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Review
The Yogis of Tibet
There has never been another culture and society quite like the one that existed in Tibet before the Communist takeover of the country in 1950. This extraordinary film was written by Barbara King and produced by Phil and Jo Borack with the cooperation of the monks of the Drikung Kagyu Tradition. In the opening segment, the narrator describes the spiritual dimensions of life in this nation on top of the world. Its first inhabitants were nomads. Due to the harsh elements and the impermanence of life, they turned inward for peace. The Buddhism that developed in Tibet was organized around meditation and other practices and rituals. At one point, there were 6,000 monasteries, and one in every six males was a monk. Life in this country of prayer wheels and prayer flags literally revolved around the practices of the people. The monastery monks not only perfected spiritual disciplines but studied science, philosophy, the arts, and medicine. The filmmakers define a yogi as "an individual who has spent years in isolated retreats practicing secret self-transforming physical and mental exercises, and through these techniques has developed extraordinary control over both mind and body." During the Chinese takeover, one million Tibetans were killed; many of them were yogis. Realizing that their tradition and impact on the future is now limited, some of these mind masters decided to share a few of their secret beliefs and practices with the world. They include H.E. Choje Togden Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, Ven Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche, H.E. Chetsang Rinpoche, and H.H. the Dalai Lama. Several yogis discuss teachings passed down through the generations about meditation, controlling the mind, and rising above the physical plane of existence. How do they differ from monks? Due to the rigors of their one- to three-year retreats in isolation, they are able to work more diligently on training their minds, controlling their bodies, and dealing with negative emotions. In a fascinating scene, a young yogi demonstrates a demanding breathing exercise which takes two years to learn and then must be repeated for two hours every day. Other yogis talk about their paranormal abilities and experience of teachers who achieved amazing feats in their deaths. These accounts are rendered with utmost seriousness so as to avoid ego-centered showmanship. The last section of the film focuses on the spiritual practice of compassion. The Dalai Lama tells about a Tibetan monk imprisoned by the Chinese who felt that the only danger he experienced was when he stopped loving his enemies. American Buddhist teacher Robert Thurman has called Tibetan monks and yogis "supreme artists of life." No wonder they are spreading the dharma all over the world. Yogis are now teaching in the United States, and their mind control techniques and example of inner freedom and peace continue to earn the respect of their students. This inspiring and edifying film allows an even wider audience to appreciate the special spiritual gifts of the yogis of Tibet.
The Yogis of Tibet |
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This is the best film we have seen about Tibet. It tells of the land, the people, the long-hidden, fascinating culture, the religion, history and 20th century holocaust. The camera works is outstanding, the music simply great. But what makes this film superb is an in-depth look at Tibet's spiritual heart and soul, its Yogis. Knowing that their tradition is nearing extinction, and aware of the desperate needs of humankind, the Yogis are coming forth to reveal long guarded secrets. They tell amazing stories of solitary, sometimes decades-long retreats; of spiritual practices, self-purification and supernatural powers; of the blessings of Master Yogis and their lineages. In rare interviews and demonstrations, they share the rigorous yogic training of the mind that has existed in the Himalayas for thousands of years, leading sincere practitioners to Enlightenment. We hope the producers expand their research to include a deeper view of Hindu/Vedanic Yogis as well. Highly recommended for schools, libraries, and spiritual communities.
The Yogis of Tibet |
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Mary Ann and Frederic Brussat |
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Ryan
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Losang Rabgey |
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It is an excellent piece of work which when shared appropriately to the right audience will result in great inspiration and aspiration to one's practice. Should there be another series of the video following this, please let me know.
Regards, |
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The video cassette is extremely well made with great archival and viewing value. It can be a great introduction to the world of Tibetan Buddhist yogi. The documentary has some of the foremost Tibetan yogis of our time speaking on the mystical aspect of Tibetan Buddhism, with some spectacular yogic exercise footage never seen before and not likely to be seen elsewhere again. A very valuable buy for those desiring as close a peek as anyone can get to the ways of the Tibetan Buddhist yogis.
Pema Thinley |
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This is wonderful.
Cheryl Mason |
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Michael Thompson |
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Just arrived, awesome DVD!
Doctor L |
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Fastest selling video in our history!
Jeff Cox |
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