Although the Chinese occupation has never included atrocities such as ethnic cleansing, the attempted cultural eradication of the Tibetan people and their Buddhist religion harkens a gross human rights violation. In the years before the occupation only males were allowed to serve as monks, the spiritual leaders of the Tibetans. Since the 1950's the Chinese militia has attempted to systematically dismantle the religious and social practices of Tibet including burning down monasteries, prosecuting monks and killing thousands of worshippers in the process. In 1990, in an attempt to resurrect Buddhists practices in Tibet, the Kala Rongo monestary was formed and began to admit and incorporate women into mystical fold.
If you’re around Brooklyn next week you might stop by the
Brooklyn Film Festival and check out
Bari Pearlman's new film
Daughters of Wisdom, which highlights the struggles and accomplishments of the female initiates. Shot against the breathtaking landscape of Nanchen, the nuns tell their stories of struggle from the cultural demise of Tibet, through the prejudices within the Buddhist hierarchy. The film also follows the villagers and nomadic families of Nanchen who since the occupation live in abject poverty without running water, proper medical care or an adequate food supply. The film also contains a riveting interview with
Lama Norlha Rinpoche a meditation retreat master and founder of the monestary. He explains why women will play a vital role in the resurrection of the Tibetan people and the Buddhist practice. The film is beautiful, important and poignant so if you’re in town check it out, if not, maybe its time you came for a visit. You can check out dates and showtimes
here.
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posted by Benjamin Crossley-Marra @ 6/01/2007 04:12:00 PM
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