Richard Gere is most commonly associated with Buddhism, specifically Tibetan Buddhism. He has been a vocal advocate for Tibetan independence and raising awareness about human rights issues faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule. Over the past few decades, Gere has emerged as one of Buddhism’s most prominent celebrity spokespeople in the West.
Richard Gere’s Upbringing and Spiritual Inclinations
Richard Gere was born in 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up Methodist under his Greek mother and father, who were in the insurance business. As a child, Gere showed an interest in music and played a number of instruments. He was raised in a suburban environment and attended North Syracuse Central High School, where he excelled at gymnastics and music.
Even in his younger years, Richard Gere showed an inclination toward spirituality. In 1967, at the age of 18, he traveled to the University of Massachusetts Amherst to study philosophy, with a focus on Chinese philosophy. During this time, he experienced what he described as “a sort of mini enlightenment” that put him on a spiritual path he follows to this day.
Discovering Buddhism
Richard Gere’s deep dive into Buddhism began in his early 20s after dropping out of college and hitchhiking across the United States, then finally landing in California. In San Francisco, he encountered poet and Zen master Gary Snyder, who introduced Gere to the practice of meditation and the teachings of Buddhism.
This period proved formative for the young Richard Gere. In an interview with Lion’s Roar magazine, he commented: “Up until that point, I hadn’t realized that I could sit still. Maybe some of this had to do with my own psychology, but I felt very confined by rooms and structures. The minute I got outside, I felt release.” His time exploring the outdoors opened Gere’s mind and spirit to a Buddhist sense of interconnectedness and wonder.
Traveling to Nepal
In 1978, Richard Gere traveled to Nepal, where he would first encounter Tibetan Buddhism. He has described being powerfully moved while witnessing Tibetan monks engaged in passionate debate of philosophical principles. Watching the direct, experiential way these monks integrated philosophical teachings deeply affected Gere’s spiritual direction.
“These guys were fierce about it…I’d never seen anything like this in the West. I was seeing aspects of what I’d experienced in Zen meditation, but really rooted in people’s everyday experiences. Above all, what impressed me was that everything these guys were talking about were things they had clearly experienced.” – Richard Gere
This trip also offered Gere insights into the oppression and genocide occurring in Tibet under China’s occupation. Exposure to this political situation would later drive Gere’s human rights activism. But from a religious perspective, the journey firmly set him on the path of Tibetan Buddhism.
Embracing Tibetan Buddhism
Since discovering Tibetan Buddhism in 1978, Richard Gere has become a devoted practitioner of this spiritual tradition. Key facets of Tibetan Buddhism include:
- Belief in reincarnation and the cyclical nature of existence
- Emphasis on compassion towards all living beings
- An understanding of ultimate reality and the nature of mind as concepts to be personally realized
- A strong connection between student and teacher
- A variety of meditation practices and ritual offerings
As evidenced in interviews over the past 30+ years, Gere appears to have fully embraced these elements in his personal religious practice.
Influential Figures
Richard Gere developed strong connections to many great Tibetan Buddhist teachers, including:
- The Dalai Lama – The supreme spiritual leader of Tibet and focal point of its exiled government. Gere became a disciple of the 14th Dalai Lama and admires his joyful embodiment of Buddhist teachings.
- Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche – Highly revered meditation master and scholar within Tibetan Buddhism. Khyentse helped deepen Gere’s understanding of philosophical principles and meditation.
- Sogyal Rinpoche – Controversial lama known for his book, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Sogyal served as friend and teacher to many Western students of Buddhism, including Gere.
These masters helped shape Gere into the Buddhist practitioner he is today. While respecting all Buddhist lineages, he closely aligns with the Nyingma school within Tibetan tradition.
Buddhist Concepts Richard Gere Embodies
Based on his speeches, charitable works and lifestyle choices, core Buddhist concepts clearly reflected in Richard Gere include:
- Interconnectedness – Recognition of the interdependence and impermanent nature of all things.
- Compassionate Action – Acting with wisdom and compassion to serve others and make the world better.
- Mindfulness – Careful attention to one’s moment-to-moment experience.
- Impermanence – Awareness that all composite things will eventually cease and decay.
Gere strives to integrate these philosophical principles into practical daily living – a hallmark of Tibetan Buddhism.
Richard Gere’s Activism and Charitable Efforts
Richard Gere did not just adopt Buddhism – he became an activist supporting its principles of wisdom and compassion. He is heavily involved in human rights campaigns, especially advocating for the people and cultural heritage of Tibet.
Highlights of His Activism over the Years:
- 1987 – Called for boycott of Beijing Music Festival to protest China’s occupation of Tibet
- 1989 – Urged the Academy not to nominate Chinese films following the Tiananmen Square massacre
- 1992 – Established the Gere Foundation to advance his philanthropic and social initiatives
- 1993 – Was banned from entering China after criticizing its policies towards Tibet
- 1997 – Worked with Tibet House US to promote preservation of Tibetan culture
- 2012 – Co-founded Tibet House Japan in Tokyo as an education and cultural center
In addition, Richard Gere actively supports:
- Human rights for ethnic minorities of Burma
- Efforts to combat HIV/AIDS
- Survival of the Sumatran rhinoceros
- Food delivery and disaster relief programs worldwide
He channels Buddhist principles of compassion into tangible service. Gere also advocates for societal issues including homelessness, mental health, immigration reform, LGBT rights, and indigenous rights.
