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Do Reino das Neves para a Liberdade
Quem hoje está familiarizado com a carismática figura do 14º Dalai Lama, líder do governo tibetano no exílio, não imagina a sua vida até à data em que, com 24 anos apenas, se viu obrigado a fugir do seu país de origem perante a invasão do exército chinês. Stephan Talty instalou-se no Tibete para levar a cabo a rigorosa pesquisa que lhe permitiu dar-nos um retrato completo de Tenzin Gyatso nos seus anos de juventude, dentro do respetivo complexo contexto histórico, social e político. Este livro lê-se como uma grande aventura épica, que culmina na perigosa fuga do jovem Dalai Lama através dos Himalaias, em condições dramáticas, até chegar à liberdade do outro lado da fronteira com a Índia.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
24 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Stephan Talty
35 books293 followersStephan Talty is the New York Times bestselling author of six acclaimed books of narrative nonfiction, as well as the Abbie Kearney crime novels. Originally from Buffalo, he now lives outside New York City.
Talty began as a widely-published journalist who has contributed to the New York Times Magazine, GQ, Men’s Journal, Time Out New York, Details, and many other publications. He is the author of the forthcoming thriller Hangman (the sequel to Black Irish), as well as Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Double Agent who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day (2012) and Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan's Great Pirate Army, the Epic Battle for the Americas, and the Catastrophe that Ended the Outlaws Bloody Reign (2008).
His short e-book, The Secret Agent: In Search of America's Greatest World War II Spy was the best-selling Amazon Single of 2013.
Talty began as a widely-published journalist who has contributed to the New York Times Magazine, GQ, Men’s Journal, Time Out New York, Details, and many other publications. He is the author of the forthcoming thriller Hangman (the sequel to Black Irish), as well as Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Double Agent who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-Day (2012) and Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan's Great Pirate Army, the Epic Battle for the Americas, and the Catastrophe that Ended the Outlaws Bloody Reign (2008).
His short e-book, The Secret Agent: In Search of America's Greatest World War II Spy was the best-selling Amazon Single of 2013.
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January 25, 2022
Becoming The Dalai Lama In Crisis Times
In the mid-1950s, people in the West who had even heard of the Dalai Lama saw him as the leader of an obscure form of Buddhism. But with his charisma, tolerance, patience,goodness and peaceful advocacy for Tibet, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama has long been a revered world figure. In May, 1959, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet and has since then been unable to return. Stephan Talty's accessible new book, "Escape from the Land of Snows: the Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a Spiritual Hero" tells the story of the making of the Dalai Lama. Talty also gives a good introduction to the underlying Tibet-China history, a difficult task but less complex than understanding the development of an inspiring religious leader.
For all the recognition he has received, the Dalai Lama's inner life remains enigmatic. In introductory chapters, Talty offers an account of how Tibetan spiritual leaders identified the Fourteenth Dalai Lama when he was the tender age of three, following the death in 1933 of his predecessor. The Thirteenth Dalai Lama had ruled temporally and spiritually over Tibet for more than 50 years. He was adept at the complex, hidden politics of this country and had begun the effort to bring Tibet into greater contact with the larger world.
When his young successor, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, was brought to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa to be educated for his role, he proved to be a bright, mischevous student with a curiosity about the outside world, an interest in mechanics and science, and a sometimes sharp temper. He seemed bored with his Buddhist studies. With the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, the 15-year old Dalai Lama assumed spiritual and political responsibilities for which, he admitted, he was unprepared. The Dalai Lama had an awakening to his Buddhist teachings, learned to control his temper, and tried to pursue a cautious, accomodation with the Chinese occupiers. Gradually, the situation became more tense. The Dalai Lama was forced to flee. During the difficult, threatening journey to India, the Dalai Lama appears to have found himself as a leader. He had a charasmatic character from the beginning; but the journey appears to have taught him to lead. It also appears to have shown the Dalai Lama the necessity for modernizing Tibetan culture and for forging strong ties with the West. Talty's account gives the impression of a leader who learned a great deal about people and about himself from his experience in fleeing Tibet at the age of 23. But exactly what the Dalai Lama learned remains intruiging.
