OrthodoxChristianity.net
June 19, 2013, 02:37:52 PM *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
News: If you don't like the Lent theme or it's hard for you to read posts with it, feel free to revert back to the old theme in your profile on the left menu "Look and Layout Preferences."
 
   Home   Help Calendar Contact Treasury Tags Login Register  
Pages: 1   Go Down
  Print  
Author Topic: why is Richard Gere a Buddhist?  (Read 635 times) Average Rating: 0
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
tweety234
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Faith: Ask the Answer
Jurisdiction: Greek
Posts: 628



« on: January 07, 2013, 09:14:51 PM »

Does anyone no why? Have you ever heard why?
Logged

“God has no religion.”
― Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
WPM
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: North America
Posts: 687


Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas, USA


« Reply #1 on: January 07, 2013, 09:19:10 PM »

I don't think he is .. we probably shouldn't meddle in the privacy of stars and celebrities.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2013, 09:21:52 PM by WPM » Logged

Behold, I have blessed you with many kingdoms, blessed you with many kings.
Agabus
The user formerly known as Agabus.
Elder
*
Online Online

Faith: Pan-American Colloquial Convert Hybrid Orthodoxy.
Jurisdiction: Forgive us our trespasses.
Posts: 1,319



« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2013, 09:29:45 PM »

I don't think he is .. we probably shouldn't meddle in the privacy of stars and celebrities.
He has publicly spoken about being a Buddhist before, and has in the past funneled some money into Buddhist projects.

The American version of Buddhism used to be quite a fashionable religion.
Logged

Blessed Nazarius practiced the ascetic life. His clothes were tattered. He wore his shoes without removing them for six years.

Headscarves cover a multitude of sins.
That person
Elder
*****
Offline Offline

Faith: Quasi-agnostic Christian Universalist
Jurisdiction: Figuring it out.
Posts: 1,061


Long live Commie Superman


« Reply #3 on: January 07, 2013, 09:33:28 PM »

He agreed to do a guest spot on The Simpsons on the condition that Lisa's conversion to Buddhism wasn't undone. I can tell you more about Lisa Simpson's Buddhism that would be interesting to you.

Edit: That was Paul McCartney and Lisa's vegetarianism. Richard Gere's conditions were that Buddhism was accurately portrayed and that Lisa say "Free Tibet" at some point.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2013, 09:34:46 PM by That person » Logged

"Some have such command of their bowels, that they can break wind continuously at pleasure, so as to produce the effect of singing."- St. Augustine of Hippo
Jetavan
Most Humble Servant of Pan-Vespuccian and Holocenic Hominids
Taxiarches
**********
Offline Offline

Faith: Traditio Christiana (Proto-Catholic)
Jurisdiction: Dixie
Posts: 4,900


Barlaam and Josaphat


WWW
« Reply #4 on: January 07, 2013, 09:35:38 PM »

Does anyone no why? Have you ever heard why?
I believe he is a student of Tibetan Buddhism, specifically of the Gelukpa tradition (the Dalai Lama's tradition).

Why? Well, some people like to practice Buddhism, I guess. Roll Eyes
« Last Edit: January 07, 2013, 09:36:39 PM by Jetavan » Logged

If you will, you can become all flame.
Extra caritatem nulla salus.
In order to become whole, take the "I" out of "holiness".
I'm not a witch.
Ἄνω σχῶμεν τὰς καρδίας
"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is." -- Mohandas Gandhi
Y dduw bo'r diolch.
Shanghaiski
Warned
Merarches
***********
Offline Offline

Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: Antiochian
Posts: 5,796


Holy Trinity Church of Gergeti, Georgia


« Reply #5 on: January 07, 2013, 09:54:38 PM »

It seems like Mr. Gere at least takes it seriously and not as a cafeteria faith or fad.
Logged

Not to be flippantly dismissive, but something of such a personal nature as this is best addressed by your priest, not by anonymous yahoos on an Internet discussion forum.
WPM
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: North America
Posts: 687


Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas, USA


« Reply #6 on: January 07, 2013, 10:50:10 PM »

Seems fabricated or fictional.

