The Dalai Lama: Scientist 2019

Many years ago, in the serene landscapes of Tibet, a little boy was born with a significant destiny, destined to become the 14th Dalai Lama. However, this young boy harbored a secret deep within his heart. In the captivating documentary “The Dalai Lama — Scientist”, the Dalai Lama reveals this untold narrative of his lifelong pursuit of knowledge within the realms of science and technology, illustrating how our world has transformed through these explorations.

Featuring an extensive collection of rare, never-before-seen footage, this film narrates the profound yet human story of the Dalai Lama that remains largely unknown to the public. It chronicles his early adventures of discovery—showcasing him as a curious young boy who dismantles mechanical toys only to attempt to reassemble them, a teenager who repairs an old movie projector while learning about the distinctions between AC and DC, and as a young man whose explorations guide him to uncover the wonders of the moon through a telescope. His path also includes engaging discussions with engineers and electricians at hydroelectric plants in Peking.

The film does not shy away from the political turmoil surrounding his life; it recounts the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, leading to his daring escape in 1959. As he poignantly states in the film, > “At the age of 16, I lost my freedom. At the age of 24, I lost my own country.” Yet, the Dalai Lama’s resilience allowed him to establish one of the most successful refugee communities in the world.

His journey further includes encounters with luminaries in the field of physics like David Bohm and Carl von Weizsäcker, who mentor him in scientific principles. His relationship with Chilean neuroscientist Francisco Varela expands his horizons, leading him into uncharted territories of science and technology.

The narrative unfolds from Cosmology, Quantum Physics, and Cognitive Science to Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, and the Nature of Consciousness. The documentary encompasses the life-altering dialogues that commenced earnestly in 1987, highlighting the inception of collaborative research and subsequent publications. It showcases the profound shift in research directions that occurred in several scientific domains as the Dalai Lama’s insights influenced the lives of these distinguished scientists in fundamental and often unexpected ways.