Monk From Komik 
| Directed by: | Bindiya Murgai |
|---|---|
| Country: | India |
| Created: | 2006 |
| Runtime: | 24 min. |
| Also Listed In: |
2007 Silver Lake Film Festival |
| Member: | Blue_Mango_Films |
Average rating: 4.99 by 112 users
Film Description:
Synopsis
Set in arguably the highest living monastery in the cold desert of the Indian Himalayas, Komik at 18000 feet remains cut off from the world for most of the year. Sharing the land of the snow leopard, in a place covered under sheets of snow for half the year, with little vegetation or oxygen, are the monks of Komik, who live here dedicated to their prayers and their modest little monastery. In a world fast crumbling under the pressures of materialism and modernity, Komik is perhaps one of the last bastions of peace in its purest form. Monk From Komik is a documentary that follows a day in the life of a Buddhist monk from Komik, Lama Karzan. The film is an honest insider’s look at what really goes on within the lives of Buddhist lamas. It unravels the mysterious and esoteric hues of their existence and blends them on the same canvas as the mortal and the mundane. As the film follows Lama Karzan through a day in his life, he candidly talks about a range of subjects from rebirth to levitation. The film catches glimpses of places and things not otherwise open to the public, such as the monks’ living chambers, the community kitchen and important prayer ceremonies. The film also discovers the secret of Komik’s five hidden treasures, not gems and jewels but much more important things. Things that could redefine evolution and the history of the planet! What are these things? Watch for more.
Forms: Documentary, Short
Genres: Alternative, Religious, Independent, Reality, Culture, Spiritual
Niches: Asian, Asian American, Third World, Women, Senior/Aging, Student, Youth/Teen, Children, Buddhist
Cast & Crew
Production
Anil Pundir (Production Manager), Apurva Chandola (2nd Assistant Director), Bindiya Murgai (Director), Raj K Gopalakrishnan (Executive Producer, Producer)
WritingBindiya Murgai (Adapted By)
CameraBindiya Murgai (Cinematographer/DP (1st Project)), Bindiya Murgai (Cinematographer/DP), Raj K Gopalakrishnan (Additional Photography)
Post ProductionBindiya Murgai (Picture Editor)
MusicNitin Malik (Original Music/Composer)
RepresentationRaj K Gopalakrishnan (Manager)
AnimationGurjeet Singh (Animator)
MONK FROM KOMIK features prominently in all Indian newpapers
Sep 13, 2006 11:40PM
Monk has made it to the pages of every English newspaper in the capital city of New Delhi and many other parts of the country. We shall be putting the articles up on the Monk subsite and the Komik site shortly. To read these, please visit
www.bluemangofilms.com
www.spitimonastery.com
Monk premieres to a full house
Sep 13, 2006 05:26AM
The premiere of ‘Monk From Komik’ at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi was a thumping success. Not only was it a House Full show (and aisles full), but many people had to be turned away due to the overwhelming repsonse. Apologies to those of you came all the way and were not allowed in.
The film premiered to a thunderous applause and everyone complimented the simplicity of the film and the sense of calm it left them with. We are grateful for all the support and encouragement. The Press was in full attendance, with journalists from almost every newspaper and numerous TV news crews present at the event. There have been feature stories on ‘Monk From Komik’ on TV and articles in all the leading English newpapers (they shall soon be put up on the Monk site).
The lamas, including Lama Karzan (the main charecter in the film) came down especially for the premiere. Although it was way too hot and hectic for them in Delhi, they were thrilled at the response the film generated. Lama Karzan had people lining up to touch his feet and take his blessings at the end of the evening. The film also proved successful in raising funds for the monastery, as at the end of the film, many people were eager to donate and chip in for the cause. People donated money and some also arranged for thermal vests and woolens to be delivered to them the following day.
