Sipay Khorlo: The Wheel of Life

Lobsang Samten, formerly a Buddhist monk, practices the meticulous art of Tibetan sand painting as he visits Helena, Montana to create an intricate mandala called the Sipay Khorlo, or the Wheel of Life. After he finishes, the children of the community gather to destroy it and the sand is distributed so that it can bring peace to the surrounding area. Crossing cultural boundaries, Lobsang speaks with the local children about Tibet and their Montana mountain culture, and shows them how to create their own crayon mandalas.
The monks of Tashi Lhumpo Monastery perform ceremonial songs to create a beautiful soundtrack.

Created as part of Montana State University's M.F.A. in Science and Natural History Filmmaking program.

Producer, Videographer, Editor: Liz Smith
Created: April 2003

Screenings/Awards:
Official Selection, 2007 Far North Conservation Film Festival
Official Selection, 2007 Hi Line Documentary Film Festival
Official Selection, 2005 Steamboat Mountain Film Festival
Official Selection, 2005 HatcH Audio-Video-Arts Festival
Official Selection, 2005 Planet In Focus Environmental Film Festival
Official Selection, 2005 Girl Fest Hawaii Film Festival
Special Presentation, Montgomery County Cable (2005)
Nominee, 2005 Rosebud Film and Video Festival
Special Screening, COPIA: American Center for Wine, Food, and the Arts (2005)
Official Selection, 2005 Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival
Special Screening, 2004 Artomatic DC Arts Festival
Official Selection, 2004 Takoma Park Film Festival
Official Selection, 2004 Orinda Film Festival
Official Selection, 2004 DC Shorts Film Festival
Official Selection, 2004 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
First Place, Short Doc, 2003 Rocky Mtn. Science/Natural History Film Festival

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Liz
• Smith
• Lobsang
• Losang
• Samten
• wheel
• of
• life
• tibet
• buddhism
• buddhist
• sand
• painting
• monk
• helena
• montana
• sipay
• khorlo

[pfarmerca]

Thanks for sharing, Liz. I love the film!

~Paul Farmer

[workinsync]

@pfarmerca Thanks Pauil!! :D

[workinsync]

Many thanks for the compliments. Working with Lobsang on the film is a cherished memory.

Please feel free to share the video with others who might like to see it, and say hello to Lobsang from me (Liz) and Penny from Montana State. take care.

[prestonpanic89]

nice video 

[kobecat4]

thank you Losang

One of your students in Philadelphia.

Elaine Scarpato,

[plattform5163]

Thanks for sharing a great video!

[cwalwanis]

I am primarily a student of one of Losang's studetns but I also study with him when he comes to the center and retreats. Thank you ever so much for posting this. I can watch this whenever I am missing him :) Just hearing his voice brings me happiness and a big smile.

[mtbanecker]

I saw Losang's wheel of life mandala at the Philadelphia Cathedral today. It is wonderful to be able to revisit it through your video.

[EKSEGAL]

Lobsang is doing the Wheel Life mandala in the Philadelphia Cathedral Jan 13 to Feb 3.

I was so moved by your video that I made small flyers with info about how to view your video on You Tube. We give out about 100 flyers today and will continue doing so. When I see Lobsang tomorrow,I will tell hello for you. PS I also give him a flyer so he can see your wonderful video. Thanks again!!

Elise Segal

[EKSEGAL]

Correction of the above comment.

I am one of Losang's(aka Lobsang) students in Phila. Sorry for the typo.