From crazy wisdom to dedicated optimists. Tales from Australia's oldest Buddhist retreat centre.

Funds raised through the rental of this film will be donated to Dorje Ling Retreat Centre.

Illusion Farm had an iconic place in Tasmanian culture as the epitome of 1970’s dropout hippiedom, with its own theatre company, it was a model of early self-sufficiency, crazy wisdom, tolerance and kindness.

Illusion Farm tells the personal stories of the people who established the oldest Buddhist retreat centre in Australia in the mid 70's right through to the present day, with it's new name, Dorje Ling. (Tibetan for Diamond Land)

Located in a secluded valley in northwest Tasmania, this intentional community has produced regular Buddhist retreats and teachings for nearly 50 years, led by it's Spiritual Director, the Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche. It has been a refuge for thousands of people struggling to survive the pressures of life, dedicated to following a spiritual path or simply trying to find a better way of living.

Seven years in the making and created with extensive contributions from the Dorje Ling community, this is a collection of personal stories, experiences and memories of the people who were part of the place from the beginning. We explore how retreat, the teachings of the Buddha, Tibetan Buddhist practice and being part of this spiritual community has affected the path of people's lives.

In 2024 Dorje Ling faces great challenges to it's survival as its once hippy heritage collides with the 2024 world of compliance. Needing extensive renovations and maintenance, this beautiful centre faced the possibility of closure during 2023.

This community is rallying together once more to ensure that the ideals that inspired the people to create this beautiful place will provide a lamp for the path to it's survival and flourishing.