1 00:00:00,424 --> 00:00:02,924 (lively riff) 2 00:00:05,121 --> 00:00:08,538 (bright, hopeful music) 3 00:00:30,895 --> 00:00:33,555 - The Dista, on the other side we climb the Kalimpong, 4 00:00:33,555 --> 00:00:36,334 the maharajah is waiting. 5 00:00:36,334 --> 00:00:37,904 What's your decision? 6 00:00:37,904 --> 00:00:39,737 - We'll try the climb. 7 00:00:44,606 --> 00:00:47,773 (exclaims with worry) 8 00:00:50,613 --> 00:00:52,434 (Donkey neighs) 9 00:00:52,434 --> 00:00:55,684 - Woah, woah. (grunts) 10 00:01:20,487 --> 00:01:22,820 (chuckling) 11 00:01:30,258 --> 00:01:32,008 - Your turn. - Mm-mmm. 12 00:01:40,610 --> 00:01:42,445 (Woman exclaims) 13 00:01:42,445 --> 00:01:44,037 (Man gasps) 14 00:01:44,037 --> 00:01:46,454 I'm alright, nothing's wrong. 15 00:01:58,951 --> 00:02:00,669 - Keep going, you're almost across. 16 00:02:00,669 --> 00:02:04,836 All the same, you gave us a good scare, Madame David-Neel. 17 00:02:05,910 --> 00:02:08,243 (chuckling) 18 00:02:12,549 --> 00:02:16,132 (exclaiming in wonderment) 19 00:02:19,742 --> 00:02:21,207 - Thank you. 20 00:02:21,207 --> 00:02:23,847 - Ah, Madame David-Neel, I've heard so much about you. 21 00:02:23,847 --> 00:02:25,805 Welcome, I am Prince Kumar. 22 00:02:25,805 --> 00:02:28,365 Delighted that you are here in Sikkir. 23 00:02:28,365 --> 00:02:30,837 You are interested in our traditions, I understand? 24 00:02:30,837 --> 00:02:32,796 From the 17th century, all of our rulers 25 00:02:32,796 --> 00:02:35,077 have been exclusively of Tibetan origin. 26 00:02:35,077 --> 00:02:37,978 That is also the origin of our Buddhism. 27 00:02:37,978 --> 00:02:40,078 - I would like to know more of your culture, 28 00:02:40,078 --> 00:02:42,968 all of your ways, especially philosophy. 29 00:02:42,968 --> 00:02:46,160 - In Tibet only, will you find true understanding. 30 00:02:46,160 --> 00:02:48,771 But right now, you cannot go. 31 00:02:48,771 --> 00:02:50,817 Unfortunately, war is raging there. 32 00:02:50,817 --> 00:02:52,874 However, on our border in the north, 33 00:02:52,874 --> 00:02:55,665 there is a monastery that is most interesting. 34 00:02:55,665 --> 00:02:57,642 The Dalai Lama in Tibet is highly respected. 35 00:02:57,642 --> 00:02:59,062 - Could I go and see him? 36 00:02:59,062 --> 00:03:01,562 - Naturally, I'll go with you. 37 00:03:11,103 --> 00:03:13,353 - This land is magnificent. 38 00:03:15,368 --> 00:03:17,368 - There's the monastery. 39 00:03:18,525 --> 00:03:20,789 Each year, the Lama spends most of the year 40 00:03:20,789 --> 00:03:22,969 at his hermitage and won't see anyone. 41 00:03:22,969 --> 00:03:25,428 He almost never comes down from the mountain. 42 00:03:25,428 --> 00:03:26,845 We are fortunate. 43 00:03:28,488 --> 00:03:30,414 Oh, they are mainly to remind us 44 00:03:30,414 --> 00:03:33,414 that good cannot exist without evil. 45 00:03:36,988 --> 00:03:39,857 Enlightened one, a saintly woman from Europe. 46 00:03:39,857 --> 00:03:42,354 She has chosen to follow the path of knowledge. 47 00:03:42,354 --> 00:03:46,521 She has already studied and learned a very great deal. 48 00:03:47,777 --> 00:03:51,335 - Do you observe anything here, that is genuine? 49 00:03:51,335 --> 00:03:52,916 - What good are appearances? 50 00:03:52,916 --> 00:03:55,315 It is impossible to judge by any of them. 51 00:03:55,315 --> 00:03:57,945 - Yes, all of this is just illusion. 52 00:03:57,945 --> 00:04:00,127 Good for those who would not understand, 53 00:04:00,127 --> 00:04:02,939 illumination's within, where all knowledge is. 54 00:04:02,939 --> 00:04:05,723 - Even as night and day, death and life. 55 00:04:05,723 --> 00:04:08,473 Opposites are as one, only words. 56 00:04:09,915 --> 00:04:11,496 - You have seen the ultimate light, 57 00:04:11,496 --> 00:04:13,336 beyond, there is nothingness. 