Watch Cave in the Snow

Cave in the Snow is a documentary film released in 2002 that tells the fascinating story of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, a Buddhist nun who spent 12 years in solitary retreat in a cave in the Himalayas. The movie captures the experiences of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, who was one of the few Westerners to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. The documentary is narrated by actress Susan Sarandon and includes interviews with some of the most revered Buddhist leaders of the world, including the Dalai Lama, who reflects on the importance of solitary retreat in the Buddhist tradition.

The movie begins with a brief introduction of Tibet, its culture, and its religion, and goes on to show the remarkable story of how Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo left her home in England at the age of 20 to travel to India to study Buddhism. Frustrated with the limited opportunities available for women in Tibetan monasteries, she decided to take the unusual step of pursuing the path of a solitary retreat in a cave.

The film describes the challenges that Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo faced during her retreat, including the difficult living conditions and the daily struggle to maintain her physical and mental health. We learn about how she managed to develop strong spiritual practices that helped her overcome the obstacles she faced.

Through interviews with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo herself, the film gives an insight into the transformative power of her experience in the cave, and the profound sense of inner peace that she achieved during the retreat. We also see how her cave became a pilgrimage site for many Buddhists who seek her advice and guidance.

The documentary features some beautiful footage of the stunning Himalayan mountain range, as well as shots of the cave where Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo spent 12 years of her life. The film creates a meditative atmosphere, and incorporates music and sound effects which complement the stunning visuals.

One of the notable points of the movie is that it raises important questions about the role of women in the Buddhist tradition. The documentary makes it clear that women in traditional Buddhist societies have limited access to religious study and practice, which can limit their spiritual development.

Cave in the snow was an incredibly moving and inspirational film; it is a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or any person who is seeking inner peace. The buddhistic values espoused by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, particularly her unwavering dedication to her spiritual practices, offer an important lesson on how to live a introspective life, full of meaningful changes. Overall, the movie beautifully captures the remarkable story of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, and the power of the solitary retreat.