Talty intertwines the Dalai Lama's individual story with a broader political history. The story begins with China's invasion of Tibet in 1950, following the defeat of the Chinese nationalists. Talty offers a good, if brief, overview of the complex relationship between China and Tibet both in the centuries before the invasion and in the early stages of the 1950 occupation. Between 1950 -- 1954, China seems to have pursued an accomodationist approach in Tibet. Many important Tibetan leaders cooperated. The Dalai Lama kept some distance but showed an early willingness to work with the Chinese. He spent substantial time in China and met with Mao in Peking in 1954. But the situation soon began to deteriorate with substantial resistance to the Chinese from Tibetans in Lhasa and in outlying rural areas. The CIA became involved on behalf of Tibetan resistance fighters. Talty's book offers a good portrayal of the extent of the United States' involvement. It is highly unlikely that the Dalai Lama could have escaped Tibet and been received by India without the clandestine CIA assistance.
Talty tells well the story of the 1959 Tibetan Revolution and of the Dalai Lama's escape. Importantly, the tragedy appears in its initial stages more the result of a misunderstanding than of ill intent. Yet the Dalai Lama was forced to flee. Talty integrates his account of the Dalai Lama's and his small entourage's difficult long flight over the mountains, rivers, and desolate plateaus of Tibet with the crushing of the revolt in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. He gives proper emphasis to the brutality with which the rebellion was crushed and to the shocking nature of the Chinese prison camps. The United States' role in the escape of the Dalai Lama also receives substantial attention.
Talty has done good basic research. His study draws on interviews and published accounts from many participants, Tibetan, American, and Chinese with differing perspectives. He also explores the journalistic treatment of the Dalai Lama's flight. The early coverage was notoriously inaccurate and sensationalistic. But it helped bring Tibet, its people, its Buddhism, and its leader the Dalai Lama to international awareness.
This book is a good introduction to a rare spiritual leader and to the history of a difficult controversy that still remains to be resolved.
Robin Friedman
In the mid-1950s, people in the West who had even heard of the Dalai Lama saw him as the leader of an obscure form of Buddhism. But with his charisma, tolerance, patience,goodness and peaceful advocacy for Tibet, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama has long been a revered world figure. In May, 1959, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet and has since then been unable to return. Stephan Talty's accessible new book, "Escape from the Land of Snows: the Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a Spiritual Hero" tells the story of the making of the Dalai Lama. Talty also gives a good introduction to the underlying Tibet-China history, a difficult task but less complex than understanding the development of an inspiring religious leader.
For all the recognition he has received, the Dalai Lama's inner life remains enigmatic. In introductory chapters, Talty offers an account of how Tibetan spiritual leaders identified the Fourteenth Dalai Lama when he was the tender age of three, following the death in 1933 of his predecessor. The Thirteenth Dalai Lama had ruled temporally and spiritually over Tibet for more than 50 years. He was adept at the complex, hidden politics of this country and had begun the effort to bring Tibet into greater contact with the larger world.
When his young successor, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, was brought to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa to be educated for his role, he proved to be a bright, mischevous student with a curiosity about the outside world, an interest in mechanics and science, and a sometimes sharp temper. He seemed bored with his Buddhist studies. With the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, the 15-year old Dalai Lama assumed spiritual and political responsibilities for which, he admitted, he was unprepared. The Dalai Lama had an awakening to his Buddhist teachings, learned to control his temper, and tried to pursue a cautious, accomodation with the Chinese occupiers. Gradually, the situation became more tense. The Dalai Lama was forced to flee. During the difficult, threatening journey to India, the Dalai Lama appears to have found himself as a leader. He had a charasmatic character from the beginning; but the journey appears to have taught him to lead. It also appears to have shown the Dalai Lama the necessity for modernizing Tibetan culture and for forging strong ties with the West. Talty's account gives the impression of a leader who learned a great deal about people and about himself from his experience in fleeing Tibet at the age of 23. But exactly what the Dalai Lama learned remains intruiging.