The film was followed by an awesome and soulfully charged performance by Parikrama. They performed a very unusual set of their original compositions and truly managed to mesmerize the crowds. However, the ultimate showstealer was the closing piece that was a colloboration between the monks and Parikrama. People literally had tears in their eyes and others swore that the performance gave them serious gooseflesh.
For those who still don’t know, Nitin Malik (lead vocalist/ composer) of Parikrama has composed the music for Monk. A big thank you to Subir Malik and all the band members for perfoming gratias. Also a very special thanks to Sangeeta Kuriakos and her team from CleaPR and to the India Habitat Center for providing the venue free of cost for this cause.
Finally, we have been flooded with requests for another screening and performance. Unfortunately, that will not be possible in the near future, due to logistical reasons and owing to the fact that the lamas have gone back to their spiritual abode in the Himalayas and it is very difficult for them to travel all that distance again --- in such a short span of time. But do remember, that the DVDs are available and you can get your copy by donating Rupees Fifteen Hundred to the monastery. Once again, thanks for all the support. May the Buddha bless you!
The Blue Mango Team.
MONK’S AMAZING ASSOCIATION WITH WITHOUTABOX
Aug 29, 2006 05:14AM
All of us here are really happy to be associated on various special levels with Withoutabox. Firstly, our blog on WAB had got us an unprecedented audience. We have been overwhelmed at how many people have networked with us and written in through this mind-blowing platform. People from all over the world, from Iceland to Solomon Islands!! We have even had people writing in to ask how the blog attracts so many people – I think a lot is due to WAB’s reach again and the fact that it obviously reaches many likeminded creative people—who in turn talk to other likeminded people about it. Many of the other filmmakers from WAB have also written in with some amazing and thoroughly positive comments.
When “Monk From Komik” was chosen as one the “In Focus” films at Audience, we were ecstatic. However, there was still more to come. I always wondered how people got their films featured/ picked by the Lab. Then one day, I got a mail from David (VP Marketing- WAB). He wanted a screener for Monk. It was sent and the rest is history. We became the first Indian film to get picked by the Distribution Lab. It was one of the greatest highs for Monk and encouraged us to look forward to many more! I swear by WAB and think it’s a great platform for independent filmmakers (and no, they have not paid me to write this---it’s just true!)
For it for now. Oh, but please check out the piece on Monk’s premiere in the Himalayas, featured on the Audience page and especially written for WAB.
Bindiya
PREVIEW CLIP/ TRAILOR
Jul 27, 2006 10:11PM
Thanks to all of u who have seen the trailor and posted ur comments. The trailor, which is more of a sneak preview, is now available on and Google the Monk subsite (pls paste following link in ur browser) ----- http://www.bluemangofilms.com/monkfromkomik/index.html
Hope you all get to see it and do keep the comments coming in. Finally,if you like what you see, please buy the DVD and contribute towards raising funds for the monastery.
THE KOMIK BOOK OF TRUTH
Jul 19, 2006 11:08PM
A beautiful Buddhist prayer wishes that may we all together reach enlightenment—that we may all find the Buddha within and awaken to who and what we really are. It does not happen overnight. The answer lies best in the words of one lama who escaped from Tibet in 1960 and on arrival in India was asked,” How did you escape from Tibet and cross the high, snowy and windy Himalayas by foot?” He answered, “One step at a time”.
'MONK FROM KOMIK' MEMORABILIA
Jul 19, 2006 01:37AM
Donate US$ 25 (postage extra) and get a pack of six Komik postcards. You can choose the pictures of your choice from the gallery. Or get two A4 size posters. All profits will be donated to the Komik monastery.
GET THE 'MONK FROM KOMIK' DVD
Jul 19, 2006 01:29AM
Please donate to preserve the Komik monastery. All people who donate a sum equal to or over Rupees 15,000 or US$ 36 will receive a free DVD of the film. Postal charges extra for postage outside India. All profits will be donated to the Komik monastery. To order, please email mango@bluemangofilms.com. Thanks!
