Luminous Wisdom

Tibetan Documentary Re-released

Twenty years after it's original release, Tibet: A Buddhist Trilogy is being given a very brief showing in New York, California and Washington. When this documentary was first filmed, the Dalai Lama was relatively unknown and Tibet still retained much of it's native character.

Four years in the making, this film was hailed as a cinematic masterpiece following its release in 1979. Unseen for over 20 years, this new release has been digitally re-mastered with new material and a new commentary. Part 1 of the film is an intimate portrait of the Dalai Lama as a spiritual and temporal leader. Part 2 journeys deep into the mystical inner world of monastic life and presents an authentic revelation of tantric Buddhism, with commentaries by the great 20th century master Dudjom Rinpoche. Part 3, photographed in the awesome landscapes of Ladakh, is a meditation on impermanence and the depiction of the monastery’s moving ritual response to a death in the community.

PLAYING FOR ONE WEEK ONLY!
New York, Quad Cinema, Opening March 31st

Los Angeles, Westside Pavilion, Opening April 7th

San Francisco, Opera Plaza, Opening April 7th

Berkeley, Shattuck, Opening April 7th

San Diego, Hillcrest, Opening April 7th

Seattle, Varsity, Opening April 14th

I hope you get a chance to see the film His Holiness the Dalai Lama called "One of the very highly accomplished films to be made about our culture."

Thanks to Spiritual University of Earth.

tags technorati : Tibetan-Trilogy Tibet documentary film Dalai-Lama

Milarepa Movie

Milarepa, Tibet's great yogi saint and mystic, lived at the end of the eleventh century. Born into an affluent family, their estate was stolen by an ambitious uncle after his father passed away. For years he, his mother and sister endured virtual slavery. With revenge in his heart, Milarepa trained in the arts of black magic and assassinated his uncle’s family and friends.

Almost immediately Milarepa felt great remorse for his brutal actions. He sought out a spiritual teacher named Marpa who finally agreed to accept him as a disciple. Milarepa endured many physical hardships and mental challenges designed to purify his negative karma. Ultimately, after a series of strict cave retreats, Milarepa attained spiritual enlightenment. Disciples flocked to him requesting teachings. Milarepa became a great teacher, a master at sharing his wisdom and insights, renowned for his unusual methods and ascetic lifestyle.

Now the story of his life is being told in a new film by Neten Chokling Rinpoche. You can view the Milarepa movie trailer here. If your internet connection is slow, you can at least check out the movie stills here.

The producers of "Milarepa" are the same ones who brought us "The Cup" and "Travelers and Magicians." I hope it won't be long before we get to see this extraordinary film.

Thank you Attila at Tantra Blog and Bodhiwater at Ambhoja (for the original heads-up!)

tags technorati : Milarepa Movie Film Yogi Saint Tibet Buddhism