"The photographs are rare and superb. The stories are fresh and
beautifully told. I was transported. I love this book." -Richard
Gere
This biography of the Dalai Lama--blessed by His Holiness himself--is
the most authentic and intimate profile of the world's greatest living
spiritual figure. Tenzin Geyche Tethong, a close aide of His Holiness
for forty years who became family, offers readers unprecedented access
to the Dalai Lama in this beautifully illustrated book. The Dalai Lama's
youngest brother, Ngari Rinpoche Tenzin Choegyal, who was only 12 years
old when he accompanied His Holiness on his dangerous 1959 escape to
India, is a personal friend of Tethong and the mentor for this book
project. As "elders" to the Tibetan community in exile, these men have
come together to tell the true story of His Holiness--their brother,
friend, and leader.
Featuring previously unpublished photographs, as well as interviews and
memories of those closest to him, this book renders unparalleled
insights into the Dalai Lama's experiences as the preeminent leader of
Tibet, and the wealth of his compassion and gentle humor in the face of
the ongoing conflict. This is in no small part due to Tethong and Ngari
Rinpoche's unique perspectives on many sensitive issues.
Richly compelling, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama: An
Illustrated Biography is a stunning visual celebration of the Dalai
Lama, sketching a memorable portrait of an icon and a cause that have
won the attention and hearts of billions across the world.
- As his long-time personal secretary, Tethong was privy to the Dalai
Lama's difficult relationship with India during his exile, with many
challenges arising from his host country's ambivalence to Tibet. Tethong
candidly discusses India's lackluster attempts at uplifting his
people--denying them official documentation, restricting employment, and
crowding refugees in the remote location of Dharmsala--citing its fear
of angering China as the reason behind its ambivalence towards Tibet.
- Tethong also sheds much-needed light on the Dalai Lama's Nobel
Prize-winning campaign for the spiritual and political liberation of his
people. He adopts a nuanced approach towards the Dalai Lama's
non-violent struggle for Tibetan autonomy, writing frankly about their
attempts to mediate the political differences between younger Tibetans
in Dharmsala and the Tibetan administration. He also explores the
numerous political difficulties faced by the Dalai Lama's cause in the
years before its worldwide recognition.This beautifully illustrated
chronicle presents an in-depth, firsthand narrative of the Dalai Lama's
life story and the Tibetan saga. From remembrances of those close to
him, and a treasure trove of over 400 images of Tibet's priceless visual
heritage, it preserves a record of what it was like to create a nation
from nothing, in exile, and how His Holiness rallied endlessly for his
people. A rich blend of biography, history, and legacy, it captures a
detailed account of the tumultuous events through which the Dalai Lama
was forced to chart a path, leading to his emergence as an international
figure. It illuminates as well his initiatives in the wider world to
relieve suffering, overcome global challenges, and foster human
flourishing through compassionate universal ethics, working hand in hand
with science and ingenuity.
