Light of the Valley

Light of the Valley: The 15th Renovation of Swayambhu
New York Film Premiere

Wednesday October 12, 2011 @ 7:00 PM
Price: $15.00
Member Price: $13.50

"Light of the Valley" Trailer from Guna Foundation on Vimeo.

2011, USA, Pema Gellek, 30 min.

"The Stupa has long been a potent Buddhist symbol, a pure manifestation of enlightenment. "
-- Tarthang Tulku

The Swayambhu Stupa is one of the most ancient and sacred monuments in the entire Buddhist world. In 1979 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2008 Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, a Tibetan lama living in America sent his daughter, Tsering Gellek, to Kathmandu, Nepal to direct the once-in-a-century restoration of the Stupa.

Light of the Valley chronicles a masterful example of renovation of an ancient monument on a grand scale. Under the dedicated leadership of its young director, Tsering Gellek, a talented team of 70 Nepalese artisans undertook this project, employing traditional craftsmanship to restore the Stupa to its original splendor. Rare footage captures Tibetan lamas and Newari priests engaged in extensive and complex ritual ceremonies to protect the divine essence, the self-arisen Buddha-nature of the Stupa.

Completed in 2010, the Stupa stands renewed, and is a place of refuge and inspiration for all who visit.

After the screening, Renovation Director, Tsering Gellek, will talk about her experiences directing the renovation.

DVD and book signing to follow.

Related Tour

Art of the Kathmandu Valley tour at 6:15 p.m.