Khashyar | November 13, 2009

HOUSTON, Texas – When documentary film Producer-Director Khashyar Darvich was invited to screen his award-winning film about the Dalai Lama, ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ (narrated by Harrison Ford – www.DalaiLamaFilm.com), for inmates in maximum security prisons near Houston, Texas, he immediately said ‘yes.’

He offered to purchase his own an airline ticket, attend the screenings, and then speak with the inmates afterwards.

“I had never been to a prison before,” said Director Darvich. “But, I had a deep feeling that the experience would be meaningful and powerful, for the inmates, but also for me.”

“When I sense that my heart responds to something, and I feel warmth in my chest, then I take this as a clear sign that it is the right thing for me to pursue that course of action. The fundamental intention of making this film was to impact and transform audiences in a positive way,” Darvich says,  “and I thought of no better place to screen ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ than a prison.”

Half of the inmates who attended the screenings in the two Texas prisons, were convicted of murder, some of them for double murder. There were some in the audience who were convicted of fraud.

However, Darvich was very surprised at how insightful and intelligent the inmates comments were about the film, and how the inmates applied the themes and insights in the film to themselves in a very personal and direct way.

“One of the main themes of the film,” says Darvich, “is resolving both inner and outer conflicts, and understanding that the best way to resolve conflicts in the world and in your community is to first resolve issues within yourself. I was very surprised at how the inmates understood this right away, and applied the message of the film immediately and effortlessly to themselves.”

One of the inmates in the Stiles maximum security prison in Texas, was emotional and expressed, as he pointed his fingers to his chest, that the issue of Tibet and China mentioned in the film and the realization that we all have our own “Inner Tibets,” really impacted him.

“One of the realizations that was crystal clear to me while I was at the prisons,” Darvich says, “was that some of the inmates would never be able to get out, and were to spend every day of their lives in prison. For most people, this would be a depressing and unfathomable thought. Before I visited the prisons, just imagining the thought of being incarcerated created fear and panic within me.”

Many of the inmates who attended the screenings have life sentences, and had a lot of time to think and reflect.

And yet, Darvich says, a person who is not physically in prison, can appear to have all of the freedom in the world, and yet be imprisoned by their thoughts, habits and the jail that they create within their own mind.

“Inmates who lose their freedom through their mistakes and actions,” Darvich says, “can choose to see their time in prison as an opportunity, and a place for spiritual learning and person growth.”

Darvich was speaking with the person who invited him to screen the film in the prisons, Terry Conrad, the Director of ‘Project Clear Light’ (www.projectclearlight.org), about how the life of an inmate is somewhat like a monk who lives in a monastery.

Except in the case of inmates, their world is often surrounded by violence, which is an added incentive to work on finding inner peace.

After the screenings and Q&A sessions, Darvich said that many of the inmates mentioned that they do not experience many positive life-affirming experiences in prison, and they felt inspired and impacted by the screening, and listening to the Dalai Lama’s words about compassion and personal responsibility.

“But,” Darvich says, “it felt good to my heart and one of the most meaningful things I have done with the film to show inmates that someone cares and wants to show compassion…”

Darvich says that he would like to screen the film in other prisons, and have further open dialogues with inmates.

Khashyar Darvich is the Producer-Director of both the ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ documentary film (narrated by Harrison Ford), as well as the newly released ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance Vol. 2: A Revolution of Ideas,’ both of which are available on DVD here: www.DalaiLamaFilm.com

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Khashyar | September 9, 2009

2009

Teaching in Dharamsala, HP, India on September 15 to 17: His Holiness will give a three-day general Buddhist teaching (no specific text) at the request of Korean Buddhists at the Main Tibetan Temple.

Public Talk in Memphis, TN, USA on September 23: His Holiness will give a public talk on Developing Peace and Harmony at the Cannon Center. Contact Website: www.DalaiLamaMemphis2009.com

Teaching in Long Beach, CA, USA on September 25 & 26: His Holiness will give teachings on The Four Noble Truths and confer the Amitabha Permission Initiation (opakmei jenang) and Medicine Buddha Initiation at the Long Beach Arena organized by Geden Shoeling Tibetan Manjushri Center of Westminster, CA.Contact Website: www.gedenshoeling.comli.com

Peace Summit in Vancouver, BC, Canada from September 27 & 29: His Holiness will participate in the Vancouver Peace Summit: Nobel Laureates in Dialogue organized by the Dalai Lama Center for Peace & Education. Contact Website: www.dalailamacenter.org

Public Talk in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on September 30 & October 1: His Holiness will be visiting the University of Calgary and participating in events during these two days. Contact Website: www.dalailamacalgary.com/

Public Talk in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on October 3: His Holiness will give a public talk on Educating the Heart: The Power of Compassion at the Bell Center. Contact Website: www.dalailamamontreal2009.org

Teaching in New York, NY, USA on October 4: His Holiness will give a half-day afternoon teaching on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta(jangchup semdrel) organized by a Vietnamese group at the Manhattan Center.

