How do you reconcile a commitment to non-violence when faced with violence?

Why do the poor often seem happier than the rich?

Must a society lose its traditions in order to move into the future?

These are some of the questions posed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by filmmaker and explorer Rick Ray. Ray examines some of the fundamental questions of our time by weaving together observations from his own journeys throughout India and the Middle East, and the wisdom of an extraordinary spiritual leader. This is his story, as told and filmed by Rick Ray during a private visit to his monastery in Dharamsala, India over the course of several months.

Also included is rare historical footage as well as footage supplied by individuals who at great personal risk, filmed with hidden cameras within Tibet. Part biography, part philosophy, part adventure and part politics, “10 Questions for The Dalai Lama” conveys more than history and more than answers - it opens a window into the heart of an inspiring man.

Some have called him "the rock star of peace." The man known as the 14th Dalai Lama is both an extraordinary spiritual leader and the exiled head of Tibet. He is also a scholar, Nobel Peace Prize winner and humble Buddhist monk with a mischievous sense of humor who travels the world promoting compassion, tolerance and peace.

If you had only one hour, what would you ask?

Bonus features include:

Interview with director Rick Ray
Additional Selected Scenes
Interview with Tenzin Geyche Tethong
Trailer

85 minutes; Closed Captioned; DVD; Region 1 (US & Canada Only)
Written, Directed & Filmed by Rick Ray
Produced by Rick Ray and Sharon Ray
Original Music Score by Peter Kater

Some Film Festivals & Awards include:

Humanitarian Award Winner (Columbine Award)
~ Moondance International Film Festival
Grand Festival Award Winner ~ Berkeley Video and Film Festival
Compassionate Vision Award Winner ~ Maui Film Festival
Inspiration Award Winner ~ Tahoe-Reno International Film Festival
Best of the Fest ~ BendFilm Festival
Best Cultural Film ~ Ecovision Int'l Film Festival

About His Holiness the Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th, Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, is the head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He was born Lhamo Dhondrub on 6 July 1935, in a small village called Taktser in northeastern Tibet. Born to a peasant family, His Holiness was recognized at the age of two, in accordance with Tibetan tradition, as the reincarnation of his predecessor the 13th Dalai Lama, and thus an incarnation Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion. The Dalai Lamas are the manifestations of the Bodhisattva (Buddha) of Compassion, who chose to reincarnate to serve the people. Lhamo Dhondrub was, as Dalai Lama, renamed Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso - Holy Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate, Defender of the Faith, Ocean of Wisdom. Tibetans normally refer to His Holiness as Yeshe Norbu, the Wishfulfilling Gem or simply Kundun - The Presence.

His Holiness follows the life of Buddhist monk. Living in a small cottage in Dharamsala, he rises at 4 A.M. to meditate, pursues an ongoing schedule of administrative meetings, private audiences and religious teachings and ceremonies. He concludes each day with further prayer before retiring. In explaining his greatest sources of inspiration, he often cites a favorite verse, found in the writings of the renowned eighth century Buddhist saint Shantideva:

For as long as space endures
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I too abide
To dispel the misery of the world.