Abstract

Searching for the Dalai Lama. Dispirited Stars Find Absolution in Buddhism

The conversation is truncated as Richard Gere, the Hollywood star most identified with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan independence movement, steps from a limousine. Mayhem breaks loose as supplicants cry out for autographs or interviews. Gere pauses respectfully in front of the steps, shielding his eyes against the glare of the lights. He thrusts his hands deep into his pockets, seems to hesitate, starts for the ballroom door as if to breeze past everyone and then at the last second veers abruptly toward the press area, where he comes to rest in front of a crew from "Entertainment Tonight." As Gere patiently answers questions, every TV cameraman in the press corral strains to get a shot.