Wednesday, February 10, 2010

"The Life of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche" (film)

(Fayuyang) May all beings be happy. This film, "The Life of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche," is an authentic portrait of one of Tibet's great contemporary teachers, considered a "master of masters" among the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana).

He is renowned as a great meditator, guru, poet, scholar, and as one of the main teachers of the Dalai Lama. Nyingma Lama Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche died in 1991. Ten years in the making, this film began in 1989 when translator Matthieu Ricard and Vivian Kurz began taping extensive footage of their teacher.

Shot in rarely filmed Kham, Eastern Tibet, as well as Nepal, Bhutan, India, and France, this film shows the rich and intricate tapestry of the Vajrayana tradition. It is a witness to the strength, wisdom, and depth of this Himalayan culture. Narrated by Richard Gere, music by Philip Glass. Part II

1 comment:

Andrew Hopkins said...

The film has been beautifully presented and would inspire one to similarly meditate in a cave. For the most part, the historical references are correct, however, there are a few unfortunate inaccuracies. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche did not receive nor requested all of the Nyingma terma available from the qualified masters. Therefore, he does not hold all the Nyingma lineage. It is still an enjoyable film, and I would recommend it, as long as you do not rely on it as a complete historical reflection of the time.