Rutger Hauer--articles

Documentary

Director:
Bart van Broekhoven

Language:
English

Running Time: 10'


Main Cast:
Rutger Hauer - Narrator
'Amchi' Rigzin Tondup

Screenplay:
Bart van Broekhoven and Rigzin Tondup
Inspired by the book 'The Buddhist Way of Healing' by Dolkar Khangkar

Plot:
Like Buddhism, the science of Tibetan Health is based upon the teachings of the Buddha.

This science was developed over many years according to the climate and food-habits of the Tibetans. It is practised by a handful of doctors, called ‘Amchis’.

In the treatment. the teachings of the Buddha play a crucial part. All suffering comes from the basic cause of disease: the ignorance of the mind.  The medical teachings of the Buddha are grouped together in the medical handbook of the Amchi: 'The Four Medical Tantras'.

Amchi Rigzin Tondup inherited this book from his grand-grandfathers and still uses it as the basis for his work.

Notes:
Cinematographer Bart van Broekhoven visited the doctor in his place of birth and work: Sumur, in Northern India. He focused on the work and character of Amchi Rigzin, to gain insights and share his knowledge about Tibetan Health.

Rigzin Tondup belongs to the 7th generation of doctors in his family. Driving a Toyota jeep, wearing fashionable sunglasses, being a man of the world, he is also giving the ‘Buddha’s Medicine’.

'Buddha's Medicine' was theatrically world-premiered during the 2008 'I've Seen Films' International Short Film Festival.