Dalai Lama Shares Path to Happiness in New Film ‘Wisdom of Happiness’
A new documentary, Wisdom of Happiness, explores the Dalai Lama’s message on finding joy and peace, with a focus on achieving inner harmony as the key to happiness. Directed by Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis, the film debuted to a packed house at the Zurich Film Festival on October 7, and is set to reach theaters worldwide starting December 5. Executive producer Richard Gere, an actor and longtime supporter of Tibetan causes, described the film’s potential to inspire viewers across cultures.
During the documentary, the 89-year-old spiritual leader speaks directly to the audience, offering reflections on humanity’s shared desire for peace. “The very purpose of our life is joyfulness — happiness,” he says in one scene, underscoring the central theme of the film. The Dalai Lama reflects on a world grappling with conflict and suffering, emphasizing that inner peace is a crucial foundation for happiness.
“This is a heart-to-heart message from His Holiness,” said Miller. “The Dalai Lama’s warmth and wisdom come through in such a way that viewers feel they are in the room with him.” The six-year-long project includes never-before-seen archival footage, chronicling the Dalai Lama’s early life as Tenzin Gyatso, appointed Tibet’s leader at age four.
At the film’s Zurich premiere, Gere expressed his admiration, noting, “He has an almost childlike openness, an aura of joy, yet he’s also the greatest scholar of his generation. That’s a rare blend of purity and wisdom.”
Jetsun Pema, the Dalai Lama’s younger sister, attended the event alongside Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the president of the Central Tibetan Administration, and other Tibetan leaders. Pema described the documentary as deeply moving: “It’s my second time watching, but each time I hear His Holiness speak, I feel a surge of joy and sadness. His message is universal and heartfelt, and the film beautifully captures it.”
Sikyong Penpa Tsering added that the film is particularly timely given the current global conflicts. “Even as the film highlights the Dalai Lama’s wisdom on compassion and peace, it naturally brings attention to Tibet’s own struggle,” he said.
The documentary revisits the Dalai Lama’s teachings on handling emotions, a point he emphasizes in the film. “Our world has enough external knowledge; now we need knowledge about our own minds and how to manage our emotions,” he says. “Our 21st century will not be an easy century, and understanding ourselves will be essential to overcoming conflict and finding peace.”
The premiere drew attention to Switzerland’s historical connection with Tibet, a bond forged when Switzerland became the first country to welcome Tibetan refugees. Reflecting on this special relationship, Jetsun Pema remarked, “Switzerland, with its mountainous landscape, feels close to home, just like Tibet.”
Wisdom of Happiness has been hailed as a rare cinematic experience, blending historical insight with the Dalai Lama’s gentle wisdom. It brings his timeless teachings to a world seeking solace amid turbulence, reminding viewers that happiness begins from within.
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