This is a short film in the Unusual Choices series about the Tibetan tradition English nun Ani Chudrun, who now lives an ascetic life near a forest in Sussex, England.
Previously a successful presenter on Top Gear, a BBC TV program about cars and driving, she gave it up after a trip to Kathmandu, where she first saw a famous, and very haunting, photo of the Karmapa as a young boy.
She decided to go and ask him the right questions, and although we don’t learn what they were, we do see that she got the right answers, because not much later she took ordination in the tradition.
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Thank you for this documentary about Ani Chudrun. I practise Tibetan buddhism, and am a retired CBC radio producer in Canada. In 1972-73 in Rumtek, at the 16th Karmapa’s monastery I met Ani Palo, a renowned British nun of whom you’re likely aware. Since then I’ve been intrigued by western women who have taken robes. In the greater picture there’s nothing unusual about being drawn to a spiritual path. In the more personal view I’m curious to know more about how and why that happened, and the effect that decision has had – so I appreciate this insight into the life of Ani Chudrun.
Best regards,
Helen
Thanks so much for this – saw it ages ago but great to revisit.
The film of Ani Chudrun is not downloadable. Please help.
Thank you. VP
The video can be downloaded from this page: http://vimeo.com/37114392
*sigh*-Quite envious in a good way! I have considered a ‘monastic’ life from around the age of 21 but then life, love and children happened. I love my family but at this point in my life, even a year of living as a dedicated buddhist nun would be a great gift to myself. Maybe later, after the kids are self sufficient, just for a year!
To Detong Lhamo, Recently, our Buddhist center was visited by Ven. Yangsi Rinpoche, the Director of the FPMT Maitripa College in Portland, Oregon. I was surprised (and a bit gratified) to hear him state that a Buddhist in a big city or family life, practicing as much as possible, both in and out of meditation, reaps way more good karma than a monk (or nun) living in isolation. (I don’t remember “how much”.) So, you, a future Buddha, are taking care of 2 (or more) future Buddhists to the best of your ability. (I include your husband there, since as a husband and father, I know how much mothers do.) That’s very good Buddhist practice right there. Good luck, Paul S.
Thank you for this. I’m an ADD baby who finds it difficult to remain focused on the Dhamma (because I find it difficult to remain focused on anything) while living in the worldlings’ world. Ani Chudrun’s closing lines inspired me to re-shave my head, take out all my body jewelry, and strive to maintain my focus better from here on out.
You’re making much merit with this website, friend. 🙂
I began considering the view of many lives, than a single life:view, about 15 years ago. I like that ven Chudrun points to the vast change in perspective it makes to one’s interpretation of life. If one researches this point at length. It seems to have scientific rational, and realistic evidence. Though considered, I suspect, not a commonly followed worldview I have seen in my little British life. Although I can’t confirm that cosmological view to be entirely correct, people i know who profess it seem entirely convinced and seem to have no motive for falsehood. And, bizarrely, I noticed as I considered that view, I felt a shift in existential angst that there was only this one life. Ven Chudruns emotive point about experiencing the death of her mother, is I think, similar to something we all have to come to face, whether ourselves or relatives. and Tibetan literature seems to describe our general lack or denial of recognising its reality that causes confusion. That said, others cope really well and realistically with bereavement, regardless of any view at all.
It was a hugely intriguing point. Thanks
I used to be indecisive, but now I’m not so sure – about conflicting worldviews. that’s a joke! Kissogatami sutra seems to make sense. Grief and loss can really mess with people’s minds.
It put a fine point on something I’ve been considering for a long time Thanks for tolerating my probably , slightly confused comment et al. Merci, metta beaucoup.