When the Iron Bird Flies

When the Iron Bird Flies is a riveting exploration of the cultural shift in the Western world, precipitated by the migration of Tibetan Buddhism. The film features voices from renowned Buddhist leaders and teachers like Anam Thubten, Khyentse Norbu, Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel, E. Gene Smith, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, and Dr. Reginald Ray. This captivating documentary takes the audience on a journey deep into the heart of the fascinating paradox that is Buddhism in the West.

The title of the movie is inspired by an eighth-century Tibetan prophecy that states: “When the iron bird flies and horses run on wheels, the Tibetan people will be scattered like ants across the world, and the Dharma will come to the land of the red man.” The prophecy foreshadowed the advent of air travel and cars and predicted the dissemination of Tibetan Buddhism to the western world. This prophecy serves as a poignant backdrop for the exploration conducted throughout the film.

When the Iron Bird Flies seeks to examine how the profound wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism is finding its roots and reshaping the minds and hearts of people in Western societies, particularly in North America. The movie is a vivid, elemental, and introspective portrayal of the struggles and triumphs faced by individuals from different walks of life who are trying to understand and practice this spiritual tradition in their hectic, often chaotic, contemporary lives.

The film does not shy away from diving deep into the heart of some significant problems, posing crucial questions about the translation of a complex ancient tradition into a new cultural milieu. It investigates how Tibetan Buddhism can remain authentic and undiluted while evolving to be meaningful and beneficial in the modern Western context.

The Buddhist teachers featured, including Anam Thubten, Khyentse Norbu, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, E. Gene Smith, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, and Dr. Reginald Ray, share their personal journeys and insights gained through their experiences of practicing and teaching Tibetan Buddhism in the West. Their vivid narratives spark a captivating discourse on the challenges and rewards of bringing Eastern spirituality into a Western setting.

One of the film's many strengths lies in its ability to weave the personal experiences of practitioners — both established teachers and those newer to the practice — with a broader dialogue about the encounter between east and west. The film shows how Tibetan Buddhism is not just a system of belief to be imposed but a profound methodology or ‘science of mind’ that can be deeply resonant with contemporary life and ideas.

The film delves into teachings that invite us to investigate our experience, to scrutinize our minds, and ultimately, to shift our perceptions and touch into a much broader sense of who and what we are. Although it explores deep, complex issues, the film maintains a profound respect for the viewer and the vast scope of human experience, depicting the nuanced path of transformation that spiritual practice entails.

Featuring excellent cinematography that pays homage to the aesthetic richness of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the beauty of American landscapes, the film explores the vastly different physical and cultural environments that Tibetan Buddhism has been transplanted into. There’s a stark visual contrast between the serene, spiritual hubs in the East and the bustling Western cities, which adds to the film's narrative strength.

When the Iron Bird Flies also uses interviews with scholars of religious and East Asian studies to provide broader contexts. This ensures the film maintains intellectual rigor while still being accessible and engaging to a broad audience. The various Buddhist concepts are explained with clarity and grace, making Tibetan Buddhism's profound teachings and practices more accessible to Western audiences.

In its entirety, When the Iron Bird Flies makes a compelling case for the transformative potential of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. It's an illuminating, challenging, and ultimately hopeful film that invites audiences to participate in this critical cultural conversation. Whether you’re familiar with Buddhism or merely curious about spirituality, When the Iron Bird Flies offers a fascinating exploration of how ancient wisdom can change and enrich our modern lives.