In 2012, he co-founded a network of skilled Buddhists called the Karuna Foundation that develops sustainable projects for communities facing hardship around the world. Karuna is the Sanskrit word for “compassion” – clearly exemplifying Gere’s approach.
Richard Gere a Buddhist Monk
Despite his close association with Tibetan Buddhism for 50 years, Richard Gere has never been an ordained monk. He identifies primarily as a lay practitioner fully engaged with worldly life.
In his own words: “From the beginning, I never wanted a passive relationship as a passenger but an active role as a trader: trading my time, energy, effort, and quality of mind for education.”
For Gere, Buddhism remains an applied philosophical approach to living rather than withdrawal from society. He balances activist pursuits and Hollywood career with steady mindfulness practice.
Controversies
Richard Gere is not without his critics, some of whom question the authenticity of his “American Buddhism.” Controversies include:
Political Propaganda?
Some accuse Gere of propaganda – wielding his celebrity status to spread awareness of Tibetan oppression for his own ego gratification. They feel he unfairly attacks and simplifies complex issues regarding China-Tibet relations.
Religious Hypocrisy?
Certain Western Buddhists argue Gere violates core tenets of the religion, pointing to his divorce from Cindy Crawford, consistent dating, and rumored affairs as evidence he is not actually embracing the discipline required.
Alleged Abuses by Teachers
Critics highlight sexual and financial abuse accusations leveled against some of Gere’s own teachers over the years. This includes Sogyal Rinpoche, founder of the Rigpa organization of Buddhist centers, who stepped down after serious charges from dedicated students.
Some argue Gere should have spoken up sooner against the confirmed problems. His continued defense of teachers accused of deeply harming others seems contradictory to a Buddhist morality emphasizing extreme ethics and wisdom.
Conclusion
In examining the question “What religion is Richard Gere?” the answer remains definitively Tibetan Buddhism, with some complex nuances. At 73 years old, Gere has spent over half his life immersed in the study and practice of this religion – clearly integrating it into his worldview and actions.
While no one perfectly embodies any philosophy, Gere appears to strive toward consistency between Buddhist principles and practical life choices. He may occasionally fall short by his own admission, but continues moving forward with teachers guiding his path.
Ultimately, Richard Gere represents one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most prominent celebrity spokespeople, leveraging his fame to advance human rights and bring awareness to this ancient tradition. Rather than a monk, he models the engaged Buddhism of a passionate lay practitioner in the modern world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Richard Gere’s Religion
Does Richard Gere consider himself a Buddhist?
Yes, Richard Gere has considered himself a Buddhist for over 40 years. He first connected with Buddhism’s teachings around the age of 20 after encountering the Zen Buddhist works of Gary Snyder.
This initial exposure led Gere to travel to Nepal and India, where he was profoundly inspired by his interactions with exiled Tibetan Lamas. He became a devoted student and practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism during this time.
What Tibetan Buddhist tradition does Richard Gere follow?
Richard Gere closely follows the Nyingma school within Tibetan Buddhism. The Nyingma lineage is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It has a strong focus on tantra and meditation practice. Some of Gere’s main teachers like Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and the Dalai Lama are key figures in the transmission of the Nyingma tradition to the West.
Is Richard Gere a Buddhist monk?
Richard Gere has never been an ordained Buddhist monk. He practices Buddhism as a lay follower while continuing his Hollywood acting career and philanthropic pursuits. Sometimes Gere’s public association with Tibetan lamas leads to confusion, but he himself has clarified that he remains a lay practitioner rather than entering monastic life.
What Buddhist organizations is Richard Gere involved with?
Some of the major Buddhist organizations Richard Gere actively supports include:
- International Campaign for Tibet – Promotes human rights and democratic governance for the people of Tibet
- Tibet House US – Works to preserve Tibetan culture and serves as educational center
- The Gere Foundation – Advances social, educational, and humanitarian initiatives supported by Gere
- Karuna Foundation – Offers sustainable development projects for disadvantaged communities globally
Has Richard Gere received criticism from Buddhists?
Richard Gere has received some criticisms from both Western and traditional Buddhist practitioners. Critics argue that Gere seems to violate core ethical principles of Buddhism with his dating habits and divorces.
Some also accuse him of political propaganda in his promotion of “Free Tibet” causes. Additionally, his continued defense of certain Buddhist teachers accused of abuse troubles some Buddhists.
What connections exist between Richard Gere’s Buddhist religion and his activism?
There is a strong link between Richard Gere’s Buddhist faith and his decades-long activism focused on human rights, health initiatives, environmental issues and more.
Core Buddhist principles like compassion, mindfulness, impermanence and interconnectedness clearly influence Gere’s driving motivation to help others. Much of his activism centers on serving disadvantaged groups – especially raising awareness about Chinese oppression in Tibet. For Gere, activism stems naturally from his Buddhist worldview.