The ShinsungHwa of Richard Tiffany Gere (2019)
Richard Gere’s ShinsungHwa: A Brief Analysis
In Richard Gere’s ShinsungHwa, the spiritual core appears as a blue symbol of light, with a purple symbol of light positioned above it. The composition suggests that higher-dimensional energy currents are guiding him along his spiritual path, creating a flow that draws him deeper into spiritual awareness.
Quote
“The reality is, we can change. We can change ourselves. We can change our minds. We can change our hearts. And therefore the universe changes.”
“Always walk towards open doors. And if they slam shut in your face, kick that sucker in and keep going.”
“I don’t regret anything. Everything happens for a reason—it’s part of the healing process. Life is a healing process.”
“Everyone responds to kindness.”
“What we all have in common is an appreciation of kindness and compassion; all the religions have this. We all lean towards love.”
“The drive for happiness is vital; it’s what keeps us in motion.”
“If you have any question in your mind, don’t do it. If you go in thinking it’s going to fix something that’s wrong, don’t do it.”
“As custodians of the planet it is our responsibility to deal with all species with kindness, love, and compassion. That these animals suffer through human cruelty is beyond understanding. Please help to stop this madness.”
From Hollywood Heartthrob to Buddhist Activist
In 1980, a young man from Philadelphia stepped onto the set of American Gigolo in a sharp suit. That role catapulted Richard Gere from theater obscurity to Hollywood stardom. Yet his story transcends cinema—encompassing spiritual awakening, unwavering principles, and fearless activism.
Finding His Voice
Born August 31, 1949, Gere never dreamed of movie stardom. Small theaters became his proving ground, where he honed his craft performing Shakespeare and experimental works. The Seattle Repertory Theatre and Cape Cod’s Provincetown Playhouse shaped the actor who would later captivate millions.
His breakthrough came with London’s Grease production in 1973, followed by a career-defining choice. While most actors played it safe, Gere embraced the challenging role of a gay Holocaust victim in Broadway’s Bent (1979)—earning a Theatre World Award and proving his commitment to meaningful work.
Hollywood’s Golden Boy
The 1980s belonged to Gere. American Gigolo made him a household name, but An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) cemented his leading-man status. The film’s $130 million gross earned him his first Golden Globe nomination, transforming him from actor to icon—a symbol of romance and sophistication.
Pretty Woman (1990) sealed his fate. Paired with Julia Roberts, Gere created cinematic magic that still enchants audiences. The film’s massive success proved his versatility across dramatic and romantic roles.
A Spiritual Awakening
While Hollywood celebrated his success, something profound was stirring within. In his twenties, he discovered Buddhism through Zen meditation with teacher Kyozan Joshu Sasaki. This wasn’t celebrity spiritual tourism—Gere was committed.
The pivotal moment came in 1978 during a Nepal trip with painter Sylvia Martins. Surrounded by the Himalayas, he encountered Tibetan monks and lamas who transformed his worldview. Meeting the 14th Dalai Lama in India launched his lifelong devotion to Tibetan Buddhism.
“This is work, this is work,” he realized during early meditation retreats. No mystical shortcuts or spiritual bypasses—just the demanding practice of understanding consciousness and cultivating genuine compassion.
Speaking Truth to Power
Gere’s Buddhism demanded action. At the 1993 Academy Awards, he abandoned the script to spotlight China’s occupation of Tibet and its “horrendous human rights situation.”
The backlash was immediate. Producer Gil Cates branded the political speech “distasteful and dishonest,” banning Gere from future Oscar broadcasts. Undeterred, he continued his Tibet advocacy, calling for Beijing Olympics boycotts in 2008 and establishing support foundations.
His activism carried steep costs. China banned him permanently, limiting his access to major studio films requiring Chinese market approval. Still, he persisted, driven by “universal responsibility”—the Buddhist understanding that all beings are interconnected and accountable to each other.
Beyond the Spotlight
His personal life matched his professional drama. The high-profile marriage to supermodel Cindy Crawford (1991-1995) made them the decade’s most photographed couple. Marriage to actress Carey Lowell followed in 2002, producing son Homer James Jigme Gere—the middle name honoring his Tibetan Buddhist faith.
After a difficult divorce, love found him again with Spanish activist Alejandra Silva in 2018. At nearly 70, he welcomed two more sons—proof that life rarely follows Hollywood scripts, and sometimes the best chapters arrive unexpectedly.
The Indie Years
Though activism closed some Hollywood doors, it opened others. Independent films offered richer, more complex characters. Arbitrage (2012) and Norman (2016) earned him career-best reviews, demonstrating that age and authenticity trump youth and glamour.
At 75, Gere continues acting, meditating, and advocating. His journey from Philadelphia stages to Hollywood red carpets to Tibetan monasteries proves that true success means honoring your values, regardless of cost.
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