58 00:04:13,336 --> 00:04:15,555 I believe in this, your present life, 59 00:04:15,555 --> 00:04:17,886 you're going to achieve your karma. 60 00:04:17,886 --> 00:04:19,678 Surely, this has brought us together. 61 00:04:19,678 --> 00:04:22,358 Continue your journey and one day return. 62 00:04:22,358 --> 00:04:24,246 - The white scarf, he means to honor you 63 00:04:24,246 --> 00:04:27,163 a benediction, he's really pleased. 64 00:04:29,624 --> 00:04:31,099 Here, your escort will leave you, 65 00:04:31,099 --> 00:04:32,595 and I, too, must return. 66 00:04:32,595 --> 00:04:34,142 However, I've taken the liberty of 67 00:04:34,142 --> 00:04:36,387 choosing someone to accompany you. 68 00:04:36,387 --> 00:04:38,860 He will assist you, and I have full confidence in him. 69 00:04:38,860 --> 00:04:39,868 He is Aphur Yongden. 70 00:04:39,868 --> 00:04:41,285 - How do you do? 71 00:04:41,285 --> 00:04:42,815 How wise that Tibetan is, 72 00:04:42,815 --> 00:04:45,156 if only I might find some way into Tibet. 73 00:04:45,156 --> 00:04:46,345 - Don't worry, children, despite all of 74 00:04:46,345 --> 00:04:49,325 the difficulty, she is going to make it. 75 00:04:49,325 --> 00:04:51,754 Nothing was going to stand in the way of that, 76 00:04:51,754 --> 00:04:55,744 that iron will she's had since childhood. 77 00:04:55,744 --> 00:04:58,075 - Yes, choose a way of life, then hold to it, 78 00:04:58,075 --> 00:04:59,727 whether alone or with others. 79 00:04:59,727 --> 00:05:01,475 - At the beginning of the 20th century, 80 00:05:01,475 --> 00:05:02,924 there was increasing interest in Buddhism 81 00:05:02,924 --> 00:05:05,293 and far eastern cultures, Alexandra more than anyone. 82 00:05:05,293 --> 00:05:09,460 Back at the age of 20, she had learned Sanskrit and Chinese. 83 00:05:10,338 --> 00:05:12,263 And so, prevented from going to Tibet, 84 00:05:12,263 --> 00:05:13,892 she traveled thousands of kilometers and 85 00:05:13,892 --> 00:05:17,252 accomplished what no westerner had ever done before. 86 00:05:17,252 --> 00:05:20,043 Arriving in Nepal, she went to the exact spot 87 00:05:20,043 --> 00:05:23,626 where Buddha had received his illumination. 88 00:05:30,633 --> 00:05:32,274 (roars) 89 00:05:32,274 --> 00:05:33,941 - I am about to die. 90 00:05:35,154 --> 00:05:36,109 Does it matter? 91 00:05:36,109 --> 00:05:39,404 Anyway, this life is no more than a dream. 92 00:05:39,404 --> 00:05:40,237 Oh. 93 00:05:49,466 --> 00:05:52,164 This is a pleasant place, here we will stop. 94 00:05:52,164 --> 00:05:55,553 Everybody is hungry and tired. - Mhm. 95 00:05:55,553 --> 00:05:58,764 - Foreigners, it's traditional that we should welcome them. 96 00:05:58,764 --> 00:06:01,623 We welcome you honored visitors. 97 00:06:01,623 --> 00:06:04,123 (tense music) 98 00:06:14,394 --> 00:06:16,394 - Men, I don't see them. 99 00:06:17,542 --> 00:06:19,413 Tell me, where are the men? 100 00:06:19,413 --> 00:06:21,825 - Traveling, oh honored visitor. 101 00:06:21,825 --> 00:06:24,593 They will trade what we produce for some things we need. 102 00:06:24,593 --> 00:06:26,441 - (Gasps) All of them? 103 00:06:26,441 --> 00:06:28,640 - Here remain only the women and children, 104 00:06:28,640 --> 00:06:30,859 old men and notables of course. 105 00:06:30,859 --> 00:06:32,757 - Will you please arrange for some woodcutters? 106 00:06:32,757 --> 00:06:34,766 We are going to be needing some big logs. 107 00:06:34,766 --> 00:06:39,126 Tell them I'll be willing to pay very well. 108 00:06:39,126 --> 00:06:42,293 Go ahead, I'll need a stack this high. 109 00:06:48,680 --> 00:06:49,513 For you. 110 00:06:52,680 --> 00:06:56,400 - For your information, we share and share alike. 111 00:06:56,400 --> 00:06:59,381 Only the council can assign jobs and distribute work. 112 00:06:59,381 --> 00:07:01,038 Well, it doesn't matter, in any case. 113 00:07:01,038 --> 00:07:03,821 All salaries go directly to our community. 