MONK PREMIERES IN NEW DELHI ON 5th SEPTEMBER
Jul 19, 2006 01:19AM
Monk From Komik will premiere at 7p.m. at the Stein Auditorium, Habitat World, India Habitat Center, on Tuesday, 5th Sepetember 2006. The will be the screening of the film followed by a special performance from the monks from Komik. The final culimation of the evening will be a special performance by Delhi's best known band, Parikrama-- featuring their lead performer--and the composer of the Monk soundtrack---Nitin Malik.The piece de resistance will be an improvised jam session between Parikrama and the monks from Komik. If ur in Delhi, then you have got to be there.
Premiere- Kaza, SCREENING IN THE HIMALAYAS
Jul 19, 2006 01:15AM
The date for the premiere in Kaza has been fixed for 20th August at 4 pm. We are delighted to be joined by all the monks from Komik and the people from 4 surrounding villages. Everyone is invited.
DONATION DETAILS
Jun 23, 2006 02:59AM
The primary mission of this film is to raise funds for the Komik monastery, so that the lamas are able to repair, maintain and preserve their ancient monastery. The lamas hardly need anything in kind for their needs are really simple. However, heavy winter wear such as jackets with hoods (maroon and deep red only—to stay in sync with the colors of their robes), snow boots, thermal socks etc may be welcome. The most useful contribution however will be a cash donation. These can be mailed directly to Lama Schimit, Komik Monastery, Kaza Division, District Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India or made in the name of Komik Monastery and mailed to Blue Mango Films, M-56, Ground Floor, Chitranjan Park, New Delhi-110019, India. All donations will be eligible for Tax Deduction under section 80G of the Income Tax Act of India and donors will receive receipts in lieu of each donation.
ANECDOTE- FOSSIL HUNTING WITH THE MONKS
Jun 22, 2006 01:33AM
One of the favorite passtimes of the young monks at Komik is fossil hunting and they are really good at it. Though for us, finding a fossil is like finding a tiny treasure, for them it's just a game they sometimes engage in. They know just the place to go hunting and it's mostly around riverbeds and water bodies. We were fascinated with some of the tiny fossils kept casually in the lamas chambers, so they offered them to us as a gift. We declined, not wanting to take advantage of their generosity. The next day a few young monks offered to take us on a fossil hunt. They had obviously mastered the art of finding certain types of stones and effortlessly breaking them in their quest to find a fossil within. Though we did not find one that day as it was getting dark and we could not stay out too long, they promised to find us a handful on our next trip. Looking forward to it :)
MONKS FROM KOMIK VISIT DELHI
Jun 20, 2006 11:31PM
Lama Schimit along with a few other monks from Komik visited Delhi recently. The purpose of the visit was to meet governmental bodies to arrange for funds and grants that would enable them to renovate the monastery that is in desperate need for repairs. As of now, their requests are getting fossilized in the bureaucratic machinery. We are trying all alternate means, including personal donations, to garner funds. Fundraising suggestions are more than welcome.
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE SCREENING IN THE HIMALAYAS
Jun 20, 2006 04:59AM
The details of the date of release will be posted on this web page. There will be a special screening for the monks of Komik in Spiti, in the second week of August. Everyone is free to join.
THIS FILM WAS SHOT IN ONE DAY
Jun 19, 2006 04:46AM
To stay true to it’s theme “A Day In The Life Of A Buddhist Lama”, MONK FROM KOMIK was shot in one day and no additional shooting was done whatsoever. Apart from the interviews, each and every other scene was documented the way it unfolded in reality. There were no special set-ups or retakes and an unobtrusive, fly-on-the-wall style of approach was adopted to shoot the film. Also, no additional lighting of any sort was used during the shoot in order to retain the natural ambience and also to avoid any distractions for the monks.
