This is a very moving film about the relationship between an abandoned Rinpoche and his Uncle, or Godfather, who believes in him, and supports him. The film was made over 8 years, from before Padma Angdu was recognised as a Rinpoche, until the two of them reach the Tibetan border, which they are unable to cross.
It seems at one point that the Rinpoche, despite being a recognised and installed Rinpoche was expelled from his original monastery, though why is never properly explained: “his disciples didn’t come for him,” seems to be an excuse.
The pair of them eventually undertake a journey through India to Sikkim and the Tibetan border, where rinpoche is at least able to blow his conch shell in the hope his disciples from previous lives will hear it and come for him. The real heart of the film is the relationship between his devoted, even if uneducated, Uncle and the little boy as he is growing up. Rarely have I been so moved as I was by this film.
I think anyone who watches it will be asking: whatever became of Rinpcohe, and I did make various searches to try and find out myself, but all in vain. There was just a 2021 Facebook update from the producers saying he was trying to organise his sister’s education, but nothing more on his actual fate as a Rinpoche.
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A moving & touching story, it is a journey of trust, devotion, hardship & bonding. Accept what come may. Wishing them both Happy & Peace be with them. With Metta.
Dear Anandajoti,
On the Facebook page dedicated to this documentary (https://www.facebook.com/BecomingWhoIWas/), a comment by Yu Kyung Kim on the latest post includes a link to a forum run by a supporting group in Korea: https://m.cafe.daum.net/gngo0077/REc4?boardType=. This group has been supporting Rinpoche and his godfather since 2018, following the documentary’s release in 2017. Numerous photos and videos have been posted regularly from 2018 to the present day.
Additionally, in the comments section below the YouTube video, @ladakh3451—a student from Sakti in Ladakh who was Rinpoche’s schoolmate—has shared recent updates.
Rinpoche’s birth name is Padma Angdu, and he was given the name Tulku Gyurme Ngedon Wangbo. – https://m.cafe.daum.net/gngo0077/REc4/140 – Currently, Rinpoche is studying at Dorje Drak Monastery in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India (https://www.facebook.com/dorjedrakjangter/ & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorje_Drak ).
Thank you so much for this information
I have just watched it in YouTube and I was crying unpredictably. I am so grateful finally found your current info about Rinpoche! Do you think you can share that to the YouTube group too as well? So lovely to see him grown up and happy!! ❤️🙏😇🪷🌟
Such a wonderful film, thank you so much for posting it. I found it to be very thought-provoking, actually on many different levels. I also have tried to find out any recent news, but without much success beyond what you have written.
What happens to them now in 2026 ? I’m wishing them well.