114 00:07:03,821 --> 00:07:06,611 It's all for the banquets. (chuckles) 115 00:07:06,611 --> 00:07:09,714 - Yes, some potatoes, we'll need 30 sacks, no? 116 00:07:09,714 --> 00:07:12,541 - Yes, but only large ones, they are easier to peel. 117 00:07:12,541 --> 00:07:14,791 (laughter) 118 00:07:25,802 --> 00:07:29,111 - Eh eh, come on, nobody is to be favored. 119 00:07:29,111 --> 00:07:33,072 Maybe a potato is small or medium or large. 120 00:07:33,072 --> 00:07:37,234 Only everybody must eat them all, no matter what size. 121 00:07:37,234 --> 00:07:39,453 - That's right, nobody here is favored. 122 00:07:39,453 --> 00:07:41,842 That means you can't- - Ask some for potatoes. 123 00:07:41,842 --> 00:07:43,562 Ask all the village people for them. 124 00:07:43,562 --> 00:07:45,314 Small, medium and large. 125 00:07:45,314 --> 00:07:47,412 - Anyway, we confiscate all the money, 126 00:07:47,412 --> 00:07:48,753 it goes to the community. 127 00:07:48,753 --> 00:07:52,920 It's all for the banquets. (chuckles) 128 00:07:56,677 --> 00:07:59,404 - I suppose at the banquets, everyone has a good time. 129 00:07:59,404 --> 00:08:01,844 - The banquets are for men only, not for us. 130 00:08:01,844 --> 00:08:03,891 Here it's like that it's our tradition. 131 00:08:03,891 --> 00:08:05,953 - Oh is it? Well then, I'll hold a banquet 132 00:08:05,953 --> 00:08:07,641 for women only, with no men. 133 00:08:07,641 --> 00:08:09,558 Go and tell the others. 134 00:08:10,934 --> 00:08:13,133 - To hold a banquet for women is a violation 135 00:08:13,133 --> 00:08:15,861 of proper standards and tradition. 136 00:08:15,861 --> 00:08:17,533 Naturally, this cannot be. 137 00:08:17,533 --> 00:08:19,691 But for honored visitor, the council has decided 138 00:08:19,691 --> 00:08:21,643 to make one exception to the rule. 139 00:08:21,643 --> 00:08:23,530 That is, invite everybody to the banquet 140 00:08:23,530 --> 00:08:26,597 and just this once, we will allow the women to partake, 141 00:08:26,597 --> 00:08:28,514 well, why not? Tee hee. 142 00:08:29,378 --> 00:08:30,211 - Hmm. 143 00:08:31,159 --> 00:08:33,732 (dog growling) 144 00:08:33,732 --> 00:08:35,649 Oh no, again, it's him. 145 00:08:37,374 --> 00:08:40,198 - Eh, you bought a dog from the Tendupes. 146 00:08:40,198 --> 00:08:42,957 - We got him because we need a guard dog. 147 00:08:42,957 --> 00:08:45,808 And the best dogs, you buy from the tendupe. 148 00:08:45,808 --> 00:08:48,206 (dog barking) 149 00:08:48,206 --> 00:08:51,158 - I already told you, no favorites, here equality, 150 00:08:51,158 --> 00:08:53,377 you should get your dogs in the village. 151 00:08:53,377 --> 00:08:55,168 - And we get a dog from each family? 152 00:08:55,168 --> 00:08:56,688 - No, some families don't have any dogs, 153 00:08:56,688 --> 00:08:58,938 no no no, 20 or so at most. 154 00:09:04,186 --> 00:09:05,714 - If we hadn't managed to leave, 155 00:09:05,714 --> 00:09:09,055 we'd have 20 dogs now, the custom. 156 00:09:09,055 --> 00:09:11,514 - [Voiceover] Sometime later, back at Lachen. 157 00:09:11,514 --> 00:09:14,123 - It's extraordinary, last night I dreamt of Gomchen. 158 00:09:14,123 --> 00:09:15,922 Now he wants me to go visit him. 159 00:09:15,922 --> 00:09:18,127 - Sending you a letter saying he wants to see you 160 00:09:18,127 --> 00:09:20,545 is a very great honor, as you know. 161 00:09:20,545 --> 00:09:22,362 Gomchen's hermitage. 162 00:09:22,362 --> 00:09:24,345 It's at 4000 meters altitude. 163 00:09:24,345 --> 00:09:26,665 You will need a good horse for that trip. 164 00:09:26,665 --> 00:09:29,064 - You want a good horse for the mountain? 165 00:09:29,064 --> 00:09:30,814 - Yes. - Come with me. 166 00:09:37,122 --> 00:09:38,424 This is my gentlest horse. 