Talty intertwines the Dalai Lama's individual story with a broader political history. The story begins with China's invasion of Tibet in 1950, following the defeat of the Chinese nationalists. Talty offers a good, if brief, overview of the complex relationship between China and Tibet both in the centuries before the invasion and in the early stages of the 1950 occupation. Between 1950 -- 1954, China seems to have pursued an accomodationist approach in Tibet. Many important Tibetan leaders cooperated. The Dalai Lama kept some distance but showed an early willingness to work with the Chinese. He spent substantial time in China and met with Mao in Peking in 1954. But the situation soon began to deteriorate with substantial resistance to the Chinese from Tibetans in Lhasa and in outlying rural areas. The CIA became involved on behalf of Tibetan resistance fighters. Talty's book offers a good portrayal of the extent of the United States' involvement. It is highly unlikely that the Dalai Lama could have escaped Tibet and been received by India without the clandestine CIA assistance.
Talty tells well the story of the 1959 Tibetan Revolution and of the Dalai Lama's escape. Importantly, the tragedy appears in its initial stages more the result of a misunderstanding than of ill intent. Yet the Dalai Lama was forced to flee. Talty integrates his account of the Dalai Lama's and his small entourage's difficult long flight over the mountains, rivers, and desolate plateaus of Tibet with the crushing of the revolt in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. He gives proper emphasis to the brutality with which the rebellion was crushed and to the shocking nature of the Chinese prison camps. The United States' role in the escape of the Dalai Lama also receives substantial attention.
Talty has done good basic research. His study draws on interviews and published accounts from many participants, Tibetan, American, and Chinese with differing perspectives. He also explores the journalistic treatment of the Dalai Lama's flight. The early coverage was notoriously inaccurate and sensationalistic. But it helped bring Tibet, its people, its Buddhism, and its leader the Dalai Lama to international awareness.
This book is a good introduction to a rare spiritual leader and to the history of a difficult controversy that still remains to be resolved.
Robin Friedman
December 30, 2019
"Lhasa exists around an absence."
Stephan Talty, Epilogue, Escape from the Land of Snows
This amazing story reads like a thriller! It personalizes the tragedy of the fall and absorption of Tibet by the Chinese and the enduring spirit of the Tibetan people.
"Tibet in 1959 was a rumor of a nation, a shadow on the world's collective memory. Off limits to foreigners for decades, it was the object of a romantic longing that had only intensified during the gray dreary confrontations of the Cold War. Tibet was removed not only in space, hidden behind the almost inaccessible peaks of the Himalayas but in time."
"Tibet was going through a remarkable transformation. It was becoming famous just as it ceased to exist. As the PLA(*) asserted control, Tibet was slowly becoming not a physical place with set borders and lakes and mountains but a cause, a place of the mind. And this was due mostly to the figure of the Dalai Lama, to the romance and tragedy that surrounded the story of a young ruler driven from his throne by the hated Communists."
*Chinese People's Liberation Army
Stephan Talty, Escape from the Land of Snows
** Read by Shishir Kurup
app 9 hrs
Stephan Talty, Epilogue, Escape from the Land of Snows
This amazing story reads like a thriller! It personalizes the tragedy of the fall and absorption of Tibet by the Chinese and the enduring spirit of the Tibetan people.
"Tibet in 1959 was a rumor of a nation, a shadow on the world's collective memory. Off limits to foreigners for decades, it was the object of a romantic longing that had only intensified during the gray dreary confrontations of the Cold War. Tibet was removed not only in space, hidden behind the almost inaccessible peaks of the Himalayas but in time."
