When speaking about parenthood and the principles that guide him as a father, Richard Gere, now seventy-six years old, articulates a philosophy both simple and profound: a single enduring lesson that he hopes his sons will carry with them throughout their lives. In an interview with *People* magazine published on a recent Saturday, the actor—best known for his iconic role in *Pretty Woman*—expressed that, at the heart of all the moral teachings he could offer, one stands above all others: the act of showing kindness. According to Gere, extending kindness to others is not only the finest thing a person can do but also the foundation upon which a meaningful and compassionate life is built.
Gere is the father of three sons—one shared with his former wife, actress Carey Lowell, and two with his current wife, Alejandra Silva. When reflecting on what values he most wants to instill in his children, Gere explained that his philosophy of kindness took root many years ago, shaped by a particular moment of spiritual insight. This moment stemmed from an intimate conversation between a close acquaintance of his—a couple expecting a child—and the Dalai Lama, a spiritual figure who has profoundly influenced Gere’s worldview.
Recalling the story, Gere explained that his friends had once sought guidance from His Holiness during their pregnancy, confessing their anxiety about the daunting responsibility of raising a child in a complex and imperfect world. Their question was simple yet universal: how does one prepare to bring a new life into the world and nurture it toward goodness? The Dalai Lama’s response, Gere remembered vividly, was both humble and transformative. His Holiness advised them to teach their child to be kind even to insects—tiny creatures that people often dismiss or harm without thought. The deeper meaning, as Gere elaborated, lay not in the insects themselves, but in cultivating an awareness of the sanctity of all living things. To respect even the smallest forms of life, the Dalai Lama suggested, is to nurture a compassion so deep and far-reaching that it informs every other act of one’s existence. Gere found this teaching so profound that it became the cornerstone of his outlook on parenting and, more broadly, on life itself.
For decades—since adopting the practice of Buddhism in 1978—Gere has maintained a close friendship with the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. Their relationship has been one of mutual respect and spiritual connection, rooted in shared values of mindfulness, empathy, and simplicity. Gere often credits his Buddhist path, which began in his early twenties, with providing the moral and philosophical framework through which he views both art and life.
During another *People* interview in October, Gere reflected on the origins of his spiritual journey. He explained that his turn toward Buddhist philosophy was not the result of a single revelatory event, but rather a gradual awakening brought about by a persistent inner questioning. In his youth, he found himself wrestling with the most fundamental human inquiries: What is the purpose of existence? Why am I here? What actions hold true value? What in life possesses meaning or permanence? And, perhaps most urgently, does anything endure beyond the temporary illusions of success and acclaim? These existential reflections, he observed, are common to many young adults navigating the uncertainty of their twenties—an age marked by curiosity, restlessness, and the search for authentic significance.
In keeping with his dedication to sharing spiritual insights with a broader audience, Gere also served as a producer on *Wisdom of Happiness*, a documentary exploring the teachings of the Dalai Lama. Premiering at the Zurich Film Festival in October 2024, the film sought to illuminate the relationship between inner serenity and genuine compassion, tracing how these qualities can be cultivated amid the complexities of modern life.
In a separate conversation with *GQ* the same month, Gere recounted his first personal meeting with the Dalai Lama, which took place in the foothills of the Himalayas, where the spiritual leader had taken refuge in exile. The actor recalled that, from the very first encounter, the Dalai Lama’s demeanor struck him as remarkably authentic—completely free of artifice or pretense. Gere described speaking with him as akin to conversing with a favorite uncle or an idealized version of a father figure—someone at once wise, approachable, and profoundly good-natured. Alternatively, he likened the experience to engaging with a beloved university professor whose curiosity, humility, and moral clarity make an indelible impression on those around him.
Through these reflections, Gere’s perspective on parenting and spirituality converge into a single, timeless principle: kindness as the ultimate expression of wisdom. To teach children to value life in all its forms, to lead with empathy rather than ego, and to find depth and purpose through compassion—these, for Gere, are not merely abstract ideals but living truths. His words serve as a testament to the idea that the simplest acts of gentleness can have the most enduring impact, shaping a legacy that transcends generations.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/richard-gere-best-parenting-advice-dalai-lama-buddhism-2025-11