167 00:09:38,424 --> 00:09:40,341 - Well, we'll soon see. 168 00:09:43,462 --> 00:09:45,712 (exclaims) 169 00:09:48,243 --> 00:09:49,771 - Oh, he never did that before. 170 00:09:49,771 --> 00:09:51,942 He's usually as gentle as a spring lamb. 171 00:09:51,942 --> 00:09:55,003 Let me try, I'll show you- (groans) 172 00:09:55,003 --> 00:09:56,579 Gentle as a lamb. (chuckles nervously) 173 00:09:56,579 --> 00:09:57,929 - He's right. 174 00:09:57,929 --> 00:10:00,977 I know that horse, he's always very gentle. 175 00:10:00,977 --> 00:10:02,716 - Yes, it's all that woman's fault. 176 00:10:02,716 --> 00:10:03,918 She may dress Buddhist, only she's 177 00:10:03,918 --> 00:10:06,107 a Christian missionary, wants to convert us. 178 00:10:06,107 --> 00:10:08,217 - Now she's going to seek Gomchen at the hermitage. 179 00:10:08,217 --> 00:10:09,638 - It's on account of the hermit, 180 00:10:09,638 --> 00:10:11,426 there are demons around him. 181 00:10:11,426 --> 00:10:14,053 The horse won't go there. 182 00:10:14,053 --> 00:10:15,746 - You the lady Lama, ma'am? 183 00:10:15,746 --> 00:10:18,274 The Gomchen of Lachen sends this mare. 184 00:10:18,274 --> 00:10:21,691 She knows the way, just let her take you. 185 00:10:35,278 --> 00:10:37,168 - We don't want you here, foreigner. 186 00:10:37,168 --> 00:10:38,389 You go back to your home. 187 00:10:38,389 --> 00:10:40,367 - Yeah, and turn around and go back home. 188 00:10:40,367 --> 00:10:42,035 - Brute force is all this bunch understands, 189 00:10:42,035 --> 00:10:43,293 do I fight them? 190 00:10:43,293 --> 00:10:46,735 - If we don't begin to fight, they will. 191 00:10:46,735 --> 00:10:49,685 Hit them hard, hard and fast. 192 00:10:49,685 --> 00:10:51,768 (grunts) 193 00:11:07,211 --> 00:11:09,961 Keep away, we'll shoot next time. 194 00:11:14,288 --> 00:11:16,032 - Look who's come. 195 00:11:16,032 --> 00:11:18,555 - Ah welcome, how nice it is you've come back. 196 00:11:18,555 --> 00:11:20,854 On the way, there was a problem, not unusual, 197 00:11:20,854 --> 00:11:22,324 but now happily peace is restored 198 00:11:22,324 --> 00:11:24,795 and we are very near, we shall go up. 199 00:11:24,795 --> 00:11:26,434 We are here, madame. 200 00:11:26,434 --> 00:11:28,180 This is where you will be staying. 201 00:11:28,180 --> 00:11:32,347 - I will ask the village people to help me build a cabin. 202 00:11:52,054 --> 00:11:53,825 Is it possible, here I am, 203 00:11:53,825 --> 00:11:56,194 the owner of a house in the Himalayas? 204 00:11:56,194 --> 00:11:58,611 And now we'll see our hermit. 205 00:12:08,556 --> 00:12:11,636 - Come in and sit down, it's such a long time. 206 00:12:11,636 --> 00:12:14,148 To think I've lived here for the past 20 years, 207 00:12:14,148 --> 00:12:16,297 far and away from the world, here alone. 208 00:12:16,297 --> 00:12:18,036 Crowds do not favor meditation, 209 00:12:18,036 --> 00:12:19,876 only alone, high in the mountains, 210 00:12:19,876 --> 00:12:21,726 lying on an open rock, does one feel 211 00:12:21,726 --> 00:12:25,388 fearless and free, equal to any god. 212 00:12:25,388 --> 00:12:27,207 I hope you understand in Tibet, 213 00:12:27,207 --> 00:12:30,895 I will teach you the language and many other things. 214 00:12:30,895 --> 00:12:32,797 See here, the signs aren't the same. 215 00:12:32,797 --> 00:12:35,058 - But the meaning stays the same. 216 00:12:35,058 --> 00:12:38,641 - Proper deep breathing, you must learn it. 217 00:12:49,485 --> 00:12:51,242 You know, the only thing about demons, 218 00:12:51,242 --> 00:12:52,688 our thoughts weak are noted. 219 00:12:52,688 --> 00:12:54,312 Only constant vigilance keeps us 220 00:12:54,312 --> 00:12:56,048 from falling into this illusion. 221 00:12:56,048 --> 00:12:58,371 - Yes, your words are true. 222 00:12:58,371 --> 00:13:00,458 Yes, because Buddha has spoken about this, 223 00:13:00,458 --> 00:13:04,625 even religious ceremonies are a barrier to salvation. 