Probably because the underlying assumption of Buddhist practice isn't authentic.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2013, 10:54:06 PM by WPM » Logged

Behold, I have blessed you with many kingdoms, blessed you with many kings.
Jetavan
Most Humble Servant of Pan-Vespuccian and Holocenic Hominids
Taxiarches
**********
Offline Offline

Faith: Traditio Christiana (Proto-Catholic)
Jurisdiction: Dixie
Posts: 4,900


Barlaam and Josaphat


WWW
« Reply #7 on: January 07, 2013, 10:54:23 PM »

Does anyone no why? Have you ever heard why?
I believe he is a student of Tibetan Buddhism, specifically of the Gelukpa tradition (the Dalai Lama's tradition).

Why? Well, some people like to practice Buddhism, I guess. Roll Eyes

Seems fabricated or fictional.
In Buddhism, that which is impermanent is, by definition, fabricated.

Quote
Melvin McLeod: Does His Holiness [the Dalai Lama] work with you personally, cutting your neuroses in the many ways that Buddhist teachers do, or does he teach you more by the example of his being?

Richard Gere: There's no question that His Holiness is my root guru, and he's been quite tough with me at times. I've  had to explain to people who sometimes have quite a romantic vision of His Holiness that at times he's been cross with me, but it was very skillful. At the moment he did it, I'm not saying it was pleasant for me, but there was no ego attachment from his side. I'm very thankful that he trusts me enough to be the mirror for me and not pull any punches. Mind you, the first meetings were not that way; I think he was aware how fragile I was and was being very careful. Now I think he senses that my seriousness about the teachings has increased and my own strength within the teachings has increased. He can be much tougher on me.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2013, 10:56:22 PM by Jetavan » Logged

If you will, you can become all flame.
Extra caritatem nulla salus.
In order to become whole, take the "I" out of "holiness".
I'm not a witch.
Ἄνω σχῶμεν τὰς καρδίας
"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is." -- Mohandas Gandhi
Y dduw bo'r diolch.
WPM
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: North America
Posts: 687


Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas, USA


« Reply #8 on: January 07, 2013, 11:02:20 PM »

If you were living in a Buddhist country - it be different but it seems like the frontier of the Western world instead of the East.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2013, 11:04:02 PM by WPM » Logged

Behold, I have blessed you with many kingdoms, blessed you with many kings.
WPM
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: North America
Posts: 687


Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas, USA


« Reply #9 on: January 07, 2013, 11:11:13 PM »

Quote
why is Richard Gere a Buddhist?

I dunno ... in the United States people are free to practise any belief or religion they choose.
« Last Edit: January 07, 2013, 11:12:19 PM by WPM » Logged

Behold, I have blessed you with many kingdoms, blessed you with many kings.
tweety234
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Faith: Ask the Answer
Jurisdiction: Greek
Posts: 628



« Reply #10 on: January 08, 2013, 03:11:51 PM »

It seems like Mr. Gere at least takes it seriously and not as a cafeteria faith or fad.

do you admire him for that? because this is the feeling i am getting from your response.
Logged

“God has no religion.”
― Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
tweety234
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Faith: Ask the Answer
Jurisdiction: Greek
Posts: 628



« Reply #11 on: January 08, 2013, 03:13:32 PM »

Quote
why is Richard Gere a Buddhist?

I dunno ... in the United States people are free to practise any belief or religion they choose.

this is true mostly everywhere these days.
Logged

“God has no religion.”
― Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Shanghaiski
Warned
Merarches
***********
Offline Offline

Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: Antiochian
Posts: 5,796


Holy Trinity Church of Gergeti, Georgia


« Reply #12 on: January 08, 2013, 04:29:53 PM »

It seems like Mr. Gere at least takes it seriously and not as a cafeteria faith or fad.

do you admire him for that? because this is the feeling i am getting from your response.

