He has a license to kill evil people, but the living daylight probably would never say never again. Last year (2000), one of Her Majesty's Secret Service Agent, 007 James Bond, went to see the Dalai Lama to find out everything about secret lineage in Tibetan Buddhism. According to Pierce Brosnan, mission was not yet finished, but is now progressing extremely well. I can also imagine that, may be in the next James Bond movie, some rogue is trying to blow up the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha was enlightened and the British agent is deploying all kinds of secret weapons to prevent it - more exciting than "Little Buddha"!.

I was curious when Canadian newspapers reported in January 2001 that a group of Hollywood stars (including Richard Gere, Sharon Stone, and yes, Pierce Brosnan) went to India for the Holy Ceremony of cleansing in the Ganges River. According to official biography, isn't he a devouted Catholic? So I decided to dig out the story in more details. Here is what I have found in the Times of India (he spoke to reporter Nicola Harrison):

NOTE: Nicola Harrison in Italics

What brings you to India? Pursuit of Buddhism? Fascination with the subcontinent?
Dharamsala, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama have brought me to India. I got some time off from work and made use of the opportunity to visit India, so I came here. I spent seven days in Dharamsala. His Holiness and I met on September 8 at 12.45 pm. I had the great honour and privilege of sitting and actually talking with the Dalai Lama. Before that I was able to see him in a group situation.

When did you first become involved with Tibetan Buddhism? Have you met the Dalai Lama before?
I first met the Dalai Lama three and a half years ago when he visited Los Angeles. Then about four months ago I got involved with a group called Lawyers for Tibet. I was invited to a round table discussion with 15-20 CEOs of prominent members of the California business community to find ways of helping Tibet.

What about your own personal relationship with Buddhism? Have you spent much time learning about it?
Everyone has his or her own religion. I was brought up as an Irish Catholic. There is room for spiritual nourishment and community within Buddhism and within the Buddha's teachings. I have always been fascinated by Buddhism and I am going to do a lot more reading on the subject. This has been a personal pilgrimage for me. The Dalai Lama is a very profound and wonderful human being. He has suffered a lot, but still shows great love and compassion. He is an evolved human being.

What did you and the Dalai Lama talk about? He's renowned for his great sense of humour.
We talked mainly about reincarnation. I was travelling with a man who believes he's the reincarnation of a dolphin and the Dalai Lama found that very amusing. He told him he would probably be reincarnated as a caterpillar next time. Ha, ha, ha.

What would you like to be reincarnated as, in your next birth?
I would like to come back as a bald eagle, I think. This birth I have a full head of hair. Ha, ha, ha. A bald eagle. I think I'd make a good eagle.

What else did you talk about?
We also talked about the plight of the Tibetan children. I am here for the people of Tibet, and specifically, the children. I plan to help raise funds back in the United States for a vocational school for these children in Kathmandu, Nepal. I have had a privileged life, and this allows me to help the children. I started my career helping children in educational theatre, so it's kind of come full circle for me.

What about China? Did you talk about China?
We talked about the possibility of bringing China to the table on the issue of Tibet. I won't be taking a public position on this because I believe it's a very sensitive issue and one that I will have to explore with further reading.

What are your future plans as James Bond? Can you reveal anything about the next film?
James Bond is a cinematic legacy that I hold very close to me. It's been very beneficial in my life and allowed me to travel and be here in India. It's the reason why I've had the great honour and privilege of experiencing the teachings of the Dalai Lama.

Not many people are aware that you have acted in non-Bond roles as well. What other cinematic projects are you involved in at the moment?
I've produced and starred in a couple of successful films apart from playing James Bond, including a remake of The Thomas Crown Affair with Rene Russo and the lovely Faye Dunaway. It was lots of fun to make. My next project is soon to be released; it's called Blood and Champagne about the life of a famous war photographer Robert Capra, who had a romantic and adventurous life before he was tragically killed in 1952.

What are your interests outside of films and film-making?
I am actively involved in environmental causes in the US. Tibet interests me -- I am specifically concerned about the plight of children in Tibet.

Reference: The Times of India, September 14, 2000
As of latest news, there is no comment from the Buckingham Palace on the apparent change of Her Majesty's Secret Service.