Pawo Choyning Dorji, will be visiting CWRU from Wednesday, April 23rd through Friday, April 25th, to screen his films and deliver a talk titled, “Untying Knots of Light and Sculpting Time: Storytelling in Bhutan”. This talk will focus on the themes of interdependence, impermanence, and the motivation behind storytelling. Drawing from personal experiences, along with spiritual and cultural insights, filmmaker, screenwriter, and director Dorji explores how Bhutanese stories are deeply interwoven with Buddhist principles, reflecting Bhutan’s unique perspective on creativity, existence, and happiness.

The talk will touch upon Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which emphasizes holistic well-being and contentment over material wealth. This approach is rooted in the belief in interdependence and recognizing that authetic happiness arises from a balanced relationship between individuals, society, and the narratives that highlight the interconnectedness of all beings and the transient nature of life.

This event is presented in partnership with the Departments of Religious Studies and English and the Asian Studies Program.

Pawo Choyning Dorji is a 2025 Hildegarde and Elbert Baker Visiting Scholar in the Humanities.

All events are free and open to the public
Registration for each is requested.

Film Screening and Discussion: Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
Wednesday, April 23rd; 7pm
Strosacker Auditorium

Untying Knots of Light and Sculpting Time: Storytelling in Bhutan 
Thursday, April 24th; 4pm
Eldred Hall Room 203

Film Screening and Discussion: The Monk and the Gun
Friday, April 25th; 7pm
Cinematheque at the Cleveland Institute of Art