To do justice to the story, the language of the film has been kept very simple and unhurried. Every shot has been given space to “breathe” and the music has been composed using various authentic Buddhist instruments and real life recordings of the monks of Komik.
To stay true to it’s theme “A Day In The Life Of A Buddhist Lama”, MONK FROM KOMIK was shot in one day and no additional shooting was done whatsoever. Apart from the interviews, each and every other scene was documented the way it unfolded in reality. There were no special set-ups or retakes and an unobtrusive, fly-on-the-wall style of approach was adopted to shoot the film. Also, no additional lighting of any sort was used during the shoot in order to retain the natural ambience and also to avoid any distractions for the monks.
To do justice to the story, the language of the film has been kept very simple and unhurried. Every shot has been given space to “breathe” and the music has been composed using various authentic Buddhist instruments and real life recordings of the monks of Komik.
VIDEO TRAILOR - COMING SOON!
Jun 19, 2006 04:44AM
Thanks for all the wonderful notes. The trailor will be up soon!
NITIN MALIK FROM PARIKRAMA HAS COMPOSED THE SOUNDTRACK FOR MONK FROM KOMIK
Jun 17, 2006 03:08AM
Nitin Malik from India's best known rock band, Parikrama has composed the soundtrack for the film. Nitin himself has a strong bond with Spiti and having travelled extensively to that part of the country, has a spiritual connection with the place and their culture.
In composing the soundtrack, he has used music performed by the monks of Komik and blended it with an eclectic sound that is very much his own. His passion for the project has lead him to explore various elements of Buddhist musical tradition, and he has blended these in subtle undertones into the soundtrack.
In composing the soundtrack, he has used music performed by the monks of Komik and blended it with an eclectic sound that is very much his own. His passion for the project has lead him to explore various elements of Buddhist musical tradition, and he has blended these in subtle undertones into the soundtrack.
THIS FILM IS DEDICATED TO OUR FATHERS
Jun 17, 2006 12:42AM
This film is dedicated to our fathers, Late Major R.P. Murgai and Late Swami Gopalakrishnan. We love you dads!
ABOUT KOMIK
Jun 17, 2006 12:35AM
The Komik monastery is part the Sakya sect of Buddhism. The Sakya monastery in Kaza is part of the Komik monastery and was made many years after Komik. The latter is at 17000 feet above sea level in the cold Himalayan desert district of Spiti in India. It shares territory with the elusive snow leopard, yaks as well as the Himalayan Ibex.
It is cut off from the world in the winter, from November to March. Winters are characteristic of harsh winds and heavy snow, many feet deep. Temperatures are way below freezing. Summers are pleasant during the day but cold at night. Oxygen levels are very low due to the altitude and visitors often face trouble in breathing.
It is cut off from the world in the winter, from November to March. Winters are characteristic of harsh winds and heavy snow, many feet deep. Temperatures are way below freezing. Summers are pleasant during the day but cold at night. Oxygen levels are very low due to the altitude and visitors often face trouble in breathing.
THE LEGEND OF KOMIK
Jun 17, 2006 12:35AM
Legend has it that many hundreds of years ago, robbers tried to steal the main deity from the Komik Gompa. The deity although not more than 3 feet in height, became so heavy once taken out of the gompa, that the robbers were not able to carry it further. They robbers abandoned the deity and it was brought back to the gompa. It remains here till this date, in the old prayer hall.
The gompa also has some hidden treasures that are now, due to security reasons, put on display for the public every 60 years. These are the egg of a dragon, the horn of a unicorn, the upper tooth of a sheep, the ribcage of a giant demon and the tail of a prehistoric man.
The gompa also has some hidden treasures that are now, due to security reasons, put on display for the public every 60 years. These are the egg of a dragon, the horn of a unicorn, the upper tooth of a sheep, the ribcage of a giant demon and the tail of a prehistoric man.
