Little Buddah

The Dalai Lama visits Miami University today to speak to a crowd of over 10,000.

But just who is the Dalai Lama and how was he 'recognized?'

In this 1994 film Lama Norbu comes to Seattle in search of the reincarnation of his dead teacher, Lama Dorje. His search leads him to young Jesse Conrad, Raju, a waif from Kathmandu, and an upper class Indian girl. Together, they journey to Bhutan where the three children must undergo a test to prove which is the true reincarnation.

Compare and contrast the lives of Jesse in the movie with those of the Dali Lama and the life of Prince Siddhartha. What similarities and differences are there? How is the idea of rebirth central to these stories? In what ways are all three stories about a journey? Would you go with the monks if they came for you? For your baby? Why or why not?