224 00:13:06,270 --> 00:13:08,035 (speaks ancient language) 225 00:13:08,035 --> 00:13:09,696 - Your initiation's complete. 226 00:13:09,696 --> 00:13:11,448 The light within you must be used now 227 00:13:11,448 --> 00:13:13,605 to guide other people who are in darkness. 228 00:13:13,605 --> 00:13:15,426 You will be their beacon of wisdom. 229 00:13:15,426 --> 00:13:19,075 As for Yongden, he will be your companion. 230 00:13:19,075 --> 00:13:21,742 It is time you discovered Tibet. 231 00:13:25,214 --> 00:13:27,684 - Alexandra David-Neel, we're here to inform you, 232 00:13:27,684 --> 00:13:30,075 you must leave the area, there's a war on. 233 00:13:30,075 --> 00:13:31,616 The governor, in the name of the crown, 234 00:13:31,616 --> 00:13:34,536 forbids any unauthorized person to stay in this region. 235 00:13:34,536 --> 00:13:37,364 - Our informants tell us that you want to go to Tibet. 236 00:13:37,364 --> 00:13:40,016 You know it's not allowed. 237 00:13:40,016 --> 00:13:42,605 - Yeah, well it was a bit of bad luck for Alexandra 238 00:13:42,605 --> 00:13:44,048 after getting so close, but 239 00:13:44,048 --> 00:13:46,025 that wouldn't stop our Alexandra. 240 00:13:46,025 --> 00:13:48,438 So that the British authorities would forget her, 241 00:13:48,438 --> 00:13:51,747 she set off on a long voyage that took her to Calcutta. 242 00:13:51,747 --> 00:13:53,147 - Alexandra, your adventures 243 00:13:53,147 --> 00:13:55,267 are truly astonishing, hard to fathom, 244 00:13:55,267 --> 00:13:57,307 oh, look at that holy man, my dear. 245 00:13:57,307 --> 00:14:01,474 What spiritual strength is required to renounce all things. 246 00:14:02,480 --> 00:14:03,397 - Go do it. 247 00:14:04,286 --> 00:14:06,374 Only, we must not trust appearances. 248 00:14:06,374 --> 00:14:09,467 Now we'll see if this man's renounced the world 249 00:14:09,467 --> 00:14:10,800 and it's riches. 250 00:14:12,396 --> 00:14:14,527 - Hey come back here, what the heck, 251 00:14:14,527 --> 00:14:16,860 give me back my, stop thief. 252 00:14:17,797 --> 00:14:19,719 (laughter) 253 00:14:19,719 --> 00:14:21,398 - She went from Calcutta to Burma, 254 00:14:21,398 --> 00:14:23,187 then to Malaysia, beyond Japan, 255 00:14:23,187 --> 00:14:25,574 to Korea, China, finally Mongolia, 256 00:14:25,574 --> 00:14:28,248 and then secretly she crossed over into Tibet at last. 257 00:14:28,248 --> 00:14:30,527 - I think we would do well to begin with a visit 258 00:14:30,527 --> 00:14:33,648 to the monastery, at Kumbum, I'm told 259 00:14:33,648 --> 00:14:36,168 there are libraries with very ancient text. 260 00:14:36,168 --> 00:14:38,555 - There are many monks there as well. 261 00:14:38,555 --> 00:14:40,555 3500, it's a whole city. 262 00:14:52,684 --> 00:14:53,601 - Let's go. 263 00:14:58,004 --> 00:15:01,325 - Look there, it's (indistinct) master of Kumbum. 264 00:15:01,325 --> 00:15:03,376 (indistinct) 265 00:15:03,376 --> 00:15:05,824 But he's still to young to reign over the Mongols, 266 00:15:05,824 --> 00:15:10,067 and he is the pleasant reigning master (indistinct). 267 00:15:10,067 --> 00:15:14,075 - [Voiceover] Alexandra would spend 18 months at Kumbum, 268 00:15:14,075 --> 00:15:15,900 studying in the library with the 269 00:15:15,900 --> 00:15:17,873 many wise monks of the monastery. 270 00:15:17,873 --> 00:15:22,040 She would spend hours studying the old manuscripts. 271 00:15:23,749 --> 00:15:25,799 And then finally, at the end of her stay, 272 00:15:25,799 --> 00:15:28,382 she is proclaimed a Grand Lama. 273 00:15:29,629 --> 00:15:32,229 - I hope to be worthy of the honor bestowed upon me, 274 00:15:32,229 --> 00:15:33,719 and all is to propagate the knowledge 275 00:15:33,719 --> 00:15:36,290 thy have extended to me. 276 00:15:36,290 --> 00:15:38,597 And now I would like to visit Lhasa. 