The Eskdalemuir centre was awash with excitement for the debut of ‘Akong -A Remarkable Life’.
Tracking the phenomenal life of Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche, one of the monastery’s founders, the full length documentary was the brainchild of director and editor Chico Dall’Inha.
The Brazilian director becameaclose friend of Akong Rinpoche, who was killed in China in 2013, after taking refuge with the teacher at the Eskdalemuir centre in 2004.
While in the Scottish village, Chico built on his film making experience by creating films to promote life at Samye Ling.
He moved on to work as an editor for CNBC but his links with Akong and Buddhism stayed strong and while undertaking a short retreat the idea of creating the film was born.
Work began in 2010 but in 2013 news that Akong had been killed shook Chico.
He said: “I felt disorientated and remember asking myself: ‘How is this possible?’ “The last time I had seen him was during our second and last interview for the film.
“I distinctly recall staring into his eyes and feeling the deepness of his gaze, his humbleness and wisdom, something so unique about him and inspiring.
“His deep presence and smile during the interview were very touching, somethingIwill never forget.” He added: “Akong Rinpoche was truly wise. Out of compassion for other beings he developed projects that continue to directly help many thousands of people around the world.”
‘Akong -A Remarkable Life’ premiered yesterday at Samye Ling. In attendance were the film’s director Chico Dall’Inha, brother of Akong, Lama Yeshe Rinpoche and executive producer Vin Harris, pictured Out of compassion for other beings he developed projects that continue to directly help many thousands of people around the world.”
Hundreds flocked to the premiere yesterday, including Akong Rinpoche’s brother Lama Yeshe Rinpoche and former leader of the Liberal Democrat party David Steel.
The film is set to be screened across the globe from Deli to Cape Town.
And local screenings are also planned next month in Dumfries at the Robert Burns Film Theatre and Langholm’s Buccleuch Centre.