Well, he would stick out from many celebrities for actually believing in something and sticking with it instead of using a religion for his own mystique.
Logged

Not to be flippantly dismissive, but something of such a personal nature as this is best addressed by your priest, not by anonymous yahoos on an Internet discussion forum.
Andrew Crook
formerly known as AveChriste11
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 473



« Reply #13 on: January 13, 2013, 02:08:42 PM »

It seems odd that Julia Roberts is now a theological cousin to him, coming out as a Hindu.  That movie "Pretty Woman" was a good movie...
Logged

I have changed over time.  My previous posts might or might not reflect my current understanding of life, religion, God, or politics.  I apologize for the confusion.
Arachne
Trinary Unit
Elder
*****
Offline Offline

Faith: Greek Orthodox
Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Deanery of the UK and Ireland
Posts: 1,258


Tending Brigid's flame


« Reply #14 on: January 13, 2013, 02:14:34 PM »

It seems odd that Julia Roberts is now a theological cousin to him, coming out as a Hindu.

One thing's for sure: Jules will never look as good in a sari as Liz Hurley. Wink
Logged

The reason why clichés are so satisfying is because the truth never loses its residual force.

Blog ~ Bookshelf ~ Jukebox
KBN1
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Faith: EO
Jurisdiction: OCA
Posts: 802



« Reply #15 on: January 13, 2013, 02:47:16 PM »

It seems odd that Julia Roberts is now a theological cousin to him, coming out as a Hindu.

One thing's for sure: Jules will never look as good in a sari as Liz Hurley. Wink

I'm sari you feel that way.
Logged
Romaios
Elder
*****
Offline Offline

Faith: Orthodox
Jurisdiction: Romanian
Posts: 1,199



« Reply #16 on: January 13, 2013, 03:01:54 PM »

Does anyone no why? Have you ever heard why?

Because of some meritorious deed in a previous life, I presume.
Logged
J Michael
Older than dirt; dumber than a box of rocks; colossally ignorant; a little crazy ;-)
Merarches
***********
Online Online

Faith: Byzantine Catholic
Posts: 5,929


I live under a rock. Lord, have mercy!


« Reply #17 on: January 21, 2013, 05:40:10 PM »

Who cares?
Logged

"Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it."
— St. Augustine of Hippo
Romaios
Elder
*****
Offline Offline

Faith: Orthodox
Jurisdiction: Romanian
Posts: 1,199



« Reply #18 on: January 21, 2013, 05:43:42 PM »

Who cares?

His brother's keeper.
Logged
Jetavan
Most Humble Servant of Pan-Vespuccian and Holocenic Hominids
Taxiarches
**********
Offline Offline

Faith: Traditio Christiana (Proto-Catholic)
Jurisdiction: Dixie
Posts: 4,900


Barlaam and Josaphat


WWW
« Reply #19 on: January 21, 2013, 06:00:43 PM »

Who cares?

Uriah the Hittite cares.
Logged

If you will, you can become all flame.
Extra caritatem nulla salus.
In order to become whole, take the "I" out of "holiness".
I'm not a witch.
Ἄνω σχῶμεν τὰς καρδίας
"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is." -- Mohandas Gandhi
Y dduw bo'r diolch.
Iconodule
Uranopolitan
Warned
Merarches
***********
Online Online

Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: OCA (Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania)
Posts: 5,513



« Reply #20 on: January 21, 2013, 06:04:30 PM »

I can't speak for Richard Gere, but several things appealing about Tibetan Buddhism off the bat:

1. It has a highly developed, rigorous, and subtle psychological system which bespeaks some very powerful and wise minds in its construction, while also leaving plenty of room for mystical experience.

