RICHARD GERE can thank famed Buddhist monk the Dalai Lama for reincarnating his love life!
The “American Gigolo” star, 64, flipped for exotic beauty Padma Lakshmi, the gorgeous host of TV’s “Top Chef,” after the Tibetan spiritual leader played cupid and introduced the two.
“Love has blossomed like a lotus flower between Richard and Padma,” said an insider.
“They’ve been inseparable since hooking up a month ago.
“Richard is a practicing Buddhist, and he’s been close to the Dalai Lama for years. He relies on him for guidance in all areas of his life, including how to navigate romantic relationships.”
Several months ago, Gere – who’s separated from actress Carey Lowell – confessed to the Dalai Lama that he was lonely, said the source.
“Richard said that he desperately wanted to find a soul mate to share his golden years with but made it clear he wasn’t looking for a superficial connection,” added the insider.
The Dalai Lama has known Indian-born Padma, 43, for several years, and suggested that she meet Gere for tea, said the source.
“Like Richard, Padma is deeply spiritual, and they hit it off from the get-go,” revealed the insider.
“She and Richard are like two peas in a pod. They sit together for hours meditating, attend couples yoga classes together and chant Sanskrit songs. Padma also thinks Richard is a fabulous role model for her daughter.”
Sultry brunette Padma was raised Hindu and named her 4-year-old daughter, Krishna, after the ancient Hindu deity.
She was married to best-selling Indian British novelist Salman Rushdie from 2004 to 2007. After giving birth to ex-beau Adam Dell’s daughter in 2010, she dated billionaire businessman Teddy Forstmann, who was previously linked to the late Princess Diana and actress Elizabeth Hurley, before his death in 2011.
As The ENQUIRER has reported, Gere’s 11-year marriage to Carey, a former Bond girl and star of TV’s “Law & Order,” exploded in an ugly $50 million divorce battle after the silver-haired actor tried to seduce one of her pals.
Carey, 53, also blew her stack in early 2013 when notorious skirt-chaser Gere, who was wed to supermodel Cindy Crawford from 1991 to 1995, rushed to comfort his “Unfaithful” co-star Diane Lane after she announced she was divorcing Josh Brolin.
The “Pretty Woman” star has one child, 14-year-old son Homer, with Carey. But for now, the insider said his attention is focused on Padma, also a former model and cookbook author.
“Their relationship is going wonderfully,” said the source. “Richard already told the Dalai Lama that if he marries Padma, he wants him to officiate and give them a special spiritual blessing.”
