The 1993 film Little Buddha, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is a visually rich and deeply spiritual exploration of Buddhism, reincarnation, and the search for enlightenment. Blending modern-day storytelling with historical narrative, the film follows the journey of a young American boy named Jesse, who is believed to be the reincarnation of a revered Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Lama Dorje. As Buddhist monks travel to the United States to determine if Jesse is indeed the lama reborn, the film weaves his story with a retelling of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. Through this dual narrative, Little Buddha offers a profound meditation on the nature of existence, impermanence, and the path to enlightenment.
One of the film’s most significant spiritual themes is the concept of reincarnation. Central to many Buddhist traditions, reincarnation is the belief that consciousness continues beyond physical death, manifesting in new forms based on past karma. Jesse, along with two other children from different parts of the world, is considered a possible reincarnation of Lama Dorje, highlighting the idea that wisdom and spiritual energy do not belong to any one culture or individual but are part of a larger, interconnected cycle of existence. This notion challenges Western perspectives on identity and self, suggesting that life is not a singular experience but an ongoing journey of the soul’s evolution.
The parallel story of Siddhartha Gautama’s transformation into the Buddha serves as a spiritual guide within the film, illustrating the core teachings of Buddhism. Siddhartha, played by Keanu Reeves, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, abandoning his life of luxury to seek deeper understanding. He witnesses suffering, explores extreme asceticism, and ultimately realises that enlightenment lies in the Middle Way—a path of balance, mindfulness, and compassion. His story mirrors Jesse’s own awakening to the mysteries of the universe, reinforcing the idea that spiritual wisdom transcends time and culture.
Another major theme in Little Buddha is the impermanence of life. The film repeatedly emphasizes the transient nature of existence, a fundamental principle in Buddhist philosophy. The monks explain to Jesse and his family that attachment to material things and the fear of change create suffering, while true peace is found in accepting the flow of life. This teaching is reflected in Siddhartha’s realisation under the Bodhi tree, where he attains enlightenment by recognising the interconnectedness of all beings and the impermanence of worldly desires.
At its heart, Little Buddha is a film about awakening, both personal and collective. It invites audiences to explore the deeper questions of life, identity, and consciousness, encouraging a shift in perspective from the material to the spiritual. By intertwining the past and present, the film suggests that the search for enlightenment is a timeless journey, one that anyone can undertake. In doing so, Little Buddha serves as more than just a film—it becomes a meditation on existence, a gentle reminder of the power of wisdom, compassion, and the eternal nature of the soul.