HOW THE FILM HAPPENED
Jun 17, 2006 12:30AM
MONK FROM KOMIK was not a planned film. It’s was one of those things that just happened and for me that’s a huge part of the beauty of the film. After camping in the Pin Valley in Spiti for a few days, we accidentally stumbled upon Komik, which instantly felt like a spiritual haven.
Lama Chemmit, who is the administrative head of the monastery and now like extended family, told us about their terrible financial situation and how desperate they were to garner funds to preserve their monastery, that is over 900 years old. Unlike various other monasteries that have been “adopted” by foreigners (who usually don’t forget to put big plates with their names on it), Komik has not has any such fortune. The primary reasons being it’s cut off location, the sheer generosity and simplicity of the lamas who despite not having much, are ever to eager to give, not take and finally the fact that Komik is a much more basic and simpler structure than most of the other monasteries, that look fancier and make for better picture postcards, hanging atop cliffs and craggy edges.
We really wanted to help the lamas in some way, especially because these people have retained their guileless simplicity and there is something about the place that truly takes one feel closer to God. Since there is nothing we know better than the visual medium, the obvious instinct was to make a film for them. But what would the film be about? There were no doubts in my head. The answer was already there, it would be about a MONK FROM KOMIK—A Day In The Life Of A Buddhist lama.
THE PURPOSE OF THE FILM
Jun 17, 2006 12:27AM
The primary purpose of this film is to raise funds for the Komik monastery, which is one of the poorest in the entire Spiti region. All proceeds from the film will be donated to the monastery. To learn more about the monastery please visit www.spitimonastery.com
ANECDOTES- A Special Honour
Jun 17, 2006 12:24AM
As an honor to special guests, the monks always store some yak meat, procured from animals that die a natural death. This is dried up and served on special occasions and is supposed to be a great privilege to be bestowed with. As soon as we arrived, we were given the same—one huge yak leg for me and one for my team. It has a very pungent odour and taste and is a highly acquired taste to say the least. But since refusing to eat it would have been a grave insult to the lamas, one had to pretend to eat it and devise an ingenious way to take it out from our mouth and stuff it in out coat pockets. We had to then wrap the legs in bags and hide them so that when we left, we could carry them out without the lamas knowing. But I forgot to empty one pocket and while shooting, some of the meat pieces fell out in front of them. I had to tell them that they were there because I loved it so much. Finally, not only did I end up having to eat all the bits I had, but as a gesture of their hospitality, they even arranged more for me to take back.
Prayers
karzan CU
clouds
Training session
Karzan in prayer hall
prayer flags
Greenhouse
Karzan With Gong
Main Gompa
Dusk at Komik
Butter Lamps
Lama Karzan
Room With A View
karzan CU
clouds
Training session
Karzan in prayer hall
prayer flags
Greenhouse
Karzan With Gong
Main Gompa
Dusk at Komik
Butter Lamps
Lama Karzan
Room With A View
Monk From Komik
This is a special preview clip from the 'Monk From Komik'. Hope you enjoy viewing it!
Ratings
jerryD
hello.just wondering what exactly the distribution lab here does for you. i have not seen the flick anywhere in the U.S. and that is where both they and i are based.hope ur on the right track with em and hope to catch the film soon
Kylah-Kabir
Minimilistic in it's charm. Very appealing in it's rawness. Yet Very deep. Makes you think on so many levels.
Shyamolie
The movie taught me some vey beautiful simple lessons about life and how to value what we have.
Malini
Came all the way for the screening and still missed it coz it was housefull!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
EllaBhasin
THE MOST AMAZING screening I have ever attended. To good. Don't have words to tell you what an uplifting evening that was.
yes-man2006
the locals in kaza were so happy to see a film on spiti--and i was part of their joyous happiness...if there is such a phrase
Regina_S
Monk is such a wonderful,soothing experience. I can not get over many of the lines in the film. Refreshing break from life.
jacorr98
going by the stills this seems like the most refreashing doc on bhuddism. like the approach mentioned on the site
156 Comments about Monk From Komik
Mar 17, 2008 03:51PM
Capr Fear Independent Film Festival is looking for some strong short docs to screen at the May 2-4 Fest.... interested in entering?
