Wheel of Time

Wheel of Time is a 2003 documentary film directed by the iconic German filmmaker, Werner Herzog. Starring the 14th Dalai Lama, Lama Lhundup Woeser, and Takna Jigme Sangpo, Wheel of Time is a visually and ethically compelling examination of Tibetan Buddhism, its rituals, teachings, and its influential leaders.

Herzog’s Wheel of Time offers a rare glimpse into the heart of the Kalachakra Initiation, one of the most significant events in Tibetan Buddhism, a ceremonial gathering that attracts hundreds of thousands of devoted practitioners from around the world. This event is so named for the sand mandala that monks create over the course of the festival, which represents the "wheel of time" or Kalachakra.

The film opens in Bodhgaya, a significant pilgrimage site in India where Buddhists believe Guatama Buddha attained enlightenment under a-bodied tree. It is here where the Dalai Lama leads the Kalachakra initiation. Herzog's camera takes the audience into the core of the enormous crowd, showcasing the mixture of anticipation, devotion, and peace, and shares scenes that can be both disconcerting and fascinating due to its most authentic representation of the religious ceremony.

As the narrative progresses, the film delves into the lives of two boys, Lama Lhundup Woeser and Takna Jigme Sangpo, who are believed to be the reincarnations of high Buddhist lamas. The fascination that surrounds these boys, the reverence with which they are treated, and the devotion they receive are explored with sensitivity and curiosity.

Herzog’s Wheel of Time does more than just document an event; it unravels the deep-seated cultural traditions, beliefs, and rituals that permeate through Buddhism. Through several individual vignettes and incidental scenes, viewers are acquainted with diverse aspects of Buddhist philosophy. The film does not shy away from controversies either, subtly hinting at the political tensions between China and Tibet.

The film also features the 14th Dalai Lama in various capacities – as a religious leader imparting wisdom and philosophical insights, as a patient man battling health issues and yet fulfilling his duties, and as a warm human being full of humor and compassion. Featuring conversations with him, Herzog subtly threads together a portrait of the spiritual leader that depicts him as greatly wise yet profoundly human.

The film employs Herzog's typical style of letting the story tell itself in an almost journalistic fashion. His filmmaking approach shies away from overly dramatic staging, instead, choosing to record events as they happen naturally. Wheel of Time remains visually fascinating throughout, with Herzog's lens often dwelling on the intricate details of the events and the stunning landscapes of India and Tibet. The director's fascination with the human spirit in extreme situations also fin

Herzog also brings attention to the physical aspect of pilgrimage, focusing on the incredible journey that many individuals embark to attend the initiation. The film shows the toil of pilgrims who spend days, even weeks, in prostration, physically expressing their devoutness to their beliefs. The strength and resilience demonstrated by these pilgrims, matched by their unwavering faith, evokes awe and deep respect.

However, Wheel Of Time is not just a spiritual journey, but also a philosophical exploration. With a compassionate narrative style, Herzog invites the viewer to engage with profound questions about life, suffering, happiness, and mortality. In this regard, the film greatly benefits from its subject - the Dalai Lama, whose philosophy compels the viewers to contemplate the impermanence of life just as he encourages his followers to do likewise.

Despite its deep exploration of religious rituals and elements, the Wheel of Time does not demand viewers to have a prior understanding of Buddhism. Herzog masterfully breaks down complex religious customs, rituals, and beliefs for the layman, transforming the film into an accessible contemplation on devotion, faith, and self-realization.

In summary, Wheel of Time is a gorgeously shot and thoughtfully narrated journey into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, its global influence, and its embodiment, the Dalai Lama. With its powerful storytelling, intimate vignettes, breathtaking visuals, and philosophical explorations, this documentary showcases Herzog's unmatched ability to throw light on little-seen aspects of our world, and as such, is a must-see for any ardent student of cinema, culture, and philosophy.