Mind and Life Conference in Washington, DC, USA on October 8 & 9: His Holiness will participate in a Mind and Life Conference on the theme of Educating World Citizens in the 21st Century. The conference will feature educators, scientists and contemplatives discussing issues on Cultivating a Healthy Mind, Brain and Heart to be held at the DAR Constitution Hall. Contact Website: www.educatingworldcitizens.org

Teaching in Washington, DC, USA on October 10: His Holiness will give a half-day morning teaching on The Heart of Change: Finding Wisdom in the Modern World organized by the Conservancy for Tibetan Art and Culture. Contact Website: www.dalailamaDC09.com

Teaching in Dharamsala, HP, India from October 15 to 18: His Holiness will give teachings on The Diamond Sutra (dorjee chotpa), Geshe Chekewa’s Seven Point-Mind Training (lojong dhondunma) & Tsongkhapa’s The Three Principal Paths (lamtso namsum) at the request of Taiwanese devotees at the Main Tibetan Temple. On the last day, he will confer the Avalokiteshvera Initiation (chenresig wang).

Teaching in Dharamsala, HP, India from October 20 to 22: His Holiness will give teachings on The Four Noble Truths (denpa shi) at the request of Singaporean Buddhists at the Main Tibetan Temple.

Public Talk in Tokyo, Japan on October 31: His Holiness will give a public talk at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Contact: Liaison Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Hayama Building, No. 5 (5F), 5-11-30 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160 Japan Tel: +81-3-3353 4094 Or 3355 6213 Fax: +81-3-3225 8013 Email: lohhdl@tibethouse.jp

Panel Discussion in Tokyo, Japan on November 1: His Holiness will participate in a panel discussion with Japanese scientists at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Contact: Liaison Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Hayama Building, No. 5 (5F), 5-11-30 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160 Japan Tel: +81-3-3353 4094 Or 3355 6213 Fax: +81-3-3225 8013 Email: lohhdl@tibethouse.jp

Public Talk in Matsuyama City, Japan on November 3: His Holiness will give a public talk. Contact: Liaison Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Hayama Building, No. 5 (5F), 5-11-30 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160 Japan Tel: +81-3-3353 4094 Or 3355 6213 Fax: +81-3-3225 8013 Email: lohhdl@tibethouse.jp

Public Talk in Okinawa, Japan on November 5: His Holiness will give a public talk at Budokan auditorium. Contact: Liaison Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Hayama Building, No. 5 (5F), 5-11-30 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160 Japan Tel: +81-3-3353 4094 Or 3355 6213 Fax: +81-3-3225 8013 Email: lohhdl@tibethouse.jp

Teaching in Dharamsala, HP, India from November 24 to 26: His Holiness will give teachings on Atisha’s Lamp of the Path To Enlightenment (jangchup lamdron) at the request of Russian devotees at the Main Tibetan Temple.  Contact Websites: www.buddhisminkalmykia.ru and www.savetibet.ru

Teaching in Sydney, Australia on December 1 & 2: His Holiness will give two days of teachings on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta (jangchup semdrel) organized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia Committee. Contact Website: www.dalailamainaustralia.org

Public Talk in Sydney, Australia on December 3: His Holiness will give a public talk on Our Future: Who Is Responsible? organized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia Committee. Contact Website: www.dalailamainaustralia.org

Public Talk in Auckland, New Zealand on December 5: His Holiness will give a public talk on A Peaceful Mind organized by the Dalai Lama Visit Trust New Zealand. Contact Website: www.dalailamavisit.org.nz

Teaching in Auckland, New Zealand on December 6:His Holiness will give teachings on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta (jangchup semdrel) Zealand. Contact Website: www.dalailamavisit.org.nz organized by the Dalai Lama Visit Trust New

Public Talk in Hobart, Australia on December 8: His Holiness will give a public talk on Compassion in Diversity organized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia Committee. Contact Website: www.dalailamainaustralia.org

Address in Melbourne, Australia on December 9: His Holiness will address the Closing OPlaneary of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Contact Website: www.parliamentofreligions.org

Public Talk in Melbourne, Australia on December 10: His Holiness will give a public talk on World Peace: Who Is Responsible? organized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia Committee. Contact Website: www.dalailamainaustralia.org

2010

Teachings in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India from January 5 to 9, 2010: His Holiness will give five-day teachings on Nagarjuna’s In Praise of the Transcendental (jigten ley depar toepa), Atisha’s Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment (jangchup lamdron), Longchen Rinpoche’s Mind In Comfort and Ease (semnyid nyelso) & Tsongkhapa’s Short Version of the Stages of the Path To Enlightenment (lamrim dhuedhon) from January 5 to 8. On the morning of January 9 His Holiness will confer a Long Life Empowerment (tsewang) and a long life offering will be offered to His Holiness.