277 00:15:38,597 --> 00:15:40,927 - The capital? Oh, there is no way. 278 00:15:40,927 --> 00:15:44,005 We aren't allowed in the city, oh, these youngsters. 279 00:15:44,005 --> 00:15:46,077 - You would have to cross battlefields, 280 00:15:46,077 --> 00:15:48,575 and regions of pestilence, cholera and worse. 281 00:15:48,575 --> 00:15:51,413 - I have got this far, I can go the rest of the way. 282 00:15:51,413 --> 00:15:53,099 - But all the same, take an escort, 283 00:15:53,099 --> 00:15:56,016 you don't want to take any chances. 284 00:15:58,123 --> 00:16:00,402 - I did not say what our destination is, 285 00:16:00,402 --> 00:16:02,593 superstitious lot, all of them. 286 00:16:02,593 --> 00:16:05,723 They would think some god is going to create a catastrophe, 287 00:16:05,723 --> 00:16:08,556 and stop us ever getting to Lhasa. 288 00:16:15,273 --> 00:16:17,234 (exclaims) 289 00:16:17,234 --> 00:16:18,764 - Back it up. 290 00:16:18,764 --> 00:16:20,181 - You back it up. 291 00:16:21,281 --> 00:16:22,992 - Back all the way up. 292 00:16:22,992 --> 00:16:26,009 - Well it's impossible, we have more than 100 camels 293 00:16:26,009 --> 00:16:28,439 but you've got a couple of donkeys and that's all. 294 00:16:28,439 --> 00:16:29,890 - Of course, the man is quite right, 295 00:16:29,890 --> 00:16:31,908 but we can't afford to be dishonored and lose face, 296 00:16:31,908 --> 00:16:33,226 we can't give in to them. 297 00:16:33,226 --> 00:16:35,085 You can never give in to Mongols, 298 00:16:35,085 --> 00:16:37,314 if we did, we'd lose the respect of the men. 299 00:16:37,314 --> 00:16:39,897 - In that case, out of the way! 300 00:16:42,167 --> 00:16:44,997 - Out of our way, you're wasting our time. 301 00:16:44,997 --> 00:16:46,894 - Okay now, we've got rifles too. 302 00:16:46,894 --> 00:16:49,437 - Go on. - Out of our way! 303 00:16:49,437 --> 00:16:51,149 - Of course she's friends with the Lama, 304 00:16:51,149 --> 00:16:53,567 could be they're (indistinct). 305 00:16:53,567 --> 00:16:57,567 - All right, we let them go through the passage. 306 00:17:00,887 --> 00:17:04,137 - Here, we'll pitch camp for the night. 307 00:17:08,513 --> 00:17:12,680 Miguel, go to the river and get some water, please. 308 00:17:17,486 --> 00:17:21,069 - Stay hidden imbecile, don't give us away. 309 00:17:28,611 --> 00:17:31,204 - Up there ma'am, there are robbers on deep. 310 00:17:31,204 --> 00:17:32,604 - Don't look at them. 311 00:17:32,604 --> 00:17:34,380 Pretend everything is alright. 312 00:17:34,380 --> 00:17:36,513 We'll order everybody to load our things, 313 00:17:36,513 --> 00:17:37,942 and you'll bring me the gun I put in 314 00:17:37,942 --> 00:17:40,609 the saddle bag, over on my mule. 315 00:17:47,841 --> 00:17:50,763 Oh, why didn't you bring the biscuits too? 316 00:17:50,763 --> 00:17:54,930 We could invite them for tea then. (laughs) 317 00:17:56,854 --> 00:17:58,422 - Eh, they're laughing, chief. 318 00:17:58,422 --> 00:17:59,642 We're not scaring them. 319 00:17:59,642 --> 00:18:00,910 - That's how they want it. 320 00:18:00,910 --> 00:18:03,559 They've got a big lesson coming. 321 00:18:03,559 --> 00:18:05,159 All right, attack, attack! 322 00:18:05,159 --> 00:18:06,508 Let's go, you guys. 323 00:18:06,508 --> 00:18:09,091 (men shouting) 324 00:18:11,458 --> 00:18:13,365 Hey, come back. 325 00:18:13,365 --> 00:18:15,108 Hey, nobody can laugh at us. 326 00:18:15,108 --> 00:18:19,191 No, nobody can do that. (groans) 327 00:18:21,614 --> 00:18:23,947 - Quick, make for the rocks. 328 00:18:30,725 --> 00:18:32,142 - Coming through. 329 00:18:34,144 --> 00:18:37,394 - Maybe we can stay here for the night. 330 00:18:38,373 --> 00:18:40,313 - Madame, this lady is a Grand Lama. 331 00:18:40,313 --> 00:18:42,594 We seek refuge, just for one night. 