This is one of the best and most accurate adaptations of the traditional life of the Buddha I have come across, based firmly on the Theravada traditions.
Of the various Lives I’ve featured here the so-called documentaries done by the BBC and PBS are the weakest; the various movie versions are generally better; but it is the animated films which are the closest to the original story, and manage to get the most information over.
This film was made originally in Thailand and at almost five hours is by far the most detailed and informative of the animated Lives I know, closely following the traditional story as found in the commentaries and later Pali works.
It’s a long watch: The story begins with the Bodhisatta in Heaven and finishes with his parinibbana (with a written coda on the First Council), and takes in most of the major events and characters in the story that has come down to us.
The film is well drawn, well paced, and colourful, and is a mine of information and would bear watching more than one time. Probably the best way to watch it though is to download it first and watch it over a couple of nights.
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I have seen this movie but I wonder when it would be available on Amazon.co.uk with English subtitles or any other seller on the internet. It is a lovely movie. I have lived in Thailand but only for 10 months.
I have now updated with the English language version.
I need subtitle file for this video. Can You Share Download Link For Subtitles in English. Please
Very lovely movie to watch. I’m from Sri Lanka. As the only country which is following theravada buddhism this movie felt so much in my heart. Can you please someone share download link.
Hi Sachinthana, this is a youtube video, you can use any youtube downloader to download the video. If you don’t have one, search for one on google.
This documentary brings me great joy and wisdom. I would ask for permission to download this documentary from youtube or if you could provide a download link in the comments section or here, I would greatly appriciate it. My main concern is that I don’t want to break the precept of stealing. This documentary is not my property. Thank you!
I m from INDIA and Practitioner of Dhamma Liberation Path. I m willing to translate (Dub) this movie in Hindi (Indian Language). I need original Full HD or 4K Print of this movie without vocal (Voice) but must have Music. I’ll be very grateful If the owner of the movie help me with this.
I’m a dedicated Theravada lay follower and this film has touched me deeply. I wanted to share it with my children but unfortunately they don’t speak English but French. So I spent one week translating the entire movie so I could simultaneously interpreted it to my children while they watched it. We spent 10 nights watching the movie 30 minutes per night. My children enjoyed it so much. I think it would be a great gift for French speaking people/ children to be able to benefit from this film. If the producer is interested in producing a French subtitle version, I’ll be more than glad to share the translation text/ subtitle that I have prepared in French. May this sublime and timeless teaching of the Buddha benefit all beings.