Brussels, 20 November: In parallel with the ongoing exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,  the European Parliament hosted an exclusive screening of “Wisdom of Happiness“, a film by Barbara Miller and Philippe Delaquis produced by popular Hollywood actor and long-time Tibet supporter Richard Gere. The film featuring an intimate dialogue with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, offering timeless insights into inner peace, compassion, and hope in an increasingly fragmented world.

The event organised by the Office of Tibet Brussels and sponsored by MEP Rasa Juknevičienė, former Minister of Defense of Lithuania, was very well attended filling the 180-seat room to capacity despite the inclement weather.

In her opening remarks to a packed hall of Members of Parliament, staffers, bureaucrats, diplomats, civil society representatives and officials from various European institutions, MEP Juknevičienė emphasised the importance of compassion and how the teachings of His Holiness can be meaningfully practiced within the European Parliament itself. She also highlighted key points raised by MEP Prof. Dainius Žalimas during the inaugural of the ongoing exhibition and invited the audience to visit it.

Representative Rigzin Genkhang, welcoming the audience, described the screening as both special and intimate and elaborated briefly on the year-long celebration of His Holiness’ 90th birthday and the Year of Compassion. She then underscored the profound significance of His Holiness’ lifelong dedication to peace, compassion, and non-violence, and urged the audience to let the film serve as a reminder of the world we could build if we each chose to live compassionately.

Representative Genkhang was accompanied by EU Advocacy Officer Tenzin Phuntsok of the Office of Tibet, Brussels.

The European Parliament setting provided an ideal forum to explore how European policymaking can get inspiration from His Holiness’ message of compassion, non-violence and universal responsibility.

Combining the week-long exhibition and the film screening contributed to significantly enhancing visibility of Tibet in the European Parliament while also conveying His Holiness’ universal message to EU lawmakers and bureaucrats.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels