The film itself was a very well developed examination of the experiences of several Western tulkus and the paths they have taken since being recognized as reincarntions of Buddhist masters. Several of the tulkus featured in this film have continued to study in monastery settings, while some have chosen to ‘be of the world’. Watching, made me think of how much responsibility has been put on “these chosen ones” and I developed a case of judging mind towards the unfairness of being plucked from your family and plopped into India to be a participant in something that you really might not have any interest in. Eat your peas and study your sutras and you’ll grow big and strong!

Then I thought of how this structure is no different than that of Western society in that it’s an amalgamation of teacher and parent manifesting in both the spiritual master and monastery that the tulku’s are placed. That being said, I was particularly struck by one tulku’s recount of the monasteries being filled with petty jealousy, sexual abuse and other nefarious activities that we don’t usually associate with monastic life and Buddhist behaviour. A quote by Gesar in response to this particularly rang true when he said in response “”There’s a difference between Buddhism and Buddhists.”

I highly encourage you to check out this film as Gesar and his team did a great job in presenting a snapshot of a group of people who are presently in the right place at the right lifetime.

The film can be seen at select showings or purchased from the National Film Board. Visit the film’s website or Facebook page for more information. If you’re on Twitter, you can also check out the chat session by searching the hashtage #tulku or you can follow Gesar’s twitter name @chewyguru

Coincidentally after watching the film “Tulku” a few days ago, I’m beyond excited to hear that it will be shown this Thursday on the CBC as part of their series “The Passionate Eye and to go even one step further, there will be a live tweeting event with director Gesar Mukpo during the broadcast.

Throughout the broadcast, viewers can direct their questions to @chewyguru and use the hashtag #tulku to follow the conversation. If you’re not on twitter, have no fear, you can follow the conversation on the CBC’s website as they’ll be streaming the discussion via widget on their Tulku page.

Check out the trailer here:

As mentioned on the NFB’s website:

Tulku is a documentary film about young people caught between the modern culture they were born into and the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture from which they were reborn. They are Western tulkus ‐ all of them recognized when they were children as reincarnations of great Tibetan Buddhist masters. Filmmaker Gesar Mukpo is one of them. In this film, he sets out to meet others like him ‐ young people struggling between modern and ancient, East and West.

Once I get my hands on a copy, I’ll be sure to provide a review on this blog. I’m really looking forward to seeing this film.

The National Film Board website has posted a series of clips from Gesar Mukpo’s film “Tulku: The Movie” which serve to get me all the more stoked to see this film. We’re all anticipating its release and details of how the DVD can be purchsed and once I hear anything, I’ll be sure to post news via this blog.

You can also follow news and discuss the film via the Facebook group.

For those who missed the trailer for this film, here you go -