Akong Rinpoche founded the first Tibetan monastic complex in the West in 1967 together with Chogyam Trungpa – at Samye Ling in Scotland. Akong was also the first Tibetan lama who visited and founded centres in Africa. He was teasingly known as ‘the African lama’.
The production Akong – a Remarkable Life is, above all else, a film about compassion. Almost three and a half years since Akong’s senseless murder in Chengdu, China, his message of compassion-in-action needs to be heard more than ever.
It charts an important period of history
Against a backdrop of stunning Himalayan photography, the film charts his perilous escape from Chinese-invaded Tibet in 1959; to becoming a refugee, first in India, then in the UK. The film features his incredible life’s work, centred on the establishment and development of Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Scotland and of the many Buddhist Meditation Centres in Europe and Africa that have emanated from it.
It charts an important period of history, from the political occupation in Tibet to social revolution in the West. It holds a spotlight to the many inspirational qualities that Akong Rinpoche embodied and the vast achievements beyond Samye Ling for which he was responsible, including his teaching, charity work, pioneering Tara Rokpa Therapy and the establishment of ROKPA International.
‘Only the impossible is worth doing’
Akong: A Remarkable Life is a story told by people who knew him best. The sheer diversity of participants demonstrates the way that Akong’s embodiment of spiritual truth resonated through many walks of life and radiated in manifold directions. Among many others featured in the film are the Indian actor Kabir Bedi; writer Mick Brown; and politician Lord David Steele. It includes unseen footage of Akong Rinpoche himself and features appearances by great living Tibetan Masters, such as His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, OgyenTrinley Dorje, the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche, the 12th Tai Situpa, as well as other influential teachers in the West such as Akong Rinpoche’s brother, Lama Yeshe, Ringu Tulku and Chime Rinpoche.
A call to action
The life of Akong Rinpoche – together with this beautiful film documenting that life – is a clear, kind call to action. It is an encouragement to everyone to engage in compassionate action in the world, wherever help is needed, in whatever capacity circumstances require and in whatever ways are suited to the unique qualities of the giver, something Akong was able to recognise and nurture in people so insightfully.
The film is directed by Chico Dall’Inha, with producer Jorg Wagner, cinematographer
Gerry McCulloch and executive producer Vin Harris (2017).
The Labia screening will be introduced by Gelong Thubten, Akong’s personal attendant. The screening is co-hosted by ROKPA Circle of Nourishment charity in Cape Town, which provides social relief to vulnerable mothers in partnership with Mowbray Maternity Hospital. Please bring something for their ‘stork bundles’ – a baby blanket, beanie, clothing, any baby needs.
Akong Rinpoche was the patron of Exploring Consciousness for many years, always encouraging a wide open approach to all spiritual paths. All proceeds to the Akong Memorial Foundation.
What: Akong – a Remarkable Life
Where: The Labia Theatre, Cape Town
When: Thursday, 5 October at 6.15pm, Sunday, 15 October at noon (no speaker)
Book Tickets: R60, Webtickets / PnP, Labia 021 424 5927
Running time: 96 minutes
Web: http://www.exploringconsciousness.org.za/
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