Star Wars's Yoda is based on this Rinpoche?

[kris]

This is an interesting read:

http://www.lionsroar.com/was-yoda-based-on-this-buddhist-master/

Yoda's character (and possibly his wisdom) is based on Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche:

Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche was a massive man – a monk with shaved head, red robes, and a deeply lined face that made him look more ancient than his years. His humble, wise manner and gentle humor made him appear like the archetypal sage of fables. This quality did not escape the notice of Westerners who met him. Upon seeing him in Dharamsala, for instance, the makers of the popular film Star Wars decided to use him as the model for Yoda, the spiritual guide of the epic. Rinpoche never saw the movie, but would undoubtedly have been amused at the caricature.

Interestingly, Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche is also a Dorje Shugden practitioner, as mentioned here: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/category/great-masters/ (as H.E. Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche)

[Ratna Shugden]

By the way, Gaden Jangtse Serkong Tritul Rinpoche & Ven.Dromtug Rinpoche (Jamseng Rinpoche) had already denounced Dorje Shugden, they don't deserve to be honored on the list.

[fruven]

India has been one of the favorite places the West has travelled to for spiritual reasons. The makers could have been there themselves, experienced the different cultures, way of life of monasteries, and meeting with the high lamas. It is hard not to be inspired when one is there.

[cookie]

It is nice that Hollywood uses characters like Yoda which is based on a monk and the philosophy of Buddha's teachings in their movies. This enables the viewers to have some knowledge or exposure to the Buddha's teachings which helps all beings to work towards peace and harmony, calmness and compassion. These are positive virtues and energy which should be shared with the whole world for the betterment of every sentient being !!

[yontenjamyang]

Buddhism with its universal message of wisdom and compassion has a very wide appeal to the cinematic world and if true that Yoda is based on Serkong Tritul Rinpoche, then it means that George Lucas is projecting the values of Buddhism in a "galactic" or universal way while playing along with the "good versus evil" theme that is popular in Western cinematic world.
And it certainly worked well for the Star Wars series as Star Wars is perhaps the most successful space franchise in the history of cinema.