This is a very interesting documentary set in Thailand at Wat Bowonniwet and Wat Pa Nanachat where they interview the monks about their lifestyles and their thoughts on being Western monks in Thai culture.
However, it takes on extra significance given the fact that the film was made in 1979 and we see some very famous monks near the beginning of their career, including Ajahn Brahm, Ajahn Amaro and Ajahn Jayasaro.
The film maker, from RTV in Eire, first met some western monks in Bangkok at Wat Bowonniwet where he is told that there is a monastery full of Western monks in the North-East, and is intrigued enough to go and see for himself.
Along the way he interviews the then Abbot Ajahn Pabhakaro (who later disrobed, but still occasionally teaches meditation), a young Ajahn Brahm (around five Rains), and back in Bangkok is a white robed Shaun, who was to become Ajahn Jayasaro.
The film is quite good, letting the monks explain things themselves for the most part, and is only marred towards the end when then interviewer professes his faith in Jesus, and when his ideas are contradicted by Shaun, he brings both the interview and the film to a sudden close.
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I wouldn’t have believed there ever was such splendid young men, if I hadn’t seen it here. _()_
….very interesting, albeit short, film…..it would be interesting to compare it to living there today and see the differences…..thanks for the opportunity to see it…..b.
Wonderful documentaries, thank you for making these so available, an absolute treasure trove of modern Buddhist history.
Where other shipwrecked souls would ordain and disappear into a monastery and meditate for the rest of their lives, Dhammaloka was different.
This is a true gem of a film, along with “The Buddha Comes To Sussex” and “The Mindful Way”, (all available on YouTube).
For those of us who have been blessed to encounter the Buddha Dhamma in this life and to have been taught by those in the Thai Forest Tradition these films are so inspiring, so uplifting, and such good material for contemplation.
We see a more quiet and reticent Ajahn Brahm, a young and still learning Ajahn Jayasaro, a sweetly smiling and engaging Ajahn Amaro, and the slightly older Ajahn Pabhakaro who was an inspiration for these young men.
They are all now true powerhouses of Dhamma teaching, loved and respected by millions…..but once they were young and searching too….and that is so good to see.