Garchen Rinpoche's Movie - Opportunity to Help

photos by Tenzin Lobsang from Phowa Retreat in 2008 (Singapore)




Dear Friend,
 
A documentary film is being made on His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche's life and teachings. Garchen Rinpoche was a young lama in Tibet during the Cultural Revolution, a time of great destruction and tragedy.  He was imprisoned in the prime of his life and, unbeknownst to his captors, developed his spiritual practice in secret.  He was released after twenty years and has lived a life of incredible courage and wisdom.  Worldwide he is known as a true master, possessing unconditional love for all and transmits these qualities through his teachings, selfless service and radiant presence.
 

After numerous requests by his students, Rinpoche agreed to the making of this film, saying "it will be of benefit to sentient beings."  He asked me, his long time student and professional filmmaker, to make the documentary in three languages; English, Tibetan and Chinese, so more people could benefit.   In addition, the project includes a dvd archive of over 100 hours of Garchen Rinpoche's teachings which will also be produced in the three languages.
 
Having started in 2007, the project is well underway and targeted for completion in 2010. The filming is complete with Rinpoche's holy activities and teachings documented around the world in 14 countries: U.S., Canada, Singapore, Israel, Germany, Sweden, Chile, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, India, Taiwan, Nepal and, most recently, Tibet.
 
In Tibet, I was able to film where Garchen Rinpoche was born and spent the majority of his life. There were so many devoted Tibetans from his life that shared inspiring stories about Rinpoche.  Everyone misses him terribly and many tears were shed recollecting his kindness and extraordinary qualities.  I met with people in remote locations and visited places that are not readily accessible; consequently the footage collected is truly special and powerful.
 
The next phase of the project is to edit all the footage into a feature length documentary in the three languages, complete with special bonus features, including Garchen Rinpoche's life story interview and rare footage from Lapchi, the holy place where Jetsun Milarepa meditated.
 
If you haven't seen the preview for the film, be sure to watch it on the website,
http://www.forthebenefitofallbeings.com/preview.html
 
  This post-production phase (editing and related activities) along with distribution and marketing efforts requires the most help yet. Thanks to the generosity of many (maybe some of you already!), we have raised 68% of the budget and are now looking for the remaining $110,892 to complete the film and dvd archive.  After the total costs of the film project have been paid, all profits from the sale/showing of the film will be donated to support Garchen Rinpoche's many altruistic projects worldwide.
 
This film is a rare and intimate portrait of a master from a vanishing generation. It's an unusual opportunity to contribute to a dharma film that could profoundly touch millions of lives around the world.
 
We need your help to make this possible.  Please visit our website at http://www.forthebenefitofallbeings.com where a variety of donation options are available. And, for donations of $108, $500, $1000, $1,500 and $5000 or more, we have gifts we will send you in appreciation (details and photos on the website).
 
We are also pleased to announce the opening of our For the Benefit of All Beings Web Store on the website, http://www.forthebenefitofallbeings.com/store.html
People have offered one-of-a-kind items and your donation will help support the project while you get to take home a precious gift; for example, a diamond and ruby bracelet or a crystal mala, both which have been blessed by Garchen Rinpoche.
 
With your help, your kindness and your generosity - we will bring this project to completion. Please remember to visit the website, http://www.forthebenefitofallbeings.com for general information, updates and even details on the budget. If you would like to be added to our For The Benefit of All Beings email list, please go to the 'Updates' page of the website to sign up.
 
Together we can bring the blessing of loving kindness to the world through the inspiring life story and teachings of Garchen Rinpoche.
 
In the Dharma,
 
 
Christina Lundberg
Filmmaker
director@forthebenefitofallbeings.com