332 00:18:42,594 --> 00:18:45,744 - Ah, travelers, our home is yours, naturally. 333 00:18:45,744 --> 00:18:48,504 - May we serve you some Yak butter tea? 334 00:18:48,504 --> 00:18:50,649 - It would be our pleasure. 335 00:18:50,649 --> 00:18:53,521 - Now, if you would please come and sit down, 336 00:18:53,521 --> 00:18:55,771 I will arrange for the tea. 337 00:19:00,753 --> 00:19:01,670 - Drink it. 338 00:19:02,873 --> 00:19:04,735 - Mm, smells good. 339 00:19:04,735 --> 00:19:06,406 - If you're a Grand Lama, then you 340 00:19:06,406 --> 00:19:08,435 will have power to cure illnesses. 341 00:19:08,435 --> 00:19:10,115 And so tomorrow, village people 342 00:19:10,115 --> 00:19:11,983 will surely come for your blessing. 343 00:19:11,983 --> 00:19:14,317 - Yes, indeed, with great pleasure, naturally. 344 00:19:14,317 --> 00:19:16,666 - We will leave you now, I'm sure you're tired. 345 00:19:16,666 --> 00:19:18,583 We hope you sleep well. 346 00:19:20,898 --> 00:19:22,315 - Are you hungry? 347 00:19:23,783 --> 00:19:25,660 - Yum, a real feast today. 348 00:19:25,660 --> 00:19:28,121 - Our mistress's giving everyone her blessing, 349 00:19:28,121 --> 00:19:29,521 most of them brought food today, 350 00:19:29,521 --> 00:19:31,461 and so, we have a feast, go on, 351 00:19:31,461 --> 00:19:35,211 take another piece of mutton, it's delicious. 352 00:19:36,620 --> 00:19:38,350 - Now I'm going away on a long voyage, 353 00:19:38,350 --> 00:19:40,099 I know it will be dangerous, have you a charm 354 00:19:40,099 --> 00:19:43,611 that will protect me from accidents? 355 00:19:43,611 --> 00:19:46,299 - Come, young, here is a songdu, 356 00:19:46,299 --> 00:19:47,598 it will protect you on the way, 357 00:19:47,598 --> 00:19:49,001 you must wear it at all times. 358 00:19:49,001 --> 00:19:50,934 - Every day, I have so much work to do 359 00:19:50,934 --> 00:19:53,014 with my children and my husband, but lately, 360 00:19:53,014 --> 00:19:55,623 I have a demon inside, right in my head, and 361 00:19:55,623 --> 00:19:57,883 it hurts all the time. 362 00:19:57,883 --> 00:20:00,712 - Serene Rimbo, these are pills for long life, 363 00:20:00,712 --> 00:20:03,283 these pills will chase that awful demon out of your head. 364 00:20:03,283 --> 00:20:04,902 He won't hurt you anymore. 365 00:20:04,902 --> 00:20:06,483 - My husband died recently, 366 00:20:06,483 --> 00:20:08,280 can you tell me what his fate was? 367 00:20:08,280 --> 00:20:10,712 Did he have a good reincarnation? 368 00:20:10,712 --> 00:20:15,171 - Go away, come back in a little while and I'll tell you. 369 00:20:15,171 --> 00:20:18,029 (baby crying) 370 00:20:18,029 --> 00:20:20,451 Your husband has already been born into our world, 371 00:20:20,451 --> 00:20:21,824 the son of a rich merchant. 372 00:20:21,824 --> 00:20:24,532 Don't be so worried, he's much loved in his new family. 373 00:20:24,532 --> 00:20:27,282 He'll have a life of forgiveness. 374 00:20:40,232 --> 00:20:41,832 - Halt, where you going? 375 00:20:41,832 --> 00:20:44,614 - The venerable Lama, bright and shining lamp of wisdom, 376 00:20:44,614 --> 00:20:47,272 and I are on a pilgrimage to the city of Lhasa. 377 00:20:47,272 --> 00:20:50,283 - Impossible, there's a war going on it that area. 378 00:20:50,283 --> 00:20:51,972 You will go directly to Takiendo. 379 00:20:51,972 --> 00:20:54,510 We will send an escort with you. 380 00:20:54,510 --> 00:20:56,468 - We have spent the whole winter here, 381 00:20:56,468 --> 00:20:58,380 and now it's about time we got out. 382 00:20:58,380 --> 00:21:01,407 - Yes, but precisely how? The Tibetans refuse categorically 383 00:21:01,407 --> 00:21:03,380 to allow us any passage to China, 384 00:21:03,380 --> 00:21:05,853 but the Chinese don't allow us in Tibet, either. 