Kiwi Buddha

His name is Pong Re Sung Rap Tulku Rinpoche, Rinpoche for short, meaning ‘precious one’. He was, up until now, a Kiwi kid, but suddenly this six year old child is revered and bowed down to as an enlightened being — a Kiwi Buddha.

– Narrator, Jennifer Ward-Lealand introduces 'Kiwi Buddha' Rinpoche

Buddhists say that this child, in former lives, was a great master and that in this life he will again be of worldwide importance as a spiritual leader.

– Narrator, Jennifer Ward-Lealand explains Rinpoche's reincarnation

According to the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism, there is two kinds of reincarnation. The first one is like ordinary beings; it's sort of an uncontrolled landing kind of a thing. But incarnation, means that an enlightened being has chosen to take birth for the benefit of other people, and so Rinpoche is one of those.

– John Martin on the kinds of reincarnation in the Tibetan tradition

Rinpoche was officially recognised as an incarnation after his sixth birthday, but it was long before that that family and friends say they sensed that he was more than just a bright child, that the signs were there almost from conception.

– Narrator, Jennifer Ward-Lealand on the early signs seen by Rinpoche's family

In just a few months, he’ll leave New Zealand and his family to live in a monastery in India; his life is about to change dramatically.

– Narrator, Jennifer Ward-Lealand on Rinpoche's upcoming journey