Watch Crazy Wisdom

Crazy Wisdom is a 2011 documentary film directed by Johanna Demetrakas about the life and work of the Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The film features interviews with Trungpa's students and friends, including Allen Ginsberg and Robert Thurman, as well as archival footage of Trungpa himself. Trungpa Rinpoche was born in Tibet in 1939 and was recognized as the eleventh Trungpa Tulku at a young age. He escaped from Tibet in 1959 and eventually settled in the United States, where he founded the Shambhala Training program and the Naropa Institute (which later became Naropa University).

The film explores Trungpa's unconventional teaching style, which often involved the use of shock tactics and the breaking down of students' preconceptions. It also delves into his controversial personal life, including his alcoholism and his relationships with students.

Despite Trungpa's flaws, many of his students speak of him with reverence and gratitude, citing the profound impact he had on their lives. Ginsberg, who was one of Trungpa's closest friends and collaborators, describes him as a "radioactive comet" who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Robert Thurman, a professor of Buddhist studies at Columbia University and one of Trungpa's earliest students, offers insightful commentary throughout the film. He discusses the importance of Trungpa's teachings in the context of Western society, and the challenges that arise when trying to communicate Buddhist philosophy in a language and culture that are not traditionally Buddhist.

The film also includes interviews with Trungpa's wives and children, who provide a more personal perspective on his life and legacy. They speak candidly about the difficulties they faced living with a man who was always teaching and always seeking to push his boundaries.

Throughout the film, we see archival footage of Trungpa speaking to large crowds of students, as well as clips from his wedding to Diana Mukpo (who would later become his second wife). Demetrakas does an excellent job of presenting a well-rounded portrait of Trungpa, warts and all.

One of the recurring themes in the film is the tension between Trungpa's traditional Tibetan upbringing and his desire to bring Buddhism to the West. He was often criticized by other Tibetan Buddhist teachers for his unorthodox methods, and some of his own students struggled to reconcile his teachings with their own cultural backgrounds.

Ultimately, though, the film suggests that Trungpa's legacy is a positive one, and that his teachings continue to resonate with people around the world. Crazy Wisdom is a fascinating look at a complex and controversial figure, and it offers valuable insights into the intersection of Tibetan Buddhism and American culture.

Crazy Wisdom is a 2015 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.