Or watch on server | download video (right click & save file)
This is the translation in English:
0.06
The Dalai Lama performed the same ritual 50 years ago, to become the Master of Wisdom according to the teachings of the Buddha.
0.15
The training of the mind allows you, for example, to get rid of anger.
To achieve that, we need to develop patience.
0.24
These unique images dating from 1948 were taken by an Austrian alpinist Henrich Harrer
0.30
This adventurer entered a secluded Tibet and gained the friendship of the Dalai Lama.
0’38
An amazing journey that he would share 10 years later in a French TV program “5 colonnes à la une”.
0.42
Henrich Harrer: ”The Dalai Lama asked me if I could shoot some events that he could not shoot himself.”
0.50
The interviewer: “Events that he could not see because he could not leave his residence.”
0.55
Henrich Harrer: “Indeed, he was like a prisoner in a way.”
1.00
“I was hidden when I took these images. In fact, only the Dalai Lama knew that I was filming them.”
1.05
“And sometimes he was looking at the camera.”
The interviewer: “That was an extraordinary moment indeed.”
1.15
A smile at Henrich Harrer’s camera which the Dalai Lama was so curious about.
1.21
This time it is the Dalai Lama who operates the camera.
1.26
Henrich Harrer would also teach some English to the Dalai Lama.
1.30
A window to the modern world for a young man trapped in old traditions.
1.34
At 24 years old, the suzerain is ready to lead his country.
1.39
But it is too late. The armies of Mao Tse Tung invaded the Tibetan territory.
1.40
The battles left thousands dead.
1.45
On the night of 17 March 1959, the Dalai Lama escaped from the invaders of his country.
1.49
He would not become its political leader.
1.54
“You know, I had been ill-treated, I had been insulted,”
1.59
“but the teachings of the Buddha have given me tools to control myself”
2.04
“and even to accept defeat with peace of mind.”
2.08
“My training makes me less of a prey to adversities.”
2.12
The Dalai Lama became the spiritual guide and political leader of the Tibetan people.
2.18
But history chose otherwise.
2.20
What remains of this absolute power today?
2.25
In Dharamsala, I’ll try to find an answer to that question.
2.30
This small town in North India has become a capital for the Tibetan refugees.
2.35
And representations of their living god is found everywhere.
2.40
While in exile, the Dalai Lama wanted to modernize the Tibetan political administration.
2.45
His aim: to separate the political leadership from the spiritual leadership.
2.49
Yet, the first elected politician in 2001 is a monk: Samdhong Rinpoche.
3.00
“I don’t think that because the political power is in the hands of a monk”
3.05
“it means that it is in the hands of the monastic community.”
3.10
“It is not because a woman is Prime Minister that the power is in the hands of women.”
3.15
“In a democratic election, anybody can be elected.”
3.20
There is one difference, however: The Dalai Lama, by his status, has authority over all the monks.
3.25
In Dharamsala, the Monastery of Tsu Glag Khang dominates the city.
3.30
It is there that the Dalai Lama installed his headquarters.
3.38
From his office, he continues to lead his exiled people with an expert hand.
3.43
For Lodhi Gyari, the negotiator with China,
3.46
the Dalai Lama remains the strongest Tibetan figure.
3.55
“More than a political leader, the Dalai Lama is my teacher, my guru.”
4.05
“And my activities are my way to show him my devotion.”
4.10
“The Dalai Lama is beyond politics, he is a spiritual guide.”
4.08
“The reason that I am still in power is related to the specific situation of Tibet today.”
4.13
“I lead a national struggle, this is not ordinary politics.”
4.18
“If there was a democratic debate between two political parties as in your country,”
4.23
“then the Dalai Lama and the monks should leave the political scene.”
4.28
Thus the Dalai Lama is a political leader despite his wishes,
4.33
and is invested with the divine mission to save Tibet.
4.38
But does everyone agree with the Dalai Lama’s politics?
4.43
And is there room for other opinions?
4.48
It is by investigating in the monasteries that I will find the answer.
4.57
In South India, I find dissident monks that have chosen another path.
5.05
Lobsang Yeshe and Namgyal used to be the Dalai Lama’s bodyguards.
5.10
50 years ago, they saved the Dalai Lama’s life while fleeing the Chinese army.
5.15
But today they feel betrayed.
5.24
“I don’t want to hear of the Dalai Lama anymore.”
5.28
“He is no more the Buddha of Compassion, he is a traitor.”
5.33
“The Dalai Lama has committed the most serious crime.”
5.38
“He has divided the Tibetan community.”
5.43
“He is opposed to our Protector Dorje Shugden and forbids his practice.”
5.48
“Because of the Dalai Lama I had a heart attack and today I am devastated.”
5.53
The Dalai Lama, “Ocean of Wisdom” has offended his old companions.
5.58
Then in January 2008, he lost his temper for a bit.
6.03
In front of thousands of devotees, he spoke very violent words
6.08
against the practitioners of this mysterious divinity: Dorje Shugden
6.13
“Because of Dorje Shugden, some have turned to violent means.”
6.18
“This cannot be tolerated, and I do not want any more trouble in the monasteries.”
6.23
“And to those who are upset, tell them that the Dalai Lama approves of expulsions from the monasteries.”
6.28
For the first time, I discover an authoritarian figure.
6.33
Here, the Tibetan wise man calls for exclusions of devotees from monasteries.
6.38
Why is that? And who is Dorje Shugden?
6.48
To understand, I am meeting with the devotees of Dorje Shugden.
6.53
These monks are, according to the Dalai Lama’s view, dangerous extremists.
7.00
“It is over there.”
7.05
Concealed in this prayer hall, I finally encounter Dorje Shugden, the mysterious divinity.
7.15
Dorje Shugden holds a sword in his right hand
7.20
and a human heart in his left.
7.24
For His devotees, Dorje Shugden brings protection.
7.28
For the Dalai Lama, He generates violence, it is He who divides Tibet.
7.33
“Dorje Shugden never divided the Tibetans, it is the Dalai Lama who did so”
7.38
“by banning the practice of this protector Buddha.”
7.43
“Before that, the Tibetan community lived harmoniously and peacefully.”
7.48
Today, Dorje Shugden devotees are being expelled from their monasteries
7.53
and their pictures are displayed in the streets.
7.58
A witch-hunt has been initiated in South India,
8.03
and on this matter, the Dalai Lama answers like a master of logic.
8.08
“I have never given orders to expel Dorje Shugden devotees.”
8.13
“It is the abbots who decide on these expulsions.”
8.18
In fact, the Dalai Lama suspected his monks to be manipulated by China.
8.25
And among those opposed to the Dalai Lama’s ban, I even found some in France.
8.30
A demonstration here on the beach of “La Baule”.
8.35
These European Buddhists are demonstrating against the Dalai Lama’s ban.
8.45
“Long live the Dalai Lama!”, “Long live the Dalai Lama!”
8.49
“You are being manipulated by the Chinese!”
8.54
All these Buddhists are demonstrating to defend their Tibetan brothers, devotees of Dorje Shugden.
9.00
Annabelle is from Marseille, and she points out the contradictions of the Dalai Lama.
9.10
“There is fraud from the Dalai Lama’s side”
9.15
“in holding both political and spiritual power.”
9.20
“The Dalai Lama IS a political leader and has political aims.”
9.25
“This needs to be exposed today as it seems that people do not want to see it in the Western world.”
English
Indonesia
Tibetan