Nestled deep in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jhamtse Gatsai is one of the most remarkable and inspiring communities you are likely to see. It is led by Buddhist monk Lausanne, a renowned spiritual teacher who works to create a loving and accepting reality for abused or orphaned children. Tashi and Monk take on this mission because it concerns a newcomer to his community – a wayward five-year-old girl who suffered unimaginable neglect and tragedy in her short life. By the time Tashi entered the community, she had already suffered the death of her mother and the abandonment of her alcoholic father. As the youngest resident, she was grumpy and aggressive with many of her adolescent roommates.
Lausanne’s approach does not rely on professional psychologists, prescription drugs, or any oft-misguided remedies suggested by modern medicine. He is more interested in creating an environment that nourishes the soul. With great patience and a gracious, soothing demeanor, he enabled Tashi and the 80-odd other children in his custody to appreciate the gifts in their lives. He instilled in them a sense of generosity and a shared purpose, making them realize their potential.
Tashi’s journey is peppered with scenes from Lausanne, as he gathers support from teenage residents, acts as a mentor to newcomers, and how he gently rejects several families’ pleas for him to help care for their own wayward children. Working with limited resources, he cannot compromise the delicate sanctity of the environment he fosters. We learn about his struggles from his own oppressed upbringing and his initial inspiration for starting the commune after serving under the guidance of the Dalai Lama.
From the gorgeous cinematography of the stunning natural environments to the riveting soundtrack, the film’s technical aspects are impressive throughout. But the beating heart of Tashi and the Monk—and why it will resonate with viewers long after it’s over—is a rare opportunity to see a child find hope again. It’s a moving tribute to the transformative power of compassion.
Directed by: Andrew Hinton, Johnny Burke
