Tashi and the Monk

2014, Society  -   95 Comments
8.60
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Ratings: 8.60/10 from 1344 users.

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.

Directed by: Andrew Hinton, Johnny Burke

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95 Comments / User Reviews

  1. Ritesh Tiwari

    God bless you all...

  2. Diane Egby-Edwards

    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.

  3. Jayant Mehta

    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.

  4. Alisha Martin

    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.

  5. Lex Apollo

    My honest thought, besides it being incredibly touching and admirable what Lobsang has accomplished, is I'd sleep with him given half a chance.

    1. Marc

      Your betray your ignorance.

  6. Sky Oakes

    If only everybody watched this video...the world would become a better place.

  7. Euphilia

    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.

  8. Daz

    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.

    1. luhar

      How? Could you elaborate please?

    2. luhar

      Go to jhamtsegatsal.org

  9. jacquelineenns@gmail.com

    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...

  10. kim

    Amazing , just beautiful,
    How may I help.

  11. Claudio

    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.

  12. Ania

    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... :-)

  13. shak

    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.....

  14. John Richardson III

    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

  15. Patti Honeyestewa

    I m in such awe. This film has touched me in such a way that brings me back to my childhood. It really does take a village to raise a child. Tashi is the right place. Appreciate this very emotional documentary. How can I help?

  16. deepak

    one of the best documentaries and really made my day

  17. Rob

    I fell in love with Tashi the moment I noticed her. She is a beautiful, and highly spirited. Thank you for this film.

  18. Robin

    SO well done! I am full of emotion, Lobsang is an inspiration. We need more places like this to help more suffering children in the world.

  19. Joe

    Amazing, especially when the little girl mentioned a ghost consuming her parents. A truly revealing moment of her trying to make sense of abandonment.

  20. Kyle W

    Democratic response: this is beautiful and touching and should be replicated around the world.

    Republican/Conservative response: this doesn't benefit me at all so it's a waste of time.

    1. Ada

      Why bring something so close minded and entangled like politics into something like this?

      Loser.

  21. JOHN MILFORD

    what a brilliant documentary and what an inspirational man x

  22. Simnar

    I cannot keep my eyes dry, so emotional and heartbreaking.

  23. helm hurst

    I cried my eyes out, so much love and care.
    What a wonderful person, what a wonderful film.
    Our world should be full of people like him.
    I wish I could be like him.
    Thank you.

  24. Dusty Manning

    I'd love to visit this school and bring a donation of clothes and money. How to get there?

  25. Victorious Maximus

    I'm sorry, but who the hell is he talking to at the very beginning of the video?... not the kids I hope!!!!!!

    1. Daz

      The part where he says, "This is a community of love and compassion" to all the children who are gathered in front of him?

      Bit of a stab in the dark, but I'm guessing he was talking to all the children who are gathered in front of him.

  26. Hassan

    I couldn't hold tears dropping on my cheek . I hope in my life i can get there and see the greatest teacher i have even seen . and see the children's community especially Tashi . The most beautiful girl . i am fascinated and in love with this place . so inspiring and touchy . i hope people can send money to this remote place . and at the same time will be so amazing for the teacher to start up a goFundme or kickstarter project where he can finance his beautiful community . sending Love and peace from morocco . I am in love with this place . Sending so much pure love . tell your kids I love them all . God Bless You .

  27. Dilip Puri

    Amazing and so heart touching! I'm so much inspired........you know........that I will also open such house for children from my region. This is my promise for those children..........the only thing that GOD give me strength to do this.

  28. JD

    Wow. A real jolt to the emotions. Makes me want to do things better in the work that I do with the Tashis in my life. Thanks for this film.

  29. Hai

    Deeply touched by the people in the movie and so grateful for the makers of this movie....

  30. james

    Just wow! wow!

