The Dalai Lama's Gift

This documentary recounts the extraordinary events of 1981 when a Buddhist monk at the University of Madison, Wisconsin, invited the Dalai Lama to perform the Kalachakra ritual. This event, a significant Buddhist tantric teaching, had never been conducted outside of India or Tibet before. With the help of dedicated students, a temple was constructed and an event was organized for over a thousand attendees in a cornfield near Madison.

The film features incredible footage that was stored in the Smithsonian vaults, showcasing the ritual's profound impact on those involved and its significance within Buddhist teachings. Running for 76 minutes, it offers an insightful look at this unique spiritual gathering and the dedication it took to bring such a monumental occasion to fruition.