Tashi and the Monk
Nestled deep within the foothills of the Himalayas, Jhamtse Gatsai is one of the most extraordinary and inspiring communities you're likely to witness. It's led by Buddhist Monk Lobsang, a renowned spiritual teacher who works to create a reality of love and acceptance for children who have been abused or orphaned. Tashi and the Monk follows that mission as it relates to one of the newest arrivals to his commune - a reluctant five-year old girl who's endured unimaginable neglect and tragedy during her brief life. By the time Tashi enters the community, she has suffered the death of her mother and abandonment by her alcoholic father. The youngest resident, she is ill-tempered and aggressive with many of her adolescent co-habitants.
Lobsang's approach does not rely on professional psychologists, prescription medications or any of the often misguided remedies set forth by modern medicine. He's more interested in building an environment that nourishes the soul. With tremendous patience and a graceful, calming manner, he empowers Tashi and the more than 80 additional children under his counsel to appreciate the gift that is their lives. He infuses them with a generosity of spirit and a shared sense of purpose, and unlocks within them an awareness of their own potential.
Tashi's journey is intercut with scenes of Lobsang as he rallies the support of his teenaged residents to act as mentors to the newcomers, and as he gently declines the pleas of several families who beg for his assistance with their own wayward children. He's operating on limited resources, and he cannot jeopardize the delicate sanctity of the environment he's cultivated. We learn of the struggles he suffered through his own suppressive upbringing, and his initial inspirations for creating the commune after serving under the tutelage of the Dalai Lama.
From the splendid photography of its awe-inspiring natural setting to its appealing musical score, the technical aspects of the film are uniformly impressive. But the beating heart of Tashi and the Monk - and the reason why it will linger with viewers long after its conclusion - is the rare opportunity to see a child find her hope again. It's a touching tribute to the transformative power of compassion.
Monk Lobsang is incredible and I feel inspired by him. My journey shares some parallels - I had an abusive (broken herself) mother and an absent father. The terror and frustration I felt growing up I could see in the young girl.
I ran away at 16, went to medical school developing an overarching coping strategy of avoidance. My life is devoid of community and this pain has led me to addiction.
This documentary was a poignant reminder that all of us need to feel part of a community to thrive.
Many people are asking to help. The Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community has a website that can be found: I'm definitely going to look into it further as well as discover how I can help the children of my own local community. There are so many children in need; the numbers are staggering.
loved it!
If I Had to be reminded that we never give enough to children....I would take this film as a mentor! Thank you so much. Children ARE "LIFE" and must be "LOVE" so love them, all of them. Thank you for them.
Discovering profound themes in the most pleasant way. Thank you
Such a touching documentary. We need more people like Lobsang in this world.
So sweet and true, love it.
beautiful documentary, beautiful story. Lobsang and all the people working there are my role models now.
I would like to contribute in some way. I always wanted to have an orphanage and I feel I can be part of it, by volunteering or donating. Please can I have a direct contact with the Monk?
Such a beautiful film! Thank you for making this film <3
Such a wonderful and inspiring film!
God bless you all...
A wonderful film. Such love can heal the world. I would like to send a gift, a little money, with Love. Please send address. Namaste.
Love to help the Monks community financially to carry the good work. May be visit them some time from Mumbai. Pls send details to send money.
OMG, I believe I’m in love. The very little I have financially I’d love to donate and I’ve never donated or given anything for the sake of someone outside of my family and friends before.
My honest thought, besides it being incredibly touching and admirable what Lobsang has accomplished, is I'd sleep with him given half a chance.
If only everybody watched this video...the world would become a better place.
Best way to help is to model what he has done wherever you are, whenever you see need. Be the change you seek/want to support.
Lots of people asking how they can help. Well, it won't be through stalling tokenism on a documentary message board. Saying you want to help means nothing without action.
You know how you can help.
what a wonderful world...I wish I that I could help in some way with this incredible future for these amazing children and be there with them too....hugs and thank you...
Amazing , just beautiful,
How may I help.
I am speechless, I grow up in a similar situation and I really feel the struggle Buddhist Monk Lobsang to accept and find resources to give and take care off all these children. I really would like to donate, may you please let me know how I should help.
This film is so touching, that it makes me to pack my bags and go out there and help this guy out with these children, and if I only had enough money I'd love to help him to build much broader community, where many more children can live a peaceful life as a whole one family without worrying about the day of tomorrow. At my present time, I live in the UK as an immigrant for so many years, but unfortunately cannot feel like at home, because the majority of UK citizens act very distant and don't find appreciation in whatever foreign citizen would do for them, which is really sad. Unless you are wealthy, you are no one in this country, so honestly with my hand on my heart I'd chose the poverty with happiness over the chaotic country full of unthankfulness... May God bless this wonderful man... Such a wonderful soul... :-)
This is amazing inspiring an makes me happy that there are people that are so giving and kind in the world we need more of them.....
Very inspiring, having grown up a troublemaker myself losing my mother aged 5 (although my situation was still highly blessed and far from being truly disenfranchised) i felt and instant bond with Tashi. Notice how much everyone is touching , as I have observed loving families from the not so loving families throughout my life the close loving families are always touching each other, hugging each other so as humans let’s take time to hug, touch and love our families and friends. Great cinematography and very well put together. Love the ending as she screams her name proudly off the mountainside