  31. DustUp

    I am truly confused by those wanting to help/donate and asking this forum of how. How is it that people with internet access to watch this can be that helpless ...or just pretending to yourself to care for a few seconds? So if no one spoon feeds you every last bit of info required you say, "well I tried." Rubbish. At the bottom of the film description is the Directors Andrew Hinton and Johnny Burke of Pilgrim Films found through a simple web search for Pilgrim Films and clicking on the one that wasn't Pilgrim Studios or Media, etc. Within that Pilgrim Films website you can find Andrew Hinton's name. If you contact him or someone at Pilgrim Films, maybe he/they can confirm if this website for Lobsang's children's center is legit or not, also found by doing a simple web search for Lobsang Phuntsok, the name found within the film, beginning I think. The web site has a donate tab but it would seem wise to make sure that it actually goes to them first, instead of some weasel, as the internet makes it easy for some to take advantage via making authentic looking websites and such.

    Hats off to Lobsang and Pilgrim films and SeeUat Videos for making us aware of such love. I also feel blessed having my wonderful parents as long(short) as I did. Too bad I'm not more like them. Certainly not their fault. I can certainly see why Lobsang chose to help children though. With adults, many have ruined their minds by what poison they have chosen to consume ...or forced to consume in govt indoctrination centers called schools.

    Protect and love the children or we are all in deep trouble.

  32. Judith Smalley

    Where can we send money to help? How about a follow-up to this film? What is Tasha doing now?

  33. Azul-Valerie Thome

    She is in all of us that dear and sweet Tashi ...what we do with her is up to us...so very beautiful <3 Thank you!!!

  34. Victor Olivier

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful and moving documentary

  35. Inspirational

    Reminds me of The Children of Huang Shi. The world would be a far better place with more like this monk, Lobsang, and George Hogg giving of their own lives to care for the lost children of others.

  36. lima

    Inspiring...i love the film...i made me think abt the poor and homeless

  37. john

    Can I send money to help?Where to ?

  38. Mohammad Arslan

    What a beautiful film <3

  39. Kimberly Charles

    What an inspiration this "father" to these children has been.
    Awesome documentary!

  40. Chaela

    Beautiful, inspiring, heart embracing. Thank you for all involved.

  41. NITIN

    It's really inspiring . In today's world when people are working hard to kill each other there are people like these who are a ray of hope.....

  42. Deborah Jackman

    breathtaking, gut wrenching, heartwarming. how can one donate to this amazing community!

  43. Jyothirmai

    This is where I find my purpose. Thank you.

  44. Tenzin

    crying here... thank you, I have wasted so much of my life in nonsense stuff and now I see some possibility of good in me through the film. Beautiful to the core! Thank you.

  45. Arif Hussain

    Truly moving and inspiring in the real sense. The laugh of innocence and the beauty of the MAN who started it. It's a beautiful feeling to have witnessed such a pure and loving community. Indeed "THE GARDEN OF LOVE AND COMPASSION".

  46. Shaddai

    Beautiful loving soul. Thanked this man for making such a difference in the lives of these children. Just beautiful

  47. Hannah

    This is very inspiring! Just Pure love and it's so good to see that there's still a lot of good people out there.

  48. Kare

    Compassionate and so uplifting! Made me want to move and help with this big family. Thank you for making this film and showing what true kindness, heartfeltness and compassion- looks like. Blessings!

  49. Jayesh

    Thanks for sharing. Beautiful

  50. Charon

    Thank you for such a beautiful film about the Power of Love and Kindness.
    I would love to see a followup to see what has become of Tashi and the other beautiful children.

  51. Janet

    tickles one's soul to do something good for others, too....beautiful!

  52. Rudolph Rip

    So very lovely and encouraging! The experience reinforces my desire to cultivate further, the quality of Compassion in my own life, as well as with others. There should be many more schools like this one, and teachers who are willing to do the same..! Thank you, Rudy

  53. Ruturaj

    This was beautiful.

    My love to all the children.

  54. amy

    Thank you for allowing me witness such inspiring positivity.

  55. Thomas Kurnas

    After seeing this I am ashamed that I have wasted so very much on foolishness.

  56. armstrong

    Is there a way to send funds to him?
    He needs all support he can get.

  57. Bruce

    Thank you for making this film and reinforcing how love ,kindness and caring is always the answer to so many of our world's troubles. Please let us know how we can help this family.

