Dalai Lama does Glastonbury
- Text by D'Arcy Doran
- Photography by Ruminatrix
The Dalai Lama shot to the top of the list of the most exciting confirmed name on the 2015 Glastonbury line-up over the weekend (sorry Lionel Ritchie). The Tibetan spiritual leader’s new year schedule leaked that he’s giving a talk at Worthy Farm on the final day of the world’s largest greenfield festival, which runs from June 24-28. (His holiness might have prematurely let the news out—it has since been removed.)
The news surprised some, but he’s a natural for Glasto. For years the Chinese government has been hellbent on trying to pin a rock band-esque name to the Dalai, calling the Nobel Peace laureate a “Jackal,” a “Splittist” (apparently a Marxist Chinese insult) and a “Wolf in Monk’s Robes.” (Chinese Communist forces invaded Tibet in 1951 and expelled the Dalai Lama in 1959 after a failed uprising.)
He has also been inspiring global culture for decades. Beastie Boys tunes like “Bodhisattva Vow” and “Shambala” are testimoney to this. The Tibetan monk was a particularly strong influence on the Beasties’ MCA, Adam Yauch, who interviewed him in 1995 (Read the exchange here.) His encounters with Tibetan Buddhism not only expanded the band’s world view but led to them to organise a series of Tibetan Freedom Concerts around the world in collaboration with other musicians including Björk, De La Soul, Rage Against the Machine and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
A 2015 Glastonbury appearance also comes as Beijing is intensifying efforts to isolate the Dalai Lama from world leaders. Pope Francis refused to meet the Dalai Lama, the Vatican said last month it was due to fears it could hurt relations with China. A summit of Nobel Peace Prize winners in South Africa last October was cancelled because the South African government denied a visa to the Dalai Lama. Beijing put a “freeze” on trade and political discussions with Britain for more than a year after David Cameron met with the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Governments might give into China’s bullying, but appearances at events like Glastonbury could have a greater impact on winning over hearts and minds. After all, what will shake up culture more? Sitting down with David Cameron, or lighting up the next MCA?
Latest on Huck
In a world of noise, IC3PEAK are finding radicality in the quiet
Coming Home — Having once been held up as a symbol of Russian youth activism and rebellion, the experimental duo are now living in exile. Their latest album explores their new reality.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Are we steamrolling towards the apocalypse?
One second closer to midnight — While the rolling news cycle, intensifying climate crisis and rapidly advancing technology can make it feel as if the end days are upon us, newsletter columnist Emma Garland remembers that things have always been terrible, and that is a natural part of human life.
Written by: Emma Garland
In a city of rapid gentrification, one south London estate stands firm
A Portrait of Central Hill — Social housing is under threat across the British capital. But residents of the Central Hill estate in Crystal Palace are determined to save their homes, and their community.
Written by: Alex King
Analogue Appreciation: Maria Teriaeva’s five pieces that remind her of home
From Sayan to Savoie — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. First up, the Siberian-born, Paris-based composer and synthesist.
Written by: Maria Teriaeva
Petition to save the Prince Charles Cinema signed by over 100,000 people in a day
PCC forever — The Soho institution has claimed its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd, is demanding the insertion of a break clause that would leave it “under permanent threat of closure”.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Remembering Taboo, the party that reshaped ’80s London nightlife
Glitter on the floor — Curators Martin Green and NJ Stevenson revisit Leigh Bowery’s legendary night, a space for wild expression that reimagined partying and fashion.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai