Customer Reviews

Recalling a Buddha: Memories of the Sixteenth Karmapa

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Since most of the prior reviews assume some knowledge of this film's topic, I thought I'd provide some background in my own review, for those that need it (if you don't, skip to the end for my bottom line assessment.)

This is a documentary film about the Sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpei Dorje, within the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. 'Karmapa' is the title for the head of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, one of four main schools. The sixteenth Karmapa lived from 1924 to 1981, and is universally recognized amongst Tibetan Buddhists, and particularly practitioners within the Kagyu school, as one of the most important and influential teachers of the modern age. He played an extraordinary role in the development of Tibetan Buddhism within the West, by traveling to the U.S. at the request of his student, Chogyam Trungpa, and conducting the sacred 'Black Crown' or 'Vajra Crown' ceremony for thousands of people.

In Recalling a Buddha, interviews with those who studied with or knew the Karmapa are entwined with historical commentary, photography, and documentary footage of him to create a complete history of his life and influence on the West. Many of those interviewed are now well-known within Tibetan Buddhism, such as Tenzin Palmo, one of the first western women to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun, and subject of the popular book by Vickie Mackenzie, Cave in the Snow: Tenzin Palmo's Quest for Enlightenment. The interviews cover both individuals' personal reactions to the Karmapa upon interacting with him, and events from his life history, including his exodus from Tibet in 1959.

The most fascinating part of the documentary for me was the footage of the Black Crown ceremony, performed by the sixteenth Karmapa. The Black Crown is a sacred hat and symbol of the Kagyu lineage. According to legend, in a prior lifetime the Karmapa attained one of the highest levels of bodhisattva-hood, and 100,000 dakinis created a crown from the hair on their heads and gave it to him as a gift. On the historical level, the crown is said to be a gift from a Chinese Emporer, who was able to see the field of enlightenment and power residing above the Karmapa's head, and had a physical replica of what he saw created.

The Black Crown ceremony is an empowerment and blessing ceremony consisting of prayer and chanting. The Karmapa places the hat on his head while reciting a mantra and meditating on the Buddha of Compassion, Chenrezig. It is said that anyone witnessing the ceremony has the opportunity to attain the first level of bodhisattvahood within three lifetimes. The sixteenth Karmapa performed this ceremony several times in the United States during his visits for thousands of people, and it is considered to have been a powerful transmission of the dharma in the West. Invaluable footage of one of these occasions is included.

Overall, this film will probably be of most interest to those already somewhat familiar with Tibetan Buddhism, and particularly those interested in the Kagyu lineage. Although anyone interested in the history of Buddhism in America might also want to check it out, because the sixteenth Karmapa (and many of his students) were and are a major influence in the U.S. For those populations, this is a five-star film. But it is not an introduction to Buddhism or anything of that nature, so as long as you know what you're getting, you will appreciate this very much (and may watch that Black Crown ceremony over and over!)

I had some similar thoughts (as some of the older commentators here) after watching the original version that came out a few years ago. This new release however is like day and night from the original one. Not only it has some incredible and never seen footage, the story flows very well. I truly enjoyed watching this movie and will watch it again many times in the future for inspiration and to feel just a bit closer to this magnificent being that he was.

This is a wonderful documentary that gives us the rare opportunity to see and hear not only the XVI Karmapa but also many great Tibetan masters. Thank you.

I just got the new version of Recalling a Buddha which is a magnificent presentation of the life of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa.
This is a wonderful production filled with amazing photographs and interviews of eminent meditation masters from across the Tibetan pantheon.
It is a beautifully presented story of an incredible and inspiring person.
People of all religious traditions will find something to celebrate in this inspiring video.

I was very anxious to view this DVD, having had the great fortune to take refuge with His Holiness, the Sixteenth Karmapa. However, my viewing was marred by problems with the audio on the DVD: in several places, there was no sound during voice-overs and interviews. I am ordering a replacement, but I am wondering if anyone else experienced this problem or if it was simply a problem with the copy I purchased.

When I came across this film, I had little to no understand of the practice of Buddhism in the Americas, let alone any knowledge of Karmapa XVI. This candid production features interviews of some the people who were closest to Karmapa throughout his life and even up to the moments preceding his transcendance.

It's remarkable to hear the stories of those who followed, supported and learned from Karmapa on a daily basis. Each person interviewed reflects so graciously and openly on the film maker's open ended questions. I felt as they spoke, seeing the expressions on their faces and the depth of their eyes, it was almost as if they were in Karmapa's presence again as they relived those moments in this colorful, informative and touching story. Clearly this peaceful, funny, enlightened man has had a tremendous and lasting effect on many, many lives.

The photographs and video collections are priceless - I also felt the music and narration were perfectly suited to the subject.

I recommend this film to anyone interested in learning more about the spread of Buddhism in America and certainly to anyone who was living at the time when Karmapa was traveling Europe and the states. Also to those who are studying Buddhism in school or in a spiritual group. We're planning a group screening for our Sanga. Enjoy it!

Namaste'

Steven Woodruff

Wonderful documents on one of the greatest budhist master of the last century.

I met him in France in 1977 and it's still one of the greatest spiritual experience of my life

many had spontaneous awakening experiences just being in his presence or witnessing the Black Crown Ceremony

just watching this dvd is already a blessing

loving kindness to all

Denis

An amazing and thorough biography of a contemporary buddhist saint. To watch this movie is to experience a bit of the special presence of this special being.

The provocative, insightful interviews from numerous Rinpoches and live footage of the 16th Karmapa are perfectly blended in this DVD to awaken a real experience of devotion and transmission within the Kagyu lineage. I've watched it alone, with buddhist friends, and with non-buddhist friends and its been a big hit each time! Highly recommended!

I tend to shy away from "spiritual" movies, fearful that they will be syrupy. I was delighted to find that this documentary was not. It's full of personal accounts of the 16th Karmapa, with engaging detail, photographs and, to me, some really powerful moments. I especially enjoyed accounts from Tenzin Palmo and Ponlop Rinpoche, and the video of the black hat ceremony. I think the movie would be particularly appropriate to anyone who has a connection with or curiousity about the Karmapa.