Meditation center to screen 'When the Iron Bird Flies' March 3

Rehoboth Beach Community Buddhist Meditation Center will host a screening of the documentary "When the Iron Bird Flies," Sunday, March 3. The film will be presented by Lama Mepham Drukgyel Rinpoche.

In 1959, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama escaped the Chinese invasion of Tibet. With his departure, and the exodus of many of the major teachers of all the sects of Tibetan Buddhism, the religion, as it was practiced in virtual seclusion for centuries in the Land of Snow, was suddenly thrust out into the world. More than 50 years later there are Tibetan Buddhist meditation centers in every major city in the Western world, two three-year retreat centers in France alone; and the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, has 92,000 followers on Twitter.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Victress Hitchcock, "When the Iron Bird Flies" traces the astounding path of one of the world’s great spiritual traditions from the caves of Tibet to the mainstream of Western culture and poses this question: In these chaotic, modern times, can these age-old teachings help mankind find genuine happiness and create a saner, more compassionate 21st century world?

An accomplished teacher, Lama Mepham Drukgyel Rinpoche has taught at the Tibetan Art institute in Little Rock, Ark., and has completed two three-year retreats. He has led classes in meditation,Tibetan arts and philosophy.

The afternoon begins with a welcoming reception for Lama Mepham Drukgyel Rinpoche at 2:45 p.m. Rinpoche will lead a period of silent meditation starting at 3 p.m. in the meditation room at the Rehoboth Beach Community Buddhist Meditation Center.

The film screening runs from 5:30 to 6 p.m. in the parish hall of All Saints' Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave. in Rehoboth Beach. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Call 302-864-4868 or email rbcmc.mjkr@yahoo.com for more information.