Abstract:

"This is some of the most impressive footage we have seen. Filmed in the mid-sixties in India, Sikkim and Bhutan by Arnaud Desjardins in consultation with Sonam Topgey Kazi, the senior interpreter to the Dalai Lama at that time. There are many of the older renowed masters shown here: H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, H.H.Gyalwa Karmapa, H.H. Sakya Trizin, Dugpa Dukse Rinpoche, Chatral Rimpoche, the yogis Abo Rinpoche and Lopon Sonam Zangpo, H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche and H.E. Shamar Rinpoche as young tulkus, as well as many other eminent masters! Each film is full of wonderful images of these lamas and monks performing rituals and meditations. There are scenes of yogis performing preparatory meditation exercises that are quite unusual. "These portraits of the legendary Tibetan masters are not simply a unique historical record, not only a stunning and moving inspiration for now and for the future, but an extraordinary testimony, a treasure. I believe that it was not by chance that Arnaud Desjardins made his films."-Sogyal Rinpoche."