Reincarnation In The Little Buddhism

What is Buddhism? According to the Oxford Dictionary religion is “The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.” But, Buddhism does not believe in an almighty god rather Buddhism is a religion that follows different philosophies to attain the ability awake from this world attain enlightenment. In Society, Buddhism is well-known and respected throughout the world as a religion known for its peaceful and kind nature. But, this way of life is a result of it doctrine which suggest a certain way of life so to escape the cycle of reincarnation and achieve enlightenment. Similarly, the film Little Buddha by Bernardo Bertolucci portrays an adventure of monks trying to find the reincarnation of their
First, At the beginning of the film the theme of reincarnation is portrayed through an ancient Buddhist story about a high priest and a goat. In the story, the priest is about to sacrifice a goat when suddenly the goat starts to talk and say to the priest that he too was a high priest 500 years ago and use to sacrifice goats to the gods. Thereafter, was given 499 births in the form of a goat and now I will finally attain a human form after this death. Thereafter the priest realizes his mistake and becomes the protector of all goats to free himself from being reincarnated in his next birth as a goat. This story is used to teach the little kids the basic principles of reincarnation that the result of our current life are direct consequences of our good and bad circumstances in our previous lives. Second, when the Tibetan monk in Seattle has a dream of his late teacher Lama Dorje, who guides him to the place where he will be reincarnated as Jessie. Then, when the monks are talking to Jessie’s parents about the process of reincarnation, Jessie is introduced wearing a red spirit mask when Lama Norbu says “a few very special being who come back as spiritual guides, particular people who we can identify.” This further foreshadows that Jessie is the reincarnation of the late teacher Lama Dorje. As the red mask that Jessie is wearing signifies the presence of spirts and gives Jessie spiritual importance. Thirdly, the belief in Buddhism is signified through the representation of a tea cup. When Jessie’s father denies acknowledging the belief in reincarnation Lama Norbu tries to explain reincarnation through a tea cup. As Lama Norbu fills the cup says “In tibit we think of the mind and body as the content and the container” after smashing the cup of tea Lama Norbu