"Tibet was going through a remarkable transformation. It was becoming famous just as it ceased to exist. As the PLA(*) asserted control, Tibet was slowly becoming not a physical place with set borders and lakes and mountains but a cause, a place of the mind. And this was due mostly to the figure of the Dalai Lama, to the romance and tragedy that surrounded the story of a young ruler driven from his throne by the hated Communists."
*Chinese People's Liberation Army
Stephan Talty, Escape from the Land of Snows
** Read by Shishir Kurup
app 9 hrs
April 5, 2016
The beginning is written in a weirdly clumsy way, but the rest is good - I liked Talty's no nonsense writing style.
I found this book very interesting, mainly because it presents different cultures, extremely divergent ways of thinking. It also presents human cruelty, which is depressing, but still - very engaging and thought-provoking.
I found this book very interesting, mainly because it presents different cultures, extremely divergent ways of thinking. It also presents human cruelty, which is depressing, but still - very engaging and thought-provoking.
July 18, 2023
The book describes briefly the 13th dalai lama. A powerful man that represented the position of the dalai lama well. It's actually quite different to the calm spiritual leader that I know nowadays. The spiritual and political side are actually indistinguishable. The dalai lama represents or should represent Tibet itself. The Dalai lama is supposed to be an instruction of the bodhisattva Chenresig. The list of them is actually rather short and a lot of them died of weird circumstances at a young age. The author does drop the very specific and unexpected detail of the sixth dalai lama of being bisexual hidenist. The 13th was a wise leader that did rule with an iron fist (story about him ordering a public execution by drowning in a cauldron) and was aware of the threat of the Chinese communists. He died of natural causes though at the youngish age of 57. Two years before actually his reincarnation would be born. The book also describes the unique and extreme geography of Tibet. Surrounded by 5 different mountain ranges and vastly different cultures and influenced that have crept in over the centuries. Absurd heat and cold, sometimes at the very same time and clear and thin air. It showed the extremes that the monks had to travel to find the next one who wasn't just next door.
It all started with the body of the 13th mysteriously facing the east 2 days in a row. Then after some vision and plenty of consultations with oracles, it was decided to search for him in specific cities and directions. The very moment of meeting the young child would also be a major determining factor that did not favor shy children. There was even a checklist for physical characteristics like the large eyebrows and ears. Somehow by change, years later, they found the hut where a young child and his 6 brothers and sisters and his parents lived. A great big Tibetan mastiff was at the front as well, part of the supposed vision. The child passed any test and even chose the right objects in a wide selection that would demonstrate his authenticity to his reincarnation. Buddhism played a more significant and constant role in tibet with one of of every four boys going to the monasteries to build political power and also an intriguing possibility of education. There isn't even a word for religion as it's indistinguishable to life itself. Sin as well is not the wrong doing in Buddhism but ignorance so there is a constant pursuit of enlightenment. Buddhism and Tibetan culture has been influenced though by the language of India, the astrology of China and the old shamanistic traditions prior to Buddhism arriving in Tibet.
There is a saying that in Tibet, nobody travels alone. The young leader traveled together with his brother asking with fifty other monks and leaders to the capital Lhasa.
One can only imagine the odd life of a young child deemed to be a powerful deity and chosen leader living in the legendary winter palace, the potala palace. It seemed to be even bigger than it actually was because of the smart architectural tricks to have the walls slanting inwards to make it seem further away.
There he would get an introduction to the long rituals that he would have to face and hate throughout his life. Later he would not even bother to memorize the required scripts and forced himself through the motions to get through them. Only the stories of the martyrs are the ones that struck a chord with him.
Living in the potala palace very weird to anyone really. A cold large place that goes Up and down, stepping over or looking past beams. His room being infinitely too far away from people. The remains of many of his predecessors buried there, and scary legends of ghosts and large owls living in the attic. The book emphasizes his struggles of a child missing his parents, being alone, and finding new relationships with the tiny nice that came to eat remaining offerings and his trusted caretaker, pompo.