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Khashyar | August 31, 2009

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Khashyar | August 23, 2009

‘Dalai Lama Renaissance,’ the award-winning documentary film narrated by Harrison Ford, has been chosen for a special screening during the Dalai Lama’s Sept 25-26 visit to the Los Angeles area, by one of the coordinators of the Dalai Lama’s visit.

The Tibetan Association of Southern California will screen ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ on the first night of the Dalai Lama’s public talk and teachings in Long Beach, CA on Friday September 25, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Long Beach.

Producer-Director Khashyar Darvich, as well as Tibetan special guests, will appear after the screening for a Q&A with the audience.

The screening of the documentary film, which Darvich has offered as a fundraiser for the Tibetan Association of Southern California, follows criticism of the film by the Chinese Communist Party, after ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ received front page press in Taiwan after it opened theatrically in that Chinese-speaking country.

In July, the People’s Daily, a daily newspaper and media arm of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, quickly and sharply criticized ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’ in an article in its online edition.

Darvich has offered to travel to Mainland China and screen ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance,’ with the intention of listening to the views of the Chinese People and Government, and to foster a constructive dialogue.

For more information about the Long Beach, CA screening of ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance,” please visit www.DalaiLamaFilm.com

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Khashyar | August 2, 2009

Recent press review quotes for “Dalai Lama Renaissance”:

“Dalai Lama Renaissance is an interesting portrayal of human ego pitted against compassion and altruism, exemplifying the very essence of the issues facing the world today.” – Todd Mayville, Elephant Journal

“Fire up this DVD and prepare to be amazed… The film has a certain persuasive power… Hilarious.”  – Ross Robertson, EnlightenNext Magazine

“A powerful cinematic documentary… A very moving documentary… unexpected and powerful… Long after it ends, the totality of the documentary lingers, as one contemplates the fact that, if every human being decides to act in the best interest of human kind, we can change the world.”   -Stan Robinson, Screen Scene/Arizona Weekly

“The film rapidly grabs hold of you… There is plenty of humor… [a] top-notch comedy… A journey of self-discovery… The lessons of Dalai Lama Renaissance apply just as much to the audience watching this insightful documentary” – Ian Bartholomew, Taipei Times

“Saw a great documentary on dvd the other night, ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance.’ If you haven’t seen it, you should.’   – SeriousChedder.com

“A memorable gathering of elites…  an inspiring documentary which depicts the Dalai Lama philosophy of peace… Full of meaning… Powerful.”   Li Zhao Yang, Pots Newspaper – Taiwan

“A big spiritual harvest for everyone…”  – Qiu Zu, China Times, Taiwan

“No empty seat at the premiere of the documentary ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance… The Taipei premiere has attracted a full house and many people were touched after watching the film.” – FTV Television, Taiwan

“Dalai Lama Renaissance is full of historical significance… [Harrison] Ford’s strong, deep voice adds much color to the documentary” – Zou Nian Zu , Liberty Times Newspaper, Taiwan

“HARRISON FORD SKIS WITH THE DALAI LAMA: Harrison Ford, Jackson Hole’s favorite ski son, is riding the chairlift with the Dalai Lama as Harrison is narrating the new film ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance.’  The film premiered in Taiwan and got rave reviews from the Taiwanese Press.  China was immediately critical of the film and of the West’s depiction of what has been going on in Tibet. The producer/director Khashyar Darvich has offered to do a screening of the film in China with a question and answer session afterwards.  No word on when China offered Khashyar to ski off of steep cliff or to go shush himself in response.” – The Ski Channel Television Network

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Khashyar | July 28, 2009

China's Communist Party has attacked the "Dalai Lama Renaissance" Documentary Film

 

Chinese government reacts to successful theatrical premiere of Dalai Lama film and positive press in Taiwan

Los Angeles, CA (July 29, 2009) – The Chinese government often has the clout and muscle to prevent Hollywood films from being released in Asia, and can even discourage films from having an extended release in the West if they are perceived to threaten Chinese policy.

