Hidden Treasure Of Bön: Secrets of Mustang

This film maps a journey made by Geshe Gelek Jinpa, a Bönpo Geshe (Doctor of Religious Philosophy) researching the ancient Zhang Zhung Empire which once stretched across the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau. The documentary follows Geshe Gelek as he travels through Mustang, a remote area of the Himalaya, on his misson to undertake the first survey of the Bönpo peoples living there, as well as to record religious sites, both ancient and modern at the request of Bön Mahasangha of Nepal. During this trip he discovers many treasures of Bön such as ancient texts, statues, historical records, and joins Prof. Charles Ramble in the dramatic recovery and identification of a significatnt Bönpo library at Mardzong. Other highlights include establishing the exact locations of a historic Bönpo monastery, Bönkor, and the hermit cave of Zhang Zhung Nyengyud Dzogchen master Rong Thogme Zhigpo. The fillm also shows unique footage of the Dögyab ritual held in the village of Lubrak to dispel negativities. With sensitive camerawork and editing by Kemi Tsewang, himself a native of Lubrak, and an informative commentary by Carol Ermakova and Dimitry Ermakov which adopts an ’insider’s’ perspective, this film offers a precious insight into the rich historical heritage and living tradition of Bön in the Nepal-Tibet borderlands. Authors: Jinpa, Gelek; Tsewang, Kemi Issue Date: 2009 Publisher: Triten Norbutse Monastery & Bon Buddhist Federation Script: Carol Ermakova & Dmitry Ermakov Narration: Carol Ermakova Cinematography: Kemi Tsewang, Geshe Gelek Jinpa, Renan Research and Direction: Gelek Jinpa, Kemi Tsewang Editor: Kemi Tsewang Subtitles: Kemi Tsewang Music by: Deuter, Kamal & Anuhama, Tenzin Lodoe, Evolution, VA, Shpongle, Native American flute Foundation for the Preservation of Yungdrung Bon is a small non-profit organisation (UK Registered Charity no: 1173638) run by unpaid volunteers. We need your help to continue this work. Donate here: