Review of Samsara

Samsara (2001)
7/10
Misrepresents a Buddhist Myth
7 August 2003
This was an interesting film, but viewers should know that it does not represent the traditional tale(s) of the relationship between Buddha and his wife, Yasodhara. According to the oldest (?) lineage of Buddhism (Theravada), Yasodhara knew about the predictions about Buddha's spiritual destiny; discussed his leaving with him; and offered her blessing to him when he left.

Other traditions offer versions claim a variety of things, including (a) that he was not married at all; (b) that he was married and stayed with his wife.

The spiel at the end by Tashi's wife did not reflect any of these myths. It seems to be based on a possibly agenda-ed misreading of the tradition and will be seen by many Buddhists as informationally problematic in that it misrepresents the story of the Buddha.
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