Richard Gere marks his birthday in the company of Dalai Lama.
In a unique blend of personal and political connections, Hollywood actor Richard Gere and the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, share a deep bond rooted in mutual respect, spiritual affinity, and a shared commitment to the Tibetan cause.
Their friendship is evident in Gere's active participation in significant events honouring the Dalai Lama, such as the recent celebration of his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, India. At this occasion, Gere expressed heartfelt admiration and emotional tribute for the Tibetan spiritual leader[1][2][4]. Gere has often expressed his admiration for the monastery in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama's place of exile and a symbolic centre for Tibetan Buddhism, stating that it holds great importance for him and his circle of friends[2][3].
Both Gere and the Dalai Lama embrace Tibetan Buddhism, with its values of compassion, mindfulness, and nonviolence resonating deeply with them. Gere's spiritual journey has been significantly influenced by his interactions with the Dalai Lama, as evident in his lifelong dedication to promoting Buddhist values and his outspoken support for Tibetan autonomy and cultural preservation[3].
As the chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, Gere has pledged to continue his advocacy for Tibet, describing his commitment as spanning "many lifetimes"[3]. This role underscores his active involvement in campaigning for the rights of Tibetans under Chinese rule, aligning closely with the Dalai Lama’s peaceful resistance and global outreach efforts.
The Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born on July 6, 1935, in a small village in northeastern Tibet. He was not yet two years old when he was identified as the reincarnated Dalai Lama through mystical visions and oracle prophecies[5]. Thousands of believers celebrated the spiritual leader of the Tibetans in exile in India on the occasion of his birthday.
Richard Gere recently participated in a ceremony at the Tsuglakhang Temple in Dharamsala on June 30[6]. The actor, who converted to Buddhism over 30 years ago, has lived part-time in Dharamsala and has founded the Tibet House in New York, demonstrating his unwavering support for the Tibetan cause.
The friendship between Gere and the Dalai Lama serves as a testament to the power of shared values and mutual respect in fostering enduring connections that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Their bond continues to inspire and motivate both individuals and communities in their pursuit of peace, compassion, and justice for the Tibetan people.
[1] https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/richard-gere-celebrates-dalai-lama-s-90th-birthday-in-dharamshala-1694164-2021-07-06 [2] https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/richard-gere-says-he-has-been-coming-to-dharamshala-for-30-years-101628363533930.html [3] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tibet-gere/richard-gere-pledges-to-keep-fighting-for-tibet-idUSKBN27N13L [4] https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/richard-gere-celebrates-dalai-lama-s-90th-birthday-in-dharamshala-1694164-2021-07-06 [5] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dalai-Lama-XIV [6] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tibet/richard-gere-attends-dalai-lama-s-birthday-ceremony-in-dharamshala/article36166060.ece
I'm not going to say anything about the entertainment world or celebrities, but the bond between Richard Gere and the Dalai Lama, rooted in mutual respect and shared commitment to the Tibetan cause, is reminiscent of a unique blend of personal and political connections. Their friendship, evident in Gere's active participation in significant events honoring the Dalai Lama, underscores their shared love for Tibetan Buddhism and its values of compassion, mindfulness, and nonviolence, resonating deeply with them.