2. It has beautiful liturgy, art, music, etc.

3. It is an ancient and deep-rooted tradition with strong monastic as well as lay foundations.

4. A lot of the monks/ nuns you'll meet seem like genuinely kind, caring, and thoughtful people.
Logged

"A Poet a Painter a Musician an Architect: the Man Or Woman who is not one of these is not a Christian." - William Blake
tweety234
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Faith: Ask the Answer
Jurisdiction: Greek
Posts: 628



« Reply #21 on: January 21, 2013, 09:20:18 PM »

I can't speak for Richard Gere, but several things appealing about Tibetan Buddhism off the bat:

1. It has a highly developed, rigorous, and subtle psychological system which bespeaks some very powerful and wise minds in its construction, while also leaving plenty of room for mystical experience.

2. It has beautiful liturgy, art, music, etc.

3. It is an ancient and deep-rooted tradition with strong monastic as well as lay foundations.

4. A lot of the monks/ nuns you'll meet seem like genuinely kind, caring, and thoughtful people.

Most of these can be found in christianity as well as suffism.
Logged

“God has no religion.”
― Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Achronos
Miami's Theme Song (Spongebob): Who lives in Miami right by the sea? LeBron James! Absorbent and bald and selfish is he. LeBron James! If not being clutch be somethin' ya wish. LeBron James! Then drop on the floor and flop like a fish.
Site Supporter
Warned
Stratopedarches
*****
Online Online

Faith: Ethiopian Orthodox Taekwondo Church
Posts: 10,013



« Reply #22 on: January 21, 2013, 09:24:38 PM »

Richard Gere is probably the greatest actor of all time, guys, so let's take this thread very seriously, because what he believes in is of the most utmost importance.

Also, because making a Runaway Monk movie would be the best with Michelle Yeoh.
« Last Edit: January 21, 2013, 09:26:01 PM by Achronos » Logged

It would be helpful if you were born with an OFF switch.
Marc1152
Hoplitarches
*
Online Online

Faith: Orthodox
Jurisdiction: Rocor
Posts: 9,157


Let There Be Light


« Reply #23 on: January 21, 2013, 09:35:41 PM »

Yes
Logged

\"Why were so many Civil War battles fought in National Parks? \"
Αριστοκλής
Hoplitarches
*************
Offline Offline

Faith: Orthodox Catholic
Jurisdiction: American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese
Posts: 9,147


ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑ ΣΟΥΜΕΛΑ


« Reply #24 on: January 22, 2013, 08:41:59 AM »

Who cares?

+1
Logged

"Religion is a neurobiological illness and Orthodoxy is its cure." - Fr. John S. Romanides
orthonorm
Protospatharios
****************
Offline Offline

Posts: 12,500


The Slippery Slope of Modalism


« Reply #25 on: January 22, 2013, 08:51:32 AM »


Wait for it . . .












Do we have a thread for what we couldn't possibly care less about?

Logged

Quote from: Christian on Monday
We cannot legislate morality by passing laws controlling firearms. The only evil we can combat lies within our hearts.
Quote from: Christian on Tuesday
We need stronger laws to protect the moral foundation of society against the evil of gay marriage.
Arachne
Trinary Unit
Elder
*****
Offline Offline

Faith: Greek Orthodox
Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Deanery of the UK and Ireland
Posts: 1,258


Tending Brigid's flame


« Reply #26 on: January 22, 2013, 09:04:45 AM »

I can't speak for Richard Gere, but several things appealing about Tibetan Buddhism off the bat:

1. It has a highly developed, rigorous, and subtle psychological system which bespeaks some very powerful and wise minds in its construction, while also leaving plenty of room for mystical experience.

2. It has beautiful liturgy, art, music, etc.

3. It is an ancient and deep-rooted tradition with strong monastic as well as lay foundations.

4. A lot of the monks/ nuns you'll meet seem like genuinely kind, caring, and thoughtful people.

Most of these can be found in christianity as well as suffism.

Isn't variety grand?
Logged

The reason why clichés are so satisfying is because the truth never loses its residual force.

