Enough Rhetorics! Here is a perk of becoming a patron!
As a special perk, a patron who makes more than $20 monthly donation will get the exclusive password for accessing deleted scenes for Carving the Divine (The scenes that could not make it to the final cut)!
Shingon Buddhism
Goma Ritual
One of the Shingon Buddhism Goma Rituals was removed from the movie. This Goma Ritual was performed by several monks and priests. Not only do we hear chanting and see mudras but also accompanied with several musical instruments including taiko drums. It's a must seen scene but removed because it did not contribute the overall arch of the story.
Master Kourin Saito
Devoting to busshi life
This is a rare and intriguing scene of Master Saito and Seki are drinking and discussing apprenticeship and art of būshi in general. Unfortunately, this scene couldn't make it to the final cut.
Tokujoji Chief Priest Suzuki
Insight into a Shingon Temple
Only few interview voiceover of Chief Priest Suzuki made it to the final cut. The talks about his temple, Shigon, Buddhas, bodhisattvas, wisdom kings, celestial beings, Goma Ritual and extra could not make it to the final cut. Here, you will have more opportunities to learn about the Shigon tradition.
Apprentice Interviews
Yonezawa, Kikuchi, Aoki, Fukumoto, Hirahara
Apprentice Interviews could not make it to the Final Cut because I believed showing actions will tell a lot more than their formal interviews. Nevertheless, the interviews give you good background information of why they decided to pursue the art of busshi
Byakui Kannon
Buddhist Sculptures beyond academic study
The story behind the Byakui Kannon (Referred as Surrogate Kannon in the scene) could not make it to the final cut. But, you will learn how an ordinary temple of Japan assigns the meaning of statues beyond the meaning of scholarship.
Woodcarving Society of Japan
The Opening Ceremony
Master Seki established the Woodcarving Society of Japan to rejuvenate the Japanese woodcarving industry. His goal is to protect and preserve the future generation of Japanese woodcarvers. This is the opening ceremony of this organization.
Why Smiling Enma?
A Dialogue with Chief Priest, Nakajima.
There is a deleted scene of Enma Episode. Here, Chief Priest talks details on why he is so passionate about making a smiling Enma. Unfortunately, this scene couldn't make it to the final cut but this is another interesting insight on the story behind the smiling Enma.
Another New Apprentice
The story of Jozaki
The initiation interview of the new apprentice Jozaki and his welcome party were deleted because they couldn't fit anywhere in the story. But, you will learn the story of another apprentice who decided to devote his life to the art of busshi.
