Little Buddha

Tibetan Buddhist monks from a Bhutanese monastery called Rinpung Dzong, led by Lama Norbu, begin a search for the rebirth of the great teacher Lama Dorje. They believe a child can be the reincarnation who will carry on Dorje's teachings. The hunt centers on identifying a candidate who embodies Dorje's body, speech, and mind.

In Seattle, the monks believe they have found their candidate in an American boy named Jesse Conrad. They observe him and begin procedures to determine if he is Lama Dorje's rebirth. Jesse is the son of an architect and a teacher who live in the city.

The monks travel to Seattle to meet Jesse in person and begin their assessment of his suitability. Jesse shows curiosity about the monks and their way of life, drawing him into their presence.

Jesse's parents, Dean and Lisa, are wary of the monks and their unusual request. They resist at first, feeling protective of their son and skeptical about the reincarnation claims.

Lama Norbu announces his intention to take Jesse back to Bhutan for testing as the potential rebirth.

Dean's close friend, who has gone bankrupt, commits suicide, pushing Dean toward a different course of action. The tragedy exposes the pressures of life in Seattle and fuels his decision.

Moved by the friend’s death, Dean decides to accompany Jesse to Bhutan as part of the journey and test. The decision marks a turning point in the family’s path.

In Nepal, two other potential rebirths of Lama Dorje—Raju and Gita—are encountered. The story expands to include multiple expected manifestations of the same teacher.

In Lumbini, Nepal, the story of Prince Siddhartha unfolds as he renounces his life of comfort to seek a solution to universal suffering. His quest lays the groundwork for the Buddha's later enlightenment.

Siddhartha faces Mara, the demon of illusion, as he learns profound truths about life, consciousness, and reality. Through his trials, he attains enlightenment and becomes the Buddha.

It is revealed that Jesse, Raju, and Gita are three separate manifestations of Lama Dorje: Jesse as mind, Raju as body, and Gita as speech. The spiritual significance of their connection is affirmed.

A ceremony is held to acknowledge the rebirths, and Jesse's father receives some essential Buddhist truths during the proceedings. The family gains a new understanding of the teachings involved.

Lama Norbu enters a deep meditation and dies, signaling the end of his earthly mission. His passing marks a transition for the spiritual journey he helped initiate.

During the funeral, Norbu appears to the children from a higher plane, urging them to practice compassion. The children honor his memory by distributing his ashes, continuing his teachings.

In a post-credits scene, the meticulously created sand mandala is shattered with a single stroke, symbolizing impermanence and the transient nature of all things.