Kritik am Buch „The Shadow Of The Dalai Lama ... - Neues von Shi De

“Hollywood connection” as a substitute for the non-existent diplomatic corps that could represent the
interests of the exiled Tibetan hierarch: “Since he [the Dalai Lama] doesn’t have embassies, and he
has no political power, he has to seek other kinds. Hollywood is a kind of country in his own, and he’s
established a kind of embassy there.” (Newsweek, May 19, 1997, p. 24).
In Buddhism more and more show-business celebrities believe they have discovered a message of
salvation that can at last bring the world peace and tranquility. In connection with his most recent film
about the young Dalai Lama (Kundun), the director Martin Scorsese, more known for the violence of
his films, emotionally declared: “Violence is not the answer, it doesn’t work any more. We are at the
end of the worst century in which the greatest atrocities in the history of the world have occurred ...
The nature of human beings must change. We must cultivate love and compassion” (Focus 46/1997,
p. 168; retranslation). The karate hero Steven Segal, who believes himself to be the reincarnation of a
Tibetan lama, tells us, “I have been a Buddhist for twenty years and since then have lived in harmony
with myself and the world” (Bunte, November 6, 1997, p. 24; retranslation). For actor Richard Gere,
one of the closest Western confidants of the Dalai Lama, the “fine irony of Buddhism, which signifies
the only way to true happiness, is our own pleasure to offer to each and all” (Bunte, November 6,
1997, p. 25; retranslation). Helmut Thoma, former head of the private German television company
RTL, is no less positive about this Eastern religion: “Buddhists treat each other in a friendly, wellmeaning
and compassionate way. They see no difference between their own suffering and that of
others. I admire that” (Bunte, November 6, 1997, p. 24). Actress Christine Kaufmann has also
enthused, “In Buddhism the maxim is: enjoy the phases of happiness for these are transitory” (Bunte,
November 6, 1997, p. 21). Sharon Stone, Uma Thurman, Tina Turner, Patty Smith, Meg Ryan, Doris
Dörrie, and Shirley MacLaine are just some of the film stars and singers who follow the teachings of
Buddha Gautama.
The press is no less euphoric. The German magazine Bunte has praised the teachings from the East as
the “ideal religion of our day”: Buddhism has no moral teachings, enjoins us to happiness, supports
winners, has in contrast to other religions an unblemished past ("no skeletons in the closet”),worships
nature as a cathedral, makes women beautiful, promotes sensuousness, promises eternal youth, creates
paradise on earth, reduces stress and body weight (Bunte, November 6, 1997, pp. 20ff.).
What has already become the myth of the “Buddhization of the West” is the work of many. Monks,
scholars, enthusiastic followers, generous sponsors, occultists, hippies, and all sorts of “Eastern
trippers” have worked on it. But towering above them all, just as the Himalayas surpass all other
peaks on the planet, is His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. Timeless, gigantic,
respectful, tolerant, patient, modest, simple, full of humor, warm, gentle, lithe, earthy, harmonious,
transparent, pure, and always smiling and laughing — this is how the Kundun (the Tibetan word
means “presence” or “living Buddha”) is now known to all. There is no positive human characteristic
which has not at one time or another been applied to the Dalai Lama. For many of the planet’s
inhabitants, even if they are non-Buddhists, he represents the most respectable living individual of our
epoch.
Many believe they have discovered in the straightforward personality of this Buddhist monk all the
rare qualities of a gracious and trustworthy character that we seek in vain among our Western
politicians and church leaders. In a world full of evil, materialism, and corruption he represents
goodwill, the realm of the spirit, and the lotus blossom of purity; amidst the maelstrom of trivialities
and confusion he stands for meaning, calm, and stability; in the competitive struggle of modern