385 00:21:05,853 --> 00:21:07,286 - They won't let us come in because 386 00:21:07,286 --> 00:21:09,006 we are thought to be important. 387 00:21:09,006 --> 00:21:11,185 But if we two were simple beggars, 388 00:21:11,185 --> 00:21:13,268 no one would give a hoot. 389 00:21:18,757 --> 00:21:20,407 - There is one detail. 390 00:21:20,407 --> 00:21:22,857 Even dressed in the robes of a Lama, you're European. 391 00:21:22,857 --> 00:21:25,047 - Won't be a problem, I'll get out of the habit. 392 00:21:25,047 --> 00:21:29,465 And we'll leave everything here, our clothes, our mules. 393 00:21:29,465 --> 00:21:32,075 And we'll leave Alexandra here, too. 394 00:21:32,075 --> 00:21:34,617 Now I'm just like the Bucus you see, 395 00:21:34,617 --> 00:21:36,534 like those beggar nuns. 396 00:21:37,747 --> 00:21:39,255 They won't recognize me now, 397 00:21:39,255 --> 00:21:41,586 I'll be your dear old mother. 398 00:21:41,586 --> 00:21:43,713 Well, my son, ready for finishing the journey? 399 00:21:43,713 --> 00:21:45,945 - I'll go with you anywhere. 400 00:21:45,945 --> 00:21:48,488 - Alexandra would give it a second try, 401 00:21:48,488 --> 00:21:50,917 but the danger was greater, she took a very 402 00:21:50,917 --> 00:21:54,128 roundabout route by way of Chinese Yunnan. 403 00:21:54,128 --> 00:21:55,816 Then she crossed the Mekong, 404 00:21:55,816 --> 00:21:59,399 and completely disappeared for four months. 405 00:22:05,259 --> 00:22:07,509 - Yongden, look over there. 406 00:22:08,502 --> 00:22:09,335 - Lhasa. 407 00:22:29,965 --> 00:22:33,632 - All of these children, there are too many. 408 00:22:54,230 --> 00:22:57,738 - And now, what are you going to do? 409 00:22:57,738 --> 00:22:59,441 - Nothing, I have already met 410 00:22:59,441 --> 00:23:01,569 the most prestigious Lamas in Tibet. 411 00:23:01,569 --> 00:23:03,340 The only reason to go to Lhasa 412 00:23:03,340 --> 00:23:05,447 was because they told me I mustn't go. 413 00:23:05,447 --> 00:23:07,481 Never forget, Yongden, follow your heart's desire 414 00:23:07,481 --> 00:23:09,711 and go wherever your eyes lead you. 415 00:23:09,711 --> 00:23:12,521 Now I'll go home, want to go to Europe now with me? 416 00:23:12,521 --> 00:23:14,561 I consider you my own son. 417 00:23:14,561 --> 00:23:16,151 - My heart tells me to follow you, 418 00:23:16,151 --> 00:23:19,124 whole life, a total mystery. 419 00:23:19,124 --> 00:23:21,350 - I thought I was leaving for just a year or two, 420 00:23:21,350 --> 00:23:22,825 but it's been how long? 421 00:23:22,825 --> 00:23:25,229 More than 14 years I've been gone. 422 00:23:25,229 --> 00:23:27,835 And now Yongden, I'm 60 years old. 423 00:23:27,835 --> 00:23:29,751 I would need a century or more 424 00:23:29,751 --> 00:23:32,391 to tell all that I have lived. 425 00:23:32,391 --> 00:23:34,311 - And how right she was. 426 00:23:34,311 --> 00:23:38,117 Alexandra David-Neel wrote novels based on her adventures, 427 00:23:38,117 --> 00:23:40,811 and translated sacred texts that she'd brought back. 428 00:23:40,811 --> 00:23:42,849 This happened quietly for many long years, 429 00:23:42,849 --> 00:23:46,343 and then in 1937, she went back to Asia 430 00:23:46,343 --> 00:23:47,948 where she remained nine years, 431 00:23:47,948 --> 00:23:50,639 blocked by the second world war, and there she was. 432 00:23:50,639 --> 00:23:52,627 Eventually she returned home, and before she died, 433 00:23:52,627 --> 00:23:55,138 she wrote 11 books about the land of Tibet. 434 00:23:55,138 --> 00:23:57,767 It's philosophies, magic, mysteries. 435 00:23:57,767 --> 00:23:59,348 This incredibly gifted woman 436 00:23:59,348 --> 00:24:01,386 even applied for a new passport. 437 00:24:01,386 --> 00:24:03,087 At the age of 100, no doubt, 438 00:24:03,087 --> 00:24:06,287 she was planning to go off on another trip. 439 00:24:06,287 --> 00:24:08,954 (credits music)