Dorje Shugden Movie Project

Dorje Shugden: On The Trail Of A Buddhist Protector is a documentary film project. The general idea is to do documented research on the origin and practice of the Buddhist protector deity Dorje Shugden.

It is important to show the practice as integrated part of a living Buddhist tradition without going into the recent controversy. To see how Dorje Shugden practitioners realize their protector practice in their day to day life offers a different way of perception.

The team will travel to Tibet and surrounding countries, visit historically relevant sites and talk to Dorje Shugden’s followers and masters all over the world. The film will adopt a rather scientific and objective approach, understandable for everybody.

Team

The dedicated team consists of five people and together they represent quite some expertise. Students of film and visual design, a professional photographer, a monk, known for his knowledge on the subject and a professional sound designer, not to forget helpers and friends, translators and organization talents. This project is not connected to any organization.

Storyboard

This documentary film is made to present well-researched information about the Buddhist protector deity Dorje Shugden. The brief storyboard below is extracted from the movie’s official website:

To begin with, there will be a short introduction, explaining the concept of deities in Buddhism , even though we cannot go too deep into Buddhism in general, we hope this will provide enough information for everyone, including “Non-Buddhists” to follow the topic.

Next we can identify Protector deities, explaining their function, using examples such as the widely spread Mahakala worship. At this point we want to introduce Dorje Shugden followed by some explanation on the distinction made between different types of protectors, as there are spirits, mundane and supra-mundane beings. Identifying Dorje Shugden as a supra-mundane protector will conclude the first chapter.

Related to the origination of Dorje Shugden, we will start with a portrait of Thulku Dragpa Gyaltsen. In order to demonstrate the status of Dorje Shugden as an Enlightened One, this will include previous incarnations of Thulku Dragpa Gyaltsen, emphasizing some anecdotes of previous incarnations lifes. Especially the life and qualities of Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen and his special relationship with Je Tsongkapa, founder of the Gaden Tradition, explains the function of this extraordinary protector.

Although we don‘t want to engage in any political statements, the story of Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen includes some historical political information, such as the relationship to the great fifth Dalai Lama and Desi Sangye Gyatso. In order to get to know the whole picture of the arising of our wonderful protector, there are more dimensions to consider.

Therefore we also want to explain the emanation of Dorje Shugden as a son of the god Ganesha for example. And how the different ways of perceiving Dorje Shugden go together without contradiction.

The relation of Dorje Shugdens mandala and the 32 deities of Guhyasamaja as well as the body mandala of Lama Lobsang Thubwang Dorjechang. In conclusion this chapter is to clearly show the enlightened heritage and qualities the practice of Dorje Shugden offers, as well as its special connection with Je Tsonkapas teachings. We will shoot this chapter at the original historical settings and see which traces still can be found.

In order to understand Dorje Shugden practice and its stand in Tibet it is very necessary to consider the Sakya Lineage. Beautiful practices derived from this Lineage and it was widely spread in monasteries all over Tibet.

Especially in this chapter we will also focus on the Sakya tradition explaining, similarities and differences with the Gelug lineage in terms of view and practice. We will talk about important Masters from both lineages and their contribution towards todays Dorje Shugden practice.

By quoting from wonderful scriptures such as the Sakya and the Gelug Kangso, biographies of Lineage holders and masters from both traditions, we will completely refute the wrong view that it was Je Phabonka Rinpoche who established Dorje Shugden as enlightened protector.

Now that we got a basis, knowing more about the Origin, Dorje Shugden himself, as well as the transmission lineage, we can get into the related practices. We want to introduce the great variety of rituals and practices related to this protector, find out about their goals and what they have in common.

Giving an overview from large monastic rituals up to the short prayer of an devoted lay person. Talking to and showing many different people can also demonstrate the extend of devotees throughout society. It will be wonderful to see powerful rituals and interviews with people from various backgrounds describing their personal relationship with Dorje Shugden and how this practice affects their spiritual lifes.

Of course, today the practice of Dorje Shugden is not only existing in traditional Buddhist countries, but spreads all over the world. There are strong communities and individuals practicing Dorje Shugden as a very part of their Buddhist belief and their day today life. We want to visit and portrait some of them, film interviews, find out about the personal experience people had, we will talk to their teachers and Lamas, the lineage holders of Dorje Shugden practice today.

Psychological studies show, the start, as well as the end of a movie, have a special tendency to be remembered. In this respect we started the movie, emphasizing the enlightened qualities of our powerful protector and we are going to conclude with sincere, strong practitioners explaining the nature and function of Dorje Shugden and their personal experiences. We want to have a strong, honest and impressive last sequence that can last for a long time in the recipients minds.

Contact

For more info: https://myspace.com/161783531