Jul 14, 2007 05:11AM
finally went there. yeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawww. with a deep breath and lots of O2....eeeeeeeeeeehuuuuuuuufffff
Jun 10, 2007 10:13PM
I am truly happy to see this film and to see that atleast some of our filmmakers are working selflessly to preserve parts of our threatened heritage and culture. I feel this film just shows things the way they are and that is what I really like. Unlike many other docus where things often seem contrived, this one looks most natural and without trying, it touches a chord in ones heart. Kudos.
May 16, 2007 12:19AM
It was a very nice to see the movie. We were very mezmerized by it. The place looked fabulous but the movie made us see beyound it and uncderstand that hardship and peace may be different sides of the same coin. Afterall we all seek to find a faraway land of peace. This shows us the reality.Will we be able to stay in r land of peace once we find it?
May 06, 2007 01:40PM
hi im frm kaza(spiti) ,iwas just surfing and came across MONK FRM KOMIC all ican say is its a great initiative frm ur side ... besides the fact i have not seen the documentary i kno how it must be............. THUMPS UP! its a cause worth raising fund . thanking u for all ur efforts..........tsering
May 03, 2007 02:58AM
have waited a long time to catch this film in the states. Fortunately LA is close to me and am planning to go, but the online tickets sales have shut. Can u ensure that ur film's biggest fan (without even seeing it fully..trailor only) gets a pass when i land there? pls tell me soon pls. if u get me a free pass i will report on the film for u.live from silverlake.
Apr 28, 2007 04:19AM
can u pls mail me the screening details and if there are any passes available
Apr 27, 2007 03:53AM
hello.caught the film on the weblink. using it for my thesis.thank u very much. really helpful material and truly beautiful,real n informative
Oct 16, 2006 10:02PM
Okay I'm new at this - I really want to see this film but where's the link???
Oct 16, 2006 09:11AM
hello. i went and checked out the movie on the link and it is just great. i felt so good after hearing all the lovely things he had to say. i want to see this crazily amazing gorgeous landscape on a large screen. how??
Oct 09, 2006 02:52AM
gorgeous work. i loved the film and am organizing a screening for my friends at home and they will definately contribute. my best wishes and blessings with you all
Sep 30, 2006 04:56AM
Hi! I was wondering if I can have a special prayer conducted at Komik. My ephew is very sick and I want prayers said for him in a house of every faith. I can seem to make a connection with this place by simply seeing the images and reading the stories. Obviously I will pay for whatever expenses involved. Can I make a donation and have the prayers said? Hope to hear from you soon.
Sep 29, 2006 03:33AM
hey there! i watched the film and totally fell in love with komik and krazan.what a breathtaking place and what lovely people. i would swap my life anytme for theirs--but just in the summer :) do not think i can bear such harsh life in the winter.
Sep 24, 2006 11:19PM
hello.just wondering what exactly the distribution lab here does for you. i have not seen the flick anywhere in the U.S. and that is where both they and i are based.hope ur on the right track with em and hope to catch the film soon.
Sep 15, 2006 11:19PM
i was at the screeing which by the way was amazing.we stayed as captive audience.however, i also write for international publications and wanted to speak to lama k for an interview.first it was real tough to recognise him. he looks so small in person.but i finally made it to him, but think he did not really understand me too well and kept nodding.i would like to know if and when he will be availale in delhi next.will not be possible for me to go to komik.thanks.
Sep 14, 2006 11:51PM
I love this film.
Sep 13, 2006 11:29PM
We came for the show but unfortunately cld not stay after the film to get donation details. We would like to doante cash or kind to the Komic. How can we do this?
