Watch Yangsi

Yangsi is a captivating documentary that tells the story of a young Tibetan boy who is discovered to be the reincarnation of a beloved Buddhist master. The film follows Yangsi Rinpoche as he navigates his new life as a spiritual leader, while also providing an intimate look at the Tibetan Buddhist culture. The film begins by introducing us to Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, a young boy who is recognized by a group of Tibetan monks as the reincarnation of the revered Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Dilgo Khyentse was a highly respected Tibetan Buddhist master who passed away in 1991, and his followers believe that Yangsi Rinpoche carries on his spiritual legacy.

We watch as Yangsi is taken away from his family and brought to a monastery to receive his education and training as a Buddhist leader. We see him engaging in daily rituals and practices, and we hear from his teachers and fellow monks about the challenges and joys of guiding a young boy with such a heavy responsibility.

Throughout the film, we also learn about the history and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The filmmakers use beautiful footage of temples, landscapes, and daily life in Tibet to give viewers a sense of the culture and way of life that Yangsi is being trained to lead.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the way it presents the contrast between Yangsi's spiritual life and his personal desires and struggles. We see him playing soccer with his fellow monks and dreaming of going to America, while at the same time he is expected to meditate for hours each day and to embody the teachings of his spiritual lineage.

The film is also noteworthy for the access it provides to some of the most respected leaders in Tibetan Buddhism. We hear from Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, a close friend and teacher of Dilgo Khyentse, who helps guide Yangsi in his new role. We also learn about Dilgo Khyentse's life and legacy from his longtime student Matthieu Ricard, as well as from other prominent figures in the Tibetan Buddhist world.

Overall, Yangsi is a fascinating documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the world of Tibetan Buddhism and the challenges faced by those who are chosen to carry on the spiritual traditions of their predecessors. The film is beautifully shot and expertly edited, and its subject matter is both engaging and thought-provoking. Anyone with an interest in Buddhism or Tibetan culture will find this film to be a rewarding experience.

Yangsi is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.