Tag Archives: kundun

The Making of Film Kundun on His Holiness The Dalai Lama

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Inauguration Note – Kundun (Koon-dohn)

    His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday marks a day of peace, wisdom and compassion. He is not only a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. He is also a global symbol of peace and compassion.

    It is with great honour and deep respect that we inaugurate the screening of Kundun (koon-dohn), a deeply moving and visually stunning film directed by Martin Scorsese (Skaw-say-zee) and written by the late Melissa Mathison. Based on the life and teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Kundun (Koondohn) offers a powerful and poetic portrayal of one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time.

    The film takes us on a journey through a critical period in Tibetan history, spanning from 1937 to 1959—a time of both great spiritual promise and immense political upheaval. Beginning in the rural province of Amdo, where the young reincarnation is discovered, Kundun (Koondohn) follows the Dalai Lama’s path to Lhasa, his spiritual and political development, and ultimately, his decision to flee into exile as Tibet faces brutal suppression by the Chinese Communist regime.

    The word “Kundun” (Koon-dohn), meaning “presence” in Tibetan, beautifully captures the essence of the Dalai Lama’s enduring influence. More than just a biographical account, the film serves as a meditation on faith, identity, compassion, and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

    Visually, the film is a masterpiece. Cinematographer Roger Deakins captures the rich textures and sacred landscapes of Tibet with painterly elegance. The hypnotic and emotionally resonant score by Philip Glass heightens the spiritual and contemplative tone, blending seamlessly with the film’s narrative and imagery. Every frame is a tribute to Tibetan culture, tradition, and philosophy.

    Despite the political controversy that surrounded its release, Kundun (Koondohn) remains a landmark in spiritual cinema. It was courageously made, despite global political pressures, and continues to shine as a quiet but powerful act of cultural preservation and artistic integrity.

    We are grateful to Martin Scorsese (Skaw-say-zee), Melissa Mathison, and the entire creative team for their dedication to telling this story with honesty and reverence. As we watch Kundun (Koon-dohn) today, may we reflect not only on the life of the Dalai Lama but also on the universal values of peace, non-violence, and the strength of the human spirit.

    Let this screening be more than a cinematic experience—let it be a moment of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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Film Review: Kundun

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    His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday marks a day of peace, wisdom and compassion. He is not only a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. He is also a global symbol of peace and compassion.

    It is with great honour and deep respect that we inaugurate the screening of Kundun (koon-dohn), a deeply moving and visually stunning film directed by Martin Scorsese (Skaw-say-zee) and written by the late Melissa Mathison. Based on the life and teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Kundun (Koondohn) offers a powerful and poetic portrayal of one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time.

    The film takes us on a journey through a critical period in Tibetan history, spanning from 1937 to 1959—a time of both great spiritual promise and immense political upheaval. Beginning in the rural province of Amdo, where the young reincarnation is discovered, Kundun (Koondohn) follows the Dalai Lama’s path to Lhasa, his spiritual and political development, and ultimately, his decision to flee into exile as Tibet faces brutal suppression by the Chinese Communist regime.

    The word “Kundun” (Koon-dohn), meaning “presence” in Tibetan, beautifully captures the essence of the Dalai Lama’s enduring influence. More than just a biographical account, the film serves as a meditation on faith, identity, compassion, and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

    Visually, the film is a masterpiece. Cinematographer Roger Deakins captures the rich textures and sacred landscapes of Tibet with painterly elegance. The hypnotic and emotionally resonant score by Philip Glass heightens the spiritual and contemplative tone, blending seamlessly with the film’s narrative and imagery. Every frame is a tribute to Tibetan culture, tradition, and philosophy.

    Despite the political controversy that surrounded its release, Kundun (Koondohn) remains a landmark in spiritual cinema. It was courageously made, despite global political pressures, and continues to shine as a quiet but powerful act of cultural preservation and artistic integrity.

    We are grateful to Martin Scorsese (Skaw-say-zee), Melissa Mathison, and the entire creative team for their dedication to telling this story with honesty and reverence. As we watch Kundun (Koon-dohn) today, may we reflect not only on the life of the Dalai Lama but also on the universal values of peace, non-violence, and the strength of the human spirit.

    Let this screening be more than a cinematic experience—let it be a moment of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Celebrations in Mumbai: 90th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama

    On the auspicious occasion of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Friends of Tibet hosted a heartfelt celebration dedicated to honouring the spiritual leader’s lifelong message of nonviolence, compassion, and global peace. The venue was St Paul’s Institute of Communication Education, Bandra, Mumbai. The event brought together a diverse group of attendees from long-time Tibet supporters and human rights activists to members of the cultural and literary community. They all united in their admiration for the Tibetan leader and his enduring legacy.

      The celebration began with a warm welcome and a moment of silence in honour of His Holiness’s contributions to humanity. The highlight of the event was the ceremonial cutting of a birthday cake, symbolising both joy and reverence. The honour was performed by two distinguished guests: Dolly Thakore, an acclaimed film personality known for her work in theatre and cinema, and Kamlesh Tripathi, a respected author and columnist recognised for his insightful writing and advocacy.

    Their presence added a layer of cultural and intellectual depth to the proceedings. Both guests spoke briefly, expressing their admiration for the Dalai Lama’s teachings and the resilience of the Tibetan people in the face of decades-long adversity. The film was introduced to the audience by author Kamlesh Tripathi.

    Following the cake-cutting, attendees were treated to a special screening of Kundun, a powerful film directed by Martin Scorsese that chronicles the early life of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Chinese occupation of Tibet. The film served not only as a cinematic tribute but also as an educational experience, reminding the audience of the historical and political struggles that shaped the Tibetan diaspora and His Holiness’s path as a global spiritual leader.

     The venue was packed with passionate individuals, young and old, who came together to reaffirm their commitment to the Tibetan cause. Many expressed that the event was more than just a celebration; it was a moment of reflection, unity, and renewed dedication to the principles of truth and nonviolence that the Dalai Lama has championed throughout his life.

    The evening concluded with informal discussions, where guests mingled, shared personal stories of their connection to Tibet, and signed a commemorative banner expressing wishes for His Holiness’s long life and continued well-being.

    In times of global unrest and uncertainty, gatherings like these serve as gentle but powerful reminders of the values that transcend borders: compassion, justice, and the unwavering belief in peace. Friends of Tibet reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying these ideals and supporting the Tibetan community in their ongoing struggle for cultural and political rights.

    As one participant noted, “Celebrating the Dalai Lama’s birthday isn’t just about honouring a person — it’s about honouring a way of life, a vision for the world that is kinder, wiser, and more humane.”

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Like it and Share it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

***