Sep 13, 2006 04:29AM
hello there. have been following up on this charming film and must say you have really managed to have a sucess out of the project. Everyone is talking about it, there is buzz on the blog, on this site and premieres seem to be going so well. Very well done. Hope people are also paying for the monastery, which I see is the main aim of this film too.
Sep 11, 2006 11:52PM
Hey, I don't know how I missed this screening. Have been reading about it and hearing about it from some people and I am feeling so bad that I missed out on coming. Hardly any such stuff every hapens in this city. I hope you are having another screening. Please do. I have atleast one dozen people who will come with me , and I can get more than that too. Please do have another one.Thanks.
Sep 10, 2006 10:34PM
I found this to be a very simple film. No frills. No fancy trimmings.Minimilistic in it's charm. Very appealing in it's rawness. Yet Very deep. Makes you think on so many levels.
Sep 09, 2006 12:18AM
Great show. I think the fact that so many of us were happy to donate to the cause after watching the film proves that the film was very well made. It made us truly feel for the people of Komik. The kids were so cute in the film and as a mother my heart went out to them.But we also left with some valuable lessons about life. Great work done.
Sep 08, 2006 02:37AM
Hello. Writing in to say that was a great film. Very different from all that we see sround these days. It was Touching and simple with beautiful lines and images. I thoroughly enjoyed the last performance between the lamas and Parikrama. I think they should make an album like this and sell it too.
Sep 07, 2006 11:23PM
We missed the film! We came there ten minutes late and it was already housefull so sent back. so disappointed. Is there another screening? Please let me know. Have heard so much from frineds whosaw it. Looking fwd to seeing the film.
Sep 07, 2006 01:51AM
This is such a simple film but soulful. There is something I can not put my finger on that adds to its soul. The music is lovely and stayed with me. The shooting style is languid, serene and does real justice to the theme. The opening drums are very nice touch.And the ending is amazing. Makes one take a deep breath.
Sep 07, 2006 12:13AM
When one sees what crap many people churn out after spending millions, its refreshing and inspiring to see a small budget film like this redefine the power simplicity.
Sep 06, 2006 07:01AM
I came for the screening with my friends and it was a moving experience. what a beautiful film and evening. I found this website because I could not meet you in person, though I would love to. Must applaud you for the great work. Cheers!
Sep 06, 2006 03:01AM
I came to the screening with no expextations. Just loved the poster so I came. But I left really inspired. What a beautiful, pure and refreshing work. Heartiest congrajulations to Ms. Murgai. The visuals were stunning and the direction was amazing too. Very subtle. very nice.
Sep 06, 2006 02:13AM
Three cheers and many more. Fantabulous premiere and performances. Soulful. Made more special coz what you do has resonance and you are keeping a beautiful part of our culture from disappearing. We need more passionate filmmakers like you in India.
Sep 06, 2006 01:34AM
Guys, that was THE MOST AMAZING screening I have ever attended. What a film, what a peroformance by Parikrama and what a show stealer of an end pc with the lamas. Too good. Don't have words to tell you what an uplifting evening that was. All the very very best.
Sep 04, 2006 01:45AM
i think the story on the blog was truly charming. what a different life from what one lives in the west. u are truly blessed to live such a life.
Sep 03, 2006 10:41PM
I saw the invite. It sounds trie trie exciting. Will b sooooo cool to watch lamas perform with the band. I am so sad that I am not based in India. I hope we will get to see the recording somehow---pls put a clip up on the site.
Sep 02, 2006 02:37AM
Hello. My friend show me this film. At first I said I was not very keen to see it as I am never interested in Bhuddism. Then he show me the DVD and read how it was made and that it was more human interest story. Then I saw it from curiosity.After watching, I felt many feelings. Touched by many moments. Sad to see how tough life is. Thirdly I learnt many thing. There are 3-4 beauitful message in the film.
