Tenzin Ösel Hita Torres, born in 1985 in Bubión, Spain, is a Spanish-born Tibetan Buddhist tulku recognized as the reincarnation of Lama Thubten Yeshe, co-founder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). At 14 months old, he was confirmed by the Dalai Lama as Lama Yeshe’s reincarnation and was enthroned in 1987 at Tushita Retreat Centre in Dharamsala, India.

Ösel spent his early years at Sera Monastery in South India, receiving both traditional Tibetan monastic education and private tutoring in Western subjects. At 18, he chose to leave monastic life to explore a secular path, pursuing studies in film and cinematography in Madrid and Los Angeles. He graduated with a degree in cinematography in 2008 and released the documentary “Being Your True Nature” in 2012.

Beyond filmmaking, Ösel is an environmentalist and humanitarian. In 2020, he founded the Global Tree Initiative, aiming to unite people worldwide in planting trees to combat climate change and promote ecological awareness.

He shares his insights and projects through his personal website, One Big Love, Oselhita.com and engages with a broader audience via social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

For a deeper understanding of his journey, you can watch the BBC documentary “The Reluctant Lama” or explore his teachings and talks available online.

Ösel’s life story has inspired various media portrayals. Notably, Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1993 film Little Buddha was inspired by Ösel’s recognition as a tulku. The film explores the search for a reincarnated Tibetan lama, paralleling Ösel’s own early life. Bertolucci’s depiction brought attention to the phenomenon of Western-born tulkus and their unique challenges.

In 2022, HBO Max released a four-part documentary series titled Osel, directed by Lucas Figueroa. The series delves into Ösel’s life, from his recognition as a reincarnated lama to his decision to leave monastic life and pursue a secular path. It offers an intimate look at his personal journey, struggles, and reflections on identity and spirituality.

For more information, you can visit the HBO Max page for Osel and read about the film Little Buddha on Wikipedia.