November 5 and in LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO and WASHINGTON DC on November 12
Note: If you don't understand the German language or don't care for watching subtitled films you may want to pass on this. I personally have a fondness for foreign films and don't mind reading subtitles for truly wonderful films.poster image courtesy of Zeitgeist Films
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