Anam Thubten introduces Journey to Golok: Film Screening
Sun, Nov 09
|Swarthmore Friends Meeting House
Join renowned Buddhist teacher Anam Thubten for the Philadelphia-area premiere of "Journey to Golok," a one-hour documentary from his newly founded Kailash Fellowship following four students on a sacred pilgrimage to Eastern Tibet to explore the roots of the Dudjom Lingpa lineage.
Time & Location
Nov 09, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Swarthmore Friends Meeting House, 12 Whittier Pl, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA
About the event
Join The Wisdom Seat for an extraordinary evening with renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher Anam Thubten as we present the Philadelphia-area premiere of "Journey to Golok: Takyak Pilgrimage." This captivating one-hour documentary follows four of Anam Thubten's students on a profound pilgrimage to the remote Golok region of Eastern Tibet, where Anam Thubten grew up and where the celebrated 19th-century Dzogchen master Dudjom Lingpa practiced and revealed sacred teachings.
Anam Thubten will give an introductory talk, and there will be a reception immediately after the film.
In July 2024, four of Anam Thubten’s students made a pilgrimage to Golok in Eastern Tibet, where Anam Thubten grew up and where Dudjom Lingpa practiced and revealed profound texts. Dudjom Lingpa was one of the most celebrated Dzogchen masters in the Nyingma tradition. He lived at the end of the 19th century, yet his teachings have practicality and relevance today, resonating with many people around the world.
The one-hour video JOURNEY TO GOLOK: Takyak Pilgrimage was created from the pilgrims’ photos and video recordings by documentary editor Catherine Hollander (When the Iron Bird Flies, Precious Guru). The result is a journey to the heart of Anam Thubten’s spiritual lineage, exploring the remote and mystical Golok region.
The pilgrims visit Dröpuk cave, where Dudjom Lingpa composed the popular Trömo sadhana, a unique Tibetan liturgy known as chöd. They practice at Takyak Hermitage, at 13,000 feet, where beloved hermit Anam Chatralwa lived in lifelong retreat. The video also shares everyday details, like meals and translation mishaps, giving a felt sense to traveling with the pilgrims step by step.
While the pilgrims were traveling in the East, Anam Thubten was traveling in the West. He provided inspiration through his stories of Tibetan masters, sacred locations, and personal memories, which are shared through the pilgrims’ narration. Anam Thubten said this about the pilgrimage:
“Symbolically, the pilgrims’ journey was done on behalf of us. They were revisiting and reconnecting with the roots of our spiritual dharma family. Each family has roots. In the same way, we have dharmic roots, and I felt they went there to trace back the sacred roots of our family. We are all part of that dharma family.”
JOURNEY TO GOLOK is an offering from Kailash Fellowship. The film reflects the foundation’s mission to preserve the lineage of Dudjom Lingpa. Kailash Fellowship supports study and practice, the maintenance of sacred sites, translation and publishing, and solo retreat. This vision can flourish with the help of your generosity.
This special event is presented by The Wisdom Seat in partnership with Kailash Fellowship.
Film Trailer:
By Donation Only
$25 suggested donation
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
6:00 PM - 6:15 PM: Doors Open
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Introductory Talk by Anam Thubten
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Film Screening
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Reception
This is an in-person event only - no virtual attendance available
Tickets
$25 suggested donation
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
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Total
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