May 23, 2013  Himalayan Buddhist Art 101: Controversial Art,
Part 1 - Dorje Shugden  Jeff Watt   Controversial Art, Part 1:
Dorje Shugden  There are several different qualities that can
make a piece of art controversial. Sometimes it's the content of
the image itself which is deemed offensive, and other times it
might be what is symbolized, the medium, or the intention of the
work. Many of the subjects depicted in Himalayan and Tibetan-
style art have controversial elements, but few can generate the
heated emotions and fear conjured by the mere mention of the
name Dorje Shugden. Despite this, artistic depictions of the
deity have rarely if ever been talked about or studied. Art, as
it turns out, provides a unique perspective into a highly
charged conflict.  The religious and political controversy
involves the very nature of Dorje Shugden. Some religious groups
believe that he is a beneficent deity and an emanation of either
Manjushri or Avalokiteshvara. Others believe him to be a harmful
and dangerous ghost th