He seemed to be a Mischievous boy, and also unfortunately a very angry boy that would struggle to socialize. He had long hair as a teenager, maybe for the cold or his rebellious nature. A German man that met him during that time describes him as not actually looking like most other Tibetans as he barely had the typical slanted eyes.
When it came to matters of power though, he struggled to learn as it seemed even Tibet was stuck in the past. He was interested in the ongoing world war 2 but would only read about it in outdated magazines that were imported months after release. officially, he would only learn of the olden days in a time of success for Tibet. The ongoing existence of the people of Tibet was even allowed you continue existing because they didn't have great armies of the mongols invading their country. Their eternal enemy was actually the Chinese han.
The fifth dalai lama was the smart one that allied himself to the Chinese emperor to overthrow the Tibetan rulers and put himself in that position. The very existence of Tibet and the Dalai lama then depended on their ongoing alliance with the han emperor. As the emperor increasingly lost power over the 19th century and then alright in the early 20th, Tibet missed the opportunity to become officially and completely autonomous with help of united nations. It would inevitably become an easy and trapped target for the new power of Mao.
Despite this deeply isolated and restricted life, he would distinguish himself from his predecessors with his first real act as the Dalai lama. He freed all the common criminals of the potala palace. Not wild like the sixth nor hidden in religious isolation like the eighth nor a political mastermind like the fifth or a strongman like the 13th. He remained simple hearted.
Things start to change in the 1950s as Mao wants to take Tibet under the Chinese fold. This is in the 1950s. Tibet at that point was a far cry from it's former ancient days and had a culture of bad soldiers. An army was not in the priorities of a deeply Buddhist Tibet. China wanted to unite the country and keeping Tibet in check would be a good way to stop any of the cracks in the dam. Tibet was also a important strategical goal for China as it would not go in the hands of the west or United Nations. Tibet is also a rich land that had minerals and even oil (unbeknownst at the time). In hindsight, only logical that they did invade. Hard to see it not happening really or someone else not taking advantage of it.
He was only 23 years old when China invaded and I think this book illustrates how unprepared and naive the young leader was for what was ahead. AS a young leader but also deity, he was quite alone in carrying the responsibility of Tibet. It was during this time that he turned to Buddhism finally.
Not shocking of how other countries reacted, or more like DIDN'T react. As per usual, British empire getting their mitts involved with what they shouldn't and then not helping those it should. So they didn't get involved. The Americans needed the Dalai lama to openly support the resistance and he really dropped the ball on this to be honest. I can only assume that hesitancy and indecision held him back. India was offended that they had communication with the Americans first and Neru was on the path of establishing his own foreign policy that was neither Western nor Soviet so he needed support from the Chinese. Needles to say, they did not help.
In the end, the Dalai Lama did sign an agreement with China in which they would come under the rule of the China. The specifics and fine print was all just brushed aside eventually. Of course.
Fascinating to me as a westerner in the 21st Century, I know the Dalai Lama as a wise old man but admitting never to calculate anything and do things spontaneously is precisely the polar opposite of that. He was far too soft which was a contrast in the Chinese leader map who was extremely hard.
But the Chinese not having the numbers or influence to take over by force at the time so they did it nicely.
He eventually visited China which is amazing to imagine now and even more interesting that he loved the communism that he saw. The only part he didn't like was the atheist part. He even met with Mao, whom he was very impressed with as he seemed more graceful in manner and more humble in attire than even the Dalai lama himself at the time.
Things started going to hell (political and economic hell) in 1954 with the economic reforms of collectivization. This is when the resistance and fighting really started. The book talks a lot about the rebels (the Khampas who were an ethic group in eastern Tibet which the Chinese attacked first). It's crazy to imagine that there was apparently even a bombing in Tibet.