Sep 01, 2006 07:22AM
saw the film. people r rgt wen they use all these adjects--- serene, calm, like a pristine blue lake. huge risk for a filmmaker to take, but v. gud u took it. will pay off. bestoluck
Sep 01, 2006 05:44AM
Hello. I am in India at the moment and would like to attend the show. Will it be possible to do a video interview and photoshoot with Lama afterwards as I am also a freelance journo in the UK? Who can arrange this for me. Awaiting a response. Mandy Claire
Sep 01, 2006 05:18AM
An amazingly beautiful effort in all possible means... an attempt that goes much beyond what meets the eye and melts down to the heart. Apart from the partly thought provoking and partly breathtaking visuals, the music hems in the soul.. (Kudos Nitin) n Great work Raj and Bindiya... Keep it rolling!!!
Love N Peace
Minushka
Aug 31, 2006 12:38AM
my wife and i would love to help to pitch in some way other than money for project. if it help to know, we are both musician in brazil.
Aug 30, 2006 03:59AM
Dear All,
This is great stuff here. We must all come together from across the world and help preserve this wonderful heritage monastery.
Bhramakumarisundara
Aug 29, 2006 11:16PM
I was visiting Audience 2 chk out a friend's page & came across the headline & saw the fascinating picture. Was tempted to come here first and did. The story, writeup & other postings r v.fascinating. I cant even imagine a place like this, and that too being able to go there n have such exciting experiences.
Aug 29, 2006 06:02AM
Read the article on the Audience pg. Firstly, I must say Bindiya, you write really well. So much energy there and such a passionate and visual descriptive. Secondly, I can not even imagine what it must be like to court all that danger just to get somewhere. It speaks volumes of your commitment. Yet in such a candid way, that one hardly realizes the danger at hand. You almost make it look like fun. My heartfelt good wishes to you and the project.
Aug 28, 2006 11:27PM
Quietly Enchanting!
Aug 28, 2006 07:34AM
please organize a showing in new york. am so keen to catch this flick!
Aug 28, 2006 04:29AM
Hey, this was really cool. I am in Kaza and saw a big bunch of people huddled next to a TV set (maybe DVD? not sure). True blue western curiousity got the better of me and I decided to stay and see what was up. To my suprise, it was this very film-- Monk From Komik. Wow! What are the chances of that. I am still in Kaza and plan to visit Komik before I leave Spiti--the film has compelled me to make a trip. I hear it's a day-long arduous trek with many landslides on the way--but i shall do it! Yes!!
Aug 27, 2006 10:54PM
This is great to see such passion and commitment to this cause and also how pwopl from all over the world are so involved with it. Best of luck.
Aug 27, 2006 10:41PM
great work!
Aug 27, 2006 10:35PM
Mountain girl--thanks for recommending this film to me and for inviting me over to see it. It is such a wonderful,soothing experience. I can not get over many of the lines in the film. Refreshing break from life.
Aug 27, 2006 09:50AM
i werite from lamas. thank you very much for all very hard work being put by all of you. we are very greatfull and thankfull for all the wonderful effort and work done by you. all shall foreever pray for you well being and for all many things and kindness.many blessings from us here.
Aug 27, 2006 06:49AM
hey guys.congrats for being the first in india to be chosen for the lab and for the brilliant work for the monastery. sure you have the blessings of many. keep it up!
Aug 25, 2006 05:35AM
please upload some more pics. csn't seem to find much on the net and this place is breathtaking. i dream of getting there one day. hopefully soon.
Aug 25, 2006 01:09AM
I just bought a dvd of the film and it is so damn well worth it. have made everyone at home see it and the one thing we all agree on is that it leaves us with a sense of peace and calm. hard to beleive that such a place full of peace exists in this world. there are also some beautiful bits in there--lines i have to start swearing by---esp the end --wow! my journey just began :) thanks to lama karzan.
Aug 24, 2006 02:03AM
heard about the screening at habitat center in delhi. am so glad it is happening in ou