Movie Night! Little Buddha

Friday June 19, 7pm

Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, this classic Buddhist film is an international production, filmed in Seattle, Bhutan and Nepal. In the plot line, Lama Norbu comes to Seattle in search of the reincarnation of his dead teacher, Lama Dorje. His search leads him to young Jesse Conrad, Raju, a waif from Kathmandu, and an upper class Indian girl. Together, they journey to Bhutan where the three children must undergo a test to prove which is the true reincarnation. Interspersed with this, is the story of Siddharta, later known as the Buddha. It traces his spiritual journey from ignorance to true enlightenment.

Three Tibetan incarnate lamas have roles in the film. Sogyal Rinpoche appears in the earlier segments in the role of Khenpo Tenzin. The Venerable Khyongla Rato Rinpoche plays the part of the Abbot of the monastery in Bhutan. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche appears near the end of the film, when Lama Norbu is shown meditating overnight. Khyentse Rinpoche also served as a consultant to Bertolucci.

Please enjoy this fascinating film with us. Bring something to eat or drink for our potluck table. Movie Night is free and open to the public. Our space is small, so please arrive on time.