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Richard Gere on Buddhism and Hollywood
Richard Gere discusses his Buddhist beliefs, anger management, and the Dalai Lama in an interview promoting the film "Wisdom of Happiness."
German
Germany
EntertainmentHollywoodCompassionSpiritualityBuddhismAnger
University Of PennsylvaniaF.a.s (Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung)
Richard GereDalai LamaLouis Gossett Jr.TaraBuddha
- Can a Buddhist mindset help someone succeed in a competitive industry like Hollywood?
- Gere believes survival in Hollywood, like any competitive field, requires navigating jealousy and negativity. His Buddhist approach involves stepping back to see the larger picture and acknowledging the many individuals involved in filmmaking.
- How does Richard Gere handle anger, and what role does Buddhism play in his approach?
- Richard Gere, executive producer of the film "Wisdom of Happiness," discusses his Buddhist beliefs and how they impact his daily life, particularly his approach to anger and conflict.
- What sparked Richard Gere's interest in Buddhism, and what aspects of the philosophy attracted him?
- Gere's introduction to Buddhism happened between the ages of 18 and 22, drawn to its exploration of existential questions, such as the nature of self and reality, similar to neuroscientific inquiries.
- How does Gere reconcile Buddhist principles of non-violence with situations requiring defense of the weak?
- He explains that the motivation behind an action determines its karmic consequences; even violence can be justified if driven by compassion, rather than hate. The goal is to address the root cause of negativity, not just the immediate behavior.
- How does Gere approach raising his children with consideration for conflict resolution and emotional expression?
- He emphasizes teaching children to express emotions with words, not aggression; mirroring parental behavior is key. He believes women's nurturing nature is a counterbalance to men's aggression.