  58. Marie B.

    Thank you very much for sharing this beautiful documentary.
    I would like to also reach out to donate from socks to books.
    I'm big for charity and this is heartfelt and amazing! Thank you, Thank you xoxo

  59. Shikha

    Really Inspiring...suffering of one person became a blessing to 85 children...

  60. Melissa

    Just stunning.....I want to be there......

  61. jigme

    Thank you very much for the great inspiration!

  62. Jason Davenport

    Be The Change You Want To See In The World...Starts From Within...A Smile...A Hug...A Handshake...We Are Truly Blessed...More Films Like These...Start The Inner Dialog With Yourself...To Make The Change...Thank You For Sharing...Blessings And Positive Energy!

  63. Martes Pace

    What an amazing way to turn one`s life around , is there any way we could help perhaps by donations , so that more children can be helped, as it must be heart breaking, having to refuse others, due to lack of funds and human resources , perhaps even be able to offer voluntary work with these children ?

  64. Daniel McSorley

    A beautiful film about goodness and its real world impact.
    We in the west have a good deal to unlearn ..........

  65. Jorge Filipe

    I've never seen anything alike... this is what love is all about... simply beautiful. Thank you so much.

  66. Lyla HJ

    Beautiful ..is there a way that I can reach them? or to contact!!

  67. Ram Yerram

    Awesome, Heart touching, Inspirational...Thanks

  68. Martina

    This movie made me think about life. Very touching and inspirational. I was almost crying....That man is a hero for me.

  69. Annoula

    Profound and heartwarming in so many ways. He isn't just the hero of these kids, but in return they are saving his inner child and nurturing his soul just as much. What a magical space to call home.

  70. koray sercan kuru

    sometimes giving thing is more pleasureful than taking

  71. zorro the great

    There are people like this in this world and then people like Trump and his dump ass followers who want to built walls of ignorance and make piles of cash while eating GMO food and chemicals

  72. Barry J Ren

    What can I say about this story. Absolutely beautiful. It's simplicity is captivating and turns 40 minutes into a short moment. As soon as it begins. It's gone again. Tashi and the Monk has inspired me to enjoy life that little bit more.

  73. Dan

    I teared up near the end. That man is a great role model for the kids, hell, he is a great role model for all of us.

  74. Bobby

    Inspiring and moving. I want so badly to be more like this great man!!

  75. Jan

    I LOVED this film....this beautiful story. It shows that when you try to help someone else heal, you, yourself, are healed. Karma.

  76. Francisco

    The role of the fantastic healing nature around them, can't be ignored.

  77. James Thomas

    What a wonderful film. Everything about this was touching and beautiful.

  78. oQ

    To help a child through love is to help the future of our planet. Beautiful and inspiring movie.

  79. Ros

    One of the very inspiring, touchy short film i ever watched. It really moves me as I can relate the story of Thashi to my nephew who's presently in rehab., thus, It gives hope.

  80. BV

    I'm still crying. About these kids and there saver. They need money. Please....
    bv

  81. Nicholas

    One day, equity will rule this world and all the children of the world can play, be free, be happy and call their father forever and ever.

  82. Norm DePlume

    Moving, inspiring and beautiful. 9.5/10.

  83. John F.

    As good a film as one can see.

  84. Wendy

    Watching this documentary and seeing that compassion and tenderness are thriving in your community within a world that is still learning about such things, moved me deeply.

  85. Roy

    What an inspiration.

  86. Upali Magedaragamage

    Excellent documentary. Shared with many friends and everyone appreciated.

  87. Martha

    Tashi definitely bloomed where she was fortunate enough to be planted ! Near the end if the film when the 2 were hugging, they looked as if they could fall off of the cliff. I'm sure they weren't as close to the edge as it looked ! Thanks for posting this beautiful film.

  88. Charlotte

    This was a very inspiring movie. It was wonderful to see, gradually, how trust, consistancy, love & a sense of belonging gave this little girl Tashi a playform to be a child again :-). A fantastic initiative this is - the world would be able to "save many souls" if more men like the founder took action.

  89. Lindal

    Thank you for this inspiring film...

    1. Michel Patry

      So inspiring and touching. This brings hope to mankind. Thank You.