San 1

Catherine San
Unit 1: Religion and Philosophy
Mrs. Hope and Mrs. Philosophy
November 2015
Kundun Movie
The Dalai Lama is believed to be a manifestation of the original Buddha. He is the
political and spiritual leader of Tibet and protector of her people. Kundun focuses on the life
story of the 14th and current Dalai Lama. The name means Ocean of Wisdom. Another name
for the holy monk is Kundun, meaning The Presence. The film begins with a Buddhist
family, living at the border of China and Tibet. Throughout the movie, it is discovered that the
main character, a young boy named Lhamo, is indeed the 14th Dalai Lama.
Kundun is clearly influenced by the Buddhist belief of reincarnation. Lhamo Dondrub,
the 14th and current Dalai Lama, was discovered at the age of two. Although he was young, he
was taken with great seriousness because it was believed his mind and soul had existed long
before. Lhamos mentors told him, You have chosen to come back to this life once more. You
will stay as long as you can, and then you will come again. You will be born again and again as
long as all life continues. This depicts the idea of reincarnation as a lifelong cycle. The Dalai
Lama shall live on forever. When Lhamo was born at dawn, crows had surrounded the home,
much like they had for the preceding incarnate. This signified that he was destined to have a
spiritual bond with the Buddha. Most impressively, when Lhamo was able to recognize items
that had belonged to him in past lives. It became clear that Lhamo was born to be Tibets leader.
As the movie continues, Lhamo matures and discovers who the Dalai Lama truly is.
Buddhism was a prominent part within Lhamos life. The religion influenced and reflected every

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aspect of his journey. The Buddhas compassionate and peaceful demeanor is conveyed through
Lhamos empathy towards all life. A fellow monk tells him, You are here to love all living
things. Just love them, care for them, have compassion for them. As long as any living thing
draws breath, wherever he shall be, there in compassion shall the Buddha appear. Lhamo begins
to embody this through his compassion for life and all things living. Instances in which this
occurs is when he buys animals so they will not die and feeds smaller fish before bigger fish.
Continually throughout the film, Lhamos empathy for living things are revealed.
Kundun portrays Buddhism as a peaceful and understanding religion. The film expresses
the feeling of tranquility through meditation and prayer. Major takeaways of Buddhism are those
of rebirth, kindness, and the theme of peace and harmony. Tibetans have practiced non-violence
for thousands of years because the Dalai Lama does not believe in war. Buddhism teaches its
followers to become as peaceful and enlightened as they possibly can. Followers should aim to
become caring and compassionate towards all. The highest goal of Buddhism is to learn the
Buddhas way of life and attain wisdom and enlightenment.
In conclusion, Kundun is an insightful film, which allows viewers to witness the philosophies of
Buddhism. The film depicts the religion in a positive way and teaches the audience of important
Buddhist concepts. The ideology includes beliefs of reincarnation, empathy, and peace.
Buddhism is one of the most understanding and loving religions. Overall, the Dalai Lama, his
monks, and his followers truly exhibit loving, hospitable, and peaceful behaviors.