Little Buddha

A prince who leaves his privileged life to seek universal suffering's cure. His journey yields deep insights into life, consciousness, and reality, culminating in his battle with Mara. Through steadfast practice, he attains enlightenment and becomes the Buddha.

A Seattle-based boy who captivates the visiting monks and becomes central to the rebirth narrative. His openness contrasts with his parents' skepticism, driving cross-cultural tensions and a transformative journey.

Jesse's mother, wary of the monks' intrusion into family life. Her guarded stance reflects the friction between secular concerns and spiritual exploration within a modern Western household.

Jesse's father, initially pragmatic and skeptical, whose crisis after a friend's suicide motivates him to travel to Bhutan with Jesse. His journey embodies the clash between worldly life and spiritual calling.

A supporting figure linked to the monks' circle, enabling cultural exchange and aiding the cross-cultural dynamic between the Western family and Buddhist practitioners.

Leader of the Bhutanese monastery who initiates the rebirth search and guides the children's spiritual testing until his passing.

A symbolic figure representing the temptations encountered on the path, illustrating distractions that challenge the spiritual journey.

A senior monk who provides mentorship and spiritual guidance within the monastery's rebirth investigations.

The revered lama whose essence threads through the rebirths, guiding the path toward enlightenment with wisdom and Dharma.

The venerable abbot overseeing the monastery, offering elder counsel within the spiritual community.

A local figure connected to the monastery's circle, participating in the chronology of events surrounding the monks and Jesse.

One of the Nepal rebirth candidates encountered by the travelers, illustrating the broader rebirth theme central to the story.

The other Nepal rebirth candidate encountered on the journey, highlighting the multiple manifestations of Lama Dorje.