A former chantmaster reveals secrets of the Gyuto’s world renowned chanting. A sometimes intense, competitive but also humorous world that became a bridge from the monks isolation to the international community. For centuries Tibetan monks were a source of mystery that has only been lifted in recent decades. Another monk explains his intent, routine and how he will cope during an isolated three year, three month and three day retreat. We are in the room as the novices rise at 5am and follow them as they continue their text memorising until the late afternoon. His Holiness the Dalai Lama guides viewers through the basis of the monks beliefs – an esoteric world where we are encouraged to imagine ourselves as Gods and wander through the gardens represented in the mandala. And we follow from creation to destruction a large spectacular sand mandala. Artistic skills are an essential component of the monks journey towards spiritual perfection. Only the elite of Tibetan Buddhism are accepted to become Gyuto. Pure Sound - The Gyuto Monks of Tibet also features Columbia University Professor Robert Thurman, the first Western Tibetan monk and translator of the Tibetan Book of the Dead (and father of Hollywood actress Uma Thurman).