The film addresses spirituality, cultural survival, identity, heritage, family, growing into maturity, aging, Buddhism, and past and future lives.

The image of water and swimming, Namkhai Norbu's beloved pastime, is used as a repetitive thematic pillar through the film as a representation of his teachings of integration and emptiness.

The natural sounds of chanting and song, combined with added effects and carefully scored music, is used to express a non-verbal sense of the spiritual world Norbu Rinpoche seeks to transmit to his son, and to the West.

[3] Chuck Bowen of Slant Magazine wrote that "My Reincarnation, at its simplest, is another illustration of the idea that people of most walks of life have essentially the same problems".

[5] Variety's Richard Kuipers also praised "[the film's exploration of] complex relationship between exiled Tibetan spiritual master Cheogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche and his Italian-born son Yeshi is [thoroughly] examined in th[is] fascinating docu[mentary].

"[6] According to Tom Russo of The Boston Globe "The story and settings hold interest throughout, but at times the very lack of emotional connection that Yeshi laments in his father seems to hinder the film".