Steven Seagal has maintained a successful acting career for nearly 40 years, despite leading a contentious life and having a commanding personality. Well, this certainly has earned him a reputation for being someone, who is very challenging to work with.
Seagal was once a rising star in the world of action movies, but his career suffered many setbacks over the years he spent in Hollywood. While maintaining a tough-guy persona, he is also not afraid to show his softer side by supporting causes like Tibetan independence, environmental protection, and Buddhism.
For him, being a good role model—both physically and mentally—meant more than just showing up. No, seriously. Violence was always his trademark as an ‘action hero’, but a sudden change of heart nearly put an end to his acting career.
Well, also note that the Dalai Lama himself acknowledged Seagal’s practice of Buddhism. He experienced a permanent shift in perspective when they declared him to be the ‘reincarnation’ of a revered holy man from the 17th century.
Steven Seagal Was Named Buddhist Holy Man
Hollywood is home to many well-known Buddhists, including Richard Gere and Keanu Reeves. However, the most influential famous Buddhist practices aikido and wears a ponytail. But some of Steven Seagal‘s fellow religious leaders have criticized him when he has risen to the top.
For the unheard, he was revealed to be a ‘tulku’ in 1997 by Penor Rinpoche, the 11th throne holder of the Palyul Lineage of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. Also, Rinpoche believed that in the 17th century, Above the Law actor was Terton Chungdrag Dorie, a renowned translator who opened a monastery and found several powerful relics.
As a result of this spiritual “history,” Seagal was given the title of lama (a revered teacher in Tibetan Buddhism). In the Guardian’s words, it can suggest that:
“He [Steven Seagal] is just a notch down from the Dalai Lama himself.”
Seagal promised to lessen suffering all over the world when he was inaugurated. Thus, he has since conducted several workshops on compassion at New Age retreat centers.
Some People Were Skeptic About His Spirituality
Some people, though, have doubts about Steven Seagal’s spirituality. Some have questioned his moral character in light of the s*xual harassment allegations he has faced. Richard Gere himself expressed some skepticism by saying:
“If someone is a tulku, that’s great. But no one knows if [Seagal’s claim] is true.”
Some claimed that Seagal generously donated money to Rinpoche’s school before he became a tulku, which might explain his conveniently illustrious past. Everything was even more bizarre because these reincarnated teachers were often discovered as young children.
Several actors have even claimed that Seagal is a very challenging co-worker. The actor allegedly shoved John Leguizamo against a wall during the filming of Executive Decision because he was upset with his co-star.
The 71-year-old actor, screenwriter, and martial artist also made things difficult for the Saturday Night Live cast. In 1991, he served as the show’s host and was “very critical of the cast and writing staff.”
Others even questioned his moral integrity in light of claims that he s*xually harassed young actresses. Although, the charges have been denied by Seagal’s attorney.
Source- Looper
