Nawang, a Tibetan monk, arrives in rural Putnam County, Indiana looking for the reincarnation of his late teacher. In an old farm house, he finds a reckless, warring couple, Kim and Warren, and their asthmatic ten year-old daughter, Camilee. When Nawang comes to believe Camilee is the 'tulku' he seeks, he feels compelled to save her from her violent, selfish parents to rid himself of his own complicated karma, and bring the holy lama home.