Films starring such big name stars as Richard Gere and Sharon Stone were boycotted by China after the actors expressed support for the Tibet Independence Movement. After Disney released Kundun, Martin Scorsese’s 1997 feature film about the Dalai Lama, the studio incurred the wrath of the Chinese government, and Disney films were banned for an indefinite period of time.

Recently, after a theatrical documentary film about the Dalai Lama and narrated by Harrison Ford entitled Dalai Lama Renaissance (www.DalaiLamaFilm.com) was released in theaters in Taiwan this summer and received front page positive press in the Chinese language Taiwanese newspapers, the Chinese government took keen notice.

The People’s Daily, a daily newspaper and media arm of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, quickly and sharply criticized Dalai Lama Renaissance in an article in its online edition.

The article, posted July 14th in the People’s Daily Online entitled “Western Movies Build Grand and Perfect Image of Dalai Lama,” argues that “in recent years, a wave of ‘Dalai Lama fever’ has appeared in the Western movie industry… describing the Chinese government’s peaceful liberation of Tibet as ‘cruel oppression,’ and depicting the Dalai Lama’s life in India as difficult… Some movies even advocate the Dalai Lama’s concept of [Tibetan] ‘independence.’”

Although the title of the article refers to “Movies,” the article exclusively focuses on Dalai Lama Renaissance. Referring to the film, which has been distributed in cinemas around the world, the article criticizes that “the part of the movie related to the peaceful liberation of Tibet was filled with political bias, reflecting the director’s ignorance and misunderstanding of Tibet’s history… The movie transforms the Dalai Lama into an omniscient sage, reflecting a ‘misunderstanding’ of the Dalai Lama’s image in the West… In fact, what these movies depict is just the ‘anesthesia’ given by the Dalai Lama to the West.”

The fact that the Chinese Communist Party’s main media organization has chosen to criticize the film may be a defensive reaction to the very positive press that Dalai Lama Renaissance received in the Chinese language media in Taiwan, where it premiered in front of sold-out audiences on June 1. And it may be an attempt to counteract any effect on readers in mainland China, who often have access to Chinese language news from Taiwan.

Taiwan’s best-selling weekly newspaper, E Weekly, gave the film a rating of 82, which is one of the highest ratings that a film has received in the past year in Taiwan. According to its Taiwanese theatrical distributor, Blockbuster of Taiwan (no relation to Blockbuster video in the United States), E Weekly regularly gives films far lower ratings. FTV, a television station in Taiwan, also reported that that the premiere of the film in Taiwan was very successful, with not an empty seat in the cinema, and that “many people were touched after watching the film.” The Taipei Times wrote that “the film rapidly grabs hold of you… an insightful documentary.”

Ironically, the Chinese Communist Party may feel most threatened by the idea brought up in the film regarding economic sanctions against China from the West. But despite this being a near unanimous suggestion by the Westerners in a scene in Dalai Lama Renaissance, the Dalai Lama discouraged the proposal.

The Taiwanese newspaper The Liberty Times points out that, in the film, “the Dalai Lama thinks that humanity is the most important thing in the world and economic sanctions might affect many Chinese citizens, thus he is hesitant whether such an approach is right.”

The People’s Daily also tries to discredit the producer-director of the film, Khashyar Darvich. In its article, the newspaper claims that the director is a “follower” of the Dalai Lama, and supports this assertion by referring to an interview where Darvich mentioned that he produced the film party for the opportunity to spend time with the exiled Tibetan leader.

“It’s interesting that the Chinese Communist Party refers to me as a follower of the Dalai Lama,” Darvich responded. “Although I respect the Dalai Lama as a man of peace, just as the Nobel Peace Prize Committee did by awarding him the Nobel Peace prize, and as do most governments around the world, I am not a Dalai Lama groupie. When I began the film, I was not very familiar with the Dalai Lama’s ideas. I think that his actions, and the respect that he garners around the world, speaks for itself.”

Despite the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to discredit the film, Producer-Director Khashyar Darvich states that his production company, Wakan Films, has just signed an agreement to release Dalai Lama Renaissance unofficially into China itself, under the radar of the Chinese Government.

“My hope,” says Darvich, “is that the film will open a dialog between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama, and that the average Chinese citizen will be able to see that the Dalai Lama is not such a bad guy and is interested in a solution to the Tibet issue that serves the highest good and benefits both the Chinese and Tibetans. I would be happy to attend a screening of the film in China and conduct a Q&A with Chinese audiences as a way to contribute to positive dialog.”

For more information on Dalai Lama Renaissance, go to www.DalaiLamaFilm.com.

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