The Phuktal monastery in Zanskar is one of the most remote monasteries on earth, high up in the Himalayan mountains, and a long way from any lay homes.
This film by Marianne Chaud, who has made a number of really great films based in the Himalayas, looks at the life of Kenrap, a reincarnated lama.
Kenrap is just 8 years old, and he entered the monastery three years earlier, after remembering his previous life as an unnamed 68-year old monk who had died some time before his birth.
His learning abilities outshine those of his contemparies, and he is clearly able to think for himself, and explain his actions in moral terms, and although he is still only a child, the seeds of greatness seem to lie within him.
I have shown a number of films about the Phuktal monastery before. This one has interviews with the monastics, and follows them on their sometimes dangerous journey as they go visit the local settlements for the once in a year blessing.
if the video does not appear on the page, please first try reloading the page, and if that doesn’t work, leave a comment so I can update the page (the comment is not published)
to see an album of stills click here