There’s something quietly compelling about documentaries that don’t just tell a story, but invite you to pause for a moment and reflect. Meeting the Buddha does exactly that. It’s more than a biography: it’s a thoughtful exploration of wisdom, connection and the timeless threads that link ancient Buddhist practice with modern life.

Blending archival footage, photographs, original animation and intimate interviews, Meeting the Buddha traces the life and legacy of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje – often referred to as a “Living Buddha” and the King of the Yogis. But this isn’t just a historical documentary. Through the experiences of students, friends and spiritual seekers, the film reveals how one chance encounter can shape a lifetime and perhaps shift the way you see your own.

At the heart of the story is Ole Nydahl; once a restless young Dane with a taste for the wild and adventure, his life changed forever after meeting the Karmapa in Nepal. Alongside his wife, Hannah, he played a key role in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West, helping establish meditation centres across the globe. Their journey becomes a lens through which the documentary explores how ancient teachings adapt, travel and resonate in contemporary times.

What makes Meeting the Buddha so powerful is its stillness and sincerity. In a world that often feels rushed, noisy and surface-level, it encourages us to slow down. To pay attention. To consider the deeper currents of everyday life. The storytelling isn’t flashy, but it is honest; quietly reflecting the heart of Buddhist teachings.

This is a thoughtful, uplifting watch; a reminder that sometimes the most profound wisdom comes not from grand declarations, but from listening, presence and connection.

So Frank says

Take your time with this one; it’s the kind of film that rewards patience and invites you to look within.

Favourite Line

It (Buddhism) gives us certainty that the mind is indestructible space, it cannot be killed or harmed in any way

Screenings

• Season dates: Special theatrical and community screenings are taking place across Australia and internationally throughout 2026. Check the official Meeting the Buddha website for screening details.

• Language: English