POV Season 25 Episode 1 My Reincarnation

POV is a documentary series that focuses on non-fiction storytelling. In the season 25 premiere, the episode titled "My Reincarnation" takes an intimate look at the lives of a Tibetan Buddhist master and his son over the course of 20 years.

The episode follows the story of Khyentse Yeshe, a highly respected Tibetan Buddhist leader, who begins the search for his reincarnated spiritual master, Khyentse Rinpoche. Throughout the search, Khyentse Yeshe gains a new understanding of his role as a teacher and his relationship with his own father, who he has a complicated relationship with.

As the search continues, Khyentse Yeshe's son, Yeshi, begins to show signs of being the reincarnated Khyentse Rinpoche. However, Yeshi, who is living in Italy, is hesitant to take on the role of spiritual master and assumes the identity of a regular citizen. The episode then explores Yeshi's struggle to reconcile his traditional Tibetan upbringing with his modern Italian life.

Throughout the documentary, viewers witness the evolution of the father-son relationship between Khyentse Yeshe and Yeshi. They also get a glimpse into the complexities of Tibetan spirituality and culture, as well as the challenges of bridging the gap between Eastern and Western ways of life.

The episode is directed by Jennifer Fox, who uses a mix of footage from over two decades to show the progression of the story. The film is also interspersed with interviews and commentary from experts in Tibetan Buddhism, shedding light on its significance and practices.

"My Reincarnation" ultimately explores themes of family, tradition, and personal identity through the lens of Tibetan spirituality. The documentary provides a unique perspective on the search for reincarnation and the legacy of Khyentse Rinpoche, as well as the challenges and opportunities that come with spiritual leadership.