ChariotVideos.com; BuddhaFest.org; Wisdom Quarterly
(Victress108) "Can these age old teachings help us find genuine happiness and save the planet as well?" This is a timely look at the impact Tibetan Buddhism is having on western society. It is a comprehensive exploration and collaboration between East and West. See film below.
An ancient Tibetan prophecy states that "When the iron bird flies, the Dharma will reach the West."
Western Theravada nun Ayya Khema explores this through meditation, particularly reviving the Buddha's teachings on fruitful "right concentration" through the absorptions (jhanas).
Western Vajrayana allies have gone further to explore the arrival of the Dharma by going on KICKSTARTER and raising funds to make a pivotal feature film. About 480 backers pledged $32,000 taking the project over its goal.
There have been other Westerners -- such as the French Tibetan Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard and the American Tibetan Buddhist monk, professor, and father of actress Uma Thurman, Robert Thurman -- who have worked closely with the current Dalai Lama to translate the teachings and make them more accessible to European and American audiences.
This is the first feature-length documentary to take a comprehensive look at the impact Tibetan Buddhism (a variety of Mahayana called Lamaism, Tantrayana, or Vajrayana) is having on Western culture.
The film presents a vivid portrait of the world of Tibetan Buddhism as it is manifesting in the West -- from the personal experiences and insights of teachers and practitioners to the wide ranging dialogues taking place between the Buddha's Dharma and the worlds of science, psychology, and the arts.
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| The film's directors at work with final editing |
Western Theravada nun Ayya Khema explores this through meditation, particularly reviving the Buddha's teachings on fruitful "right concentration" through the absorptions (jhanas).
Western Vajrayana allies have gone further to explore the arrival of the Dharma by going on KICKSTARTER and raising funds to make a pivotal feature film. About 480 backers pledged $32,000 taking the project over its goal.
There have been other Westerners -- such as the French Tibetan Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard and the American Tibetan Buddhist monk, professor, and father of actress Uma Thurman, Robert Thurman -- who have worked closely with the current Dalai Lama to translate the teachings and make them more accessible to European and American audiences.
Funding and making the movie from inspiration to realization
Tibetan Buddhism Arrives in the West
This is the first feature-length documentary to take a comprehensive look at the impact Tibetan Buddhism (a variety of Mahayana called Lamaism, Tantrayana, or Vajrayana) is having on Western culture.  |
| 14th Dalai Lama (Reuters) |
The filmmakers began shooting in April of 2009. It was a huge undertaking that has come to its thrilling final phase of editing. They hope all Buddhists in the West will feel inspired to contribute, spread the word, or simply take time to learn about this important project. More
When the Iron Bird Flies
