This documentary is about a young monk’s search for the reincarnation of his master, Geshe Lama Konchong. I have been especially fascinated with this very specific Buddhist tradition ever since watching the Scorsese film “Kundun” in the late 90’s. If you haven’t seen it, I would encourage you to watch it. It has a score by Philip Glass too.

Back to this documentary. It was humbling to watch the journey of this young monk who basically searched an entire region for this child with almost nothing to go on, and actually found him. I don’t think it matters whether you believe in reincarnation or not or if some might try to nitpick details about how the child chose the right objects during the test. It is a picture of real people with real emotions, engaging in their own traditions that have gone on for generations with or without scrutiny from non-believers.

If you can’t find this movie at blockbuster, try renting it on Amazon video.