Blog ~ Bookshelf ~ Jukebox
LizaSymonenko
Христос Воскрес!!! Christ is Risen!!!
Global Moderator
Toumarches
*****
Offline Offline

Faith: God's Holy Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church
Jurisdiction: Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A.
Posts: 7,827



WWW
« Reply #27 on: January 22, 2013, 12:12:55 PM »

Does anyone no why? Have you ever heard why?

Because he apparently hasn't heard of Orthodoxy.
Logged

Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.
—St. Isaac of Syria
Schultz
Christian. Guitarist. Zymurgist. Librarian.
Merarches
***********
Online Online

Faith: Orthodox Christian
Jurisdiction: OCA
Posts: 6,252


Scion of the McKeesport Becks.


WWW
« Reply #28 on: January 22, 2013, 01:18:39 PM »

this took all of nine seconds via google

Richard Gere's Buddhism doc from BBC

As noted previously, he actually takes his Buddhism more seriously than most Western celebrities seem to.  He's not some fly-by-night Buddhist who read about it in a magazine.  He's actually studied it.  Of course, I think his spiritual conclusions are wrong, but I respect his faith (although that's a weird word to use in the context but you know what I mean).
« Last Edit: January 22, 2013, 01:21:04 PM by Schultz » Logged

"Hearing a nun's confession is like being stoned to death with popcorn." --Abp. Fulton Sheen
orthonorm
Protospatharios
****************
Offline Offline

Posts: 12,500


The Slippery Slope of Modalism


« Reply #29 on: January 22, 2013, 03:08:17 PM »

this took all of nine seconds via google

Richard Gere's Buddhism doc from BBC

As noted previously, he actually takes his Buddhism more seriously than most Western celebrities seem to.  He's not some fly-by-night Buddhist who read about it in a magazine.  He's actually studied it.  Of course, I think his spiritual conclusions are wrong, but I respect his faith (although that's a weird word to use in the context but you know what I mean).


Wasn't he in the running for being a reincarnated lesser llama or something, but Segal beat him in the end to possessing the cycles of previous enlightenment?

This came up in google images for segal gere buddhist reincarnated:

Logged

Quote from: Christian on Monday
We cannot legislate morality by passing laws controlling firearms. The only evil we can combat lies within our hearts.
Quote from: Christian on Tuesday
We need stronger laws to protect the moral foundation of society against the evil of gay marriage.
orthonorm
Protospatharios
****************
Offline Offline

Posts: 12,500


The Slippery Slope of Modalism


« Reply #30 on: January 22, 2013, 05:11:29 PM »

I can't speak for Richard Gere, but several things appealing about Tibetan Buddhism off the bat:

1. It has a highly developed, rigorous, and subtle psychological system which bespeaks some very powerful and wise minds in its construction, while also leaving plenty of room for mystical experience.

2. It has beautiful liturgy, art, music, etc.

3. It is an ancient and deep-rooted tradition with strong monastic as well as lay foundations.

4. A lot of the monks/ nuns you'll meet seem like genuinely kind, caring, and thoughtful people.

Most of these can be found in christianity as well as suffism.

Isn't variety grand?

Unlike the maxim, I find it rarely to be the spice of life. And really a sorta interesting saying if you take its meaning rather literally. (Note to non-nerds who are obsessed it is cognate with wart. And something like wart is probably its more radical meaning.)

Guess if you lead a spicy enough life you will probably have a wart or two.
« Last Edit: January 22, 2013, 05:11:58 PM by orthonorm » Logged

Quote from: Christian on Monday
We cannot legislate morality by passing laws controlling firearms. The only evil we can combat lies within our hearts.
Quote from: Christian on Tuesday
We need stronger laws to protect the moral foundation of society against the evil of gay marriage.
Tags:
Pages: 1   Go Up
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.18 | SMF © 2013, Simple Machines Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!
Page created in 0.105 seconds with 59 queries.