‘Tashi And The Monk’: HBO Documentary About Jhamtse Gatsal Children’s School Provides A Lesson In Compassion For American Educators

Tashi and the Monk is a new HBO documentary film that will air tonight at 8 p.m. Yesterday, the Inquisitr reported on the premiere of another HBO movie entitled Show Me A Hero. Tonight’s Tashi and the Monk tells the story of a little orphan girl whose unruly behavior is met with love and tenderness of her teacher. It’s a beautiful movie about what love and human compassion can do to the heart of the child. Forbes calls it “a social experiment in the foothills of the Himalayas.” British filmmakers Andrew Hilton and Johnny Burke were simply amazed by the transformation taking place in the picturesque community and felt that it was a story that needed to be told.

Filmed in India and originally released in 2014, Tashi and the Monk centers around Lobsang Phuntsok, a former Buddhist monk and teacher who felt compelled to opened up a place for neglected and abandoned children. It is there, that we meet Tashi, a five-year-old girl whose mother recently died and whose father was an alcoholic. Tashi has a hard time adjusting to life in the orphanage where there are 83 other children. Her behavior presents quite a challenge to Lobsang. But the beautiful way in which he deals with the unruly girl is nothing short of brilliant. Even when he has to discipline her, Lobsang’s tone is loving and caring—never scolding. In the short documentary, we witness several precious moments between them as their relationship continues to build.

In a sneak peek, viewers will see a wayward Tashi failing to take her studies seriously. Instead of yelling or screaming— or giving her a negative look, Lobsang gently encourages her to concentrate on her studies. He reasons that sometimes it’s okay to act up, but most of the time a young child should listen to their elders, if they want to be truly happy. It is this kind of discipline that makes children thrive and blossom, he believes.

The Jhamtse Gatsal Children’s Community is more than just an orphanage, it is a refuge— a place where broken souls are rejuvenated through compassion, love, and wisdom that they receive from the teachers. Lobsang studied under the Dalai Lama in India and later decided that it was his mission to do something more. That’s when he decided to build the Jhamtse Gatsal Children’s Community School.

The American school system would do well to take notes on how to reach the heart of a child. School rigidity and lack of compassion among educators—especially toward problem students, is often a complaint that goes unheard. How wonderful it would be if compassion and love was the approach used in USA schools.

Founded in 2006, it is located in India, with other offices in Switzerland, Canada, and Italy. Those who have visited the school say it was a pleasurable experience that they will never forget. Here are some of their expressions.

“Gatsal is a unique and beautiful community, and no where else have I ever seen a school in such a beautiful setting. The children and bright and glowing, the tireless staff incredibly hard working, and the entire community is guided by the common goal of serving and educating the children.”

“Perhaps the happiest, most loving place (in my experience) on earth.”

Tashi and the Monk stars Lobsang Phuntsok, Tashi Drolma, and Tenzin Dolma A, Raju. Be sure to watch tonight at 8 p.m. (Running time is 39 min).

[Photo Credit: Facebook]