Gere Marches for Veg Cause

Richard Gere’s name evokes such films as Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride, but the actors’ passions extend far beyond the flashpan world of Hollywood. Gere, a longtime Buddhist, is currently championing for a vegetarian zone in Bodh Gaya, India. According to Buddhist texts, the town is a holy site where the Buddha attained enlightenment. This Wednesday, Gere joined monks and local animal activists to hold a candlelight march in order to promote their cause. A primary tenet of the spiritual practice is non-violence toward all beings, which easily translates into a cruelty-free diet and lifestyle. While in Bodh Gaya, Gere will also attend discussions lead by the Dalai Lama.