Rumors started to kidnap or kill the leader,
Unfounded because it was advantageous to keep the Dalai lama for China as he was a reluctant but accepting leader
Walked a difficult tightrope in who and how much to support.
China discovering Tibetan communication with the Americans CIA.
The rest of the world wasn't just far away from Tibet, but Tibet was also seen as far away and way to foreign to the rest of the world. Example of Sherlock Holmes and Marco Polo and even neighboring kingdoms or nations.
The US ultimately would not be invested in going to war but only acting behind the scenes with no detection.
Decided to escape despite his belief in reincarnation. It was for the will of the Tibetan people. He disguised himself in soldiers uniform and took his glasses off (apparently a symbol of the west)
Escape, not ultimately wanting to leave Tibet behind
The very story of him spreading around the world to help their cause.
The perception of the kids of the rebellion or the Dalai lama escape. Both for negative and positive
A city of women and exodus
Asylum in India and having nothing. Sick on arrival
False reports of his escape in the rush to get the news scoop first
China's blunder to let him go(conversation between Mao and kruzchev) but the difficulty of keeping him there
Nativity with negotiations with the rude neru.
Becoming more famous than all the predecessors and breaking all traditions of behavior or succession and power
Nightmares of the escape and avoiding the date of the pan hen lama while at the same time freeing himself of the restraints of Buddhism and reaching everyone
China good for the country. Not the villain of old
The differences of what the Dalai lama wants for the country and what Tibetans want
It all started with the body of the 13th mysteriously facing the east 2 days in a row. Then after some vision and plenty of consultations with oracles, it was decided to search for him in specific cities and directions. The very moment of meeting the young child would also be a major determining factor that did not favor shy children. There was even a checklist for physical characteristics like the large eyebrows and ears. Somehow by change, years later, they found the hut where a young child and his 6 brothers and sisters and his parents lived. A great big Tibetan mastiff was at the front as well, part of the supposed vision. The child passed any test and even chose the right objects in a wide selection that would demonstrate his authenticity to his reincarnation. Buddhism played a more significant and constant role in tibet with one of of every four boys going to the monasteries to build political power and also an intriguing possibility of education. There isn't even a word for religion as it's indistinguishable to life itself. Sin as well is not the wrong doing in Buddhism but ignorance so there is a constant pursuit of enlightenment. Buddhism and Tibetan culture has been influenced though by the language of India, the astrology of China and the old shamanistic traditions prior to Buddhism arriving in Tibet.
There is a saying that in Tibet, nobody travels alone. The young leader traveled together with his brother asking with fifty other monks and leaders to the capital Lhasa.
One can only imagine the odd life of a young child deemed to be a powerful deity and chosen leader living in the legendary winter palace, the potala palace. It seemed to be even bigger than it actually was because of the smart architectural tricks to have the walls slanting inwards to make it seem further away.
There he would get an introduction to the long rituals that he would have to face and hate throughout his life. Later he would not even bother to memorize the required scripts and forced himself through the motions to get through them. Only the stories of the martyrs are the ones that struck a chord with him.
Living in the potala palace very weird to anyone really. A cold large place that goes Up and down, stepping over or looking past beams. His room being infinitely too far away from people. The remains of many of his predecessors buried there, and scary legends of ghosts and large owls living in the attic. The book emphasizes his struggles of a child missing his parents, being alone, and finding new relationships with the tiny nice that came to eat remaining offerings and his trusted caretaker, pompo.
He seemed to be a Mischievous boy, and also unfortunately a very angry boy that would struggle to socialize. He had long hair as a teenager, maybe for the cold or his rebellious nature. A German man that met him during that time describes him as not actually looking like most other Tibetans as he barely had the typical slanted eyes.
When it came to matters of power though, he struggled to learn as it seemed even Tibet was stuck in the past. He was interested in the ongoing world war 2 but would only read about it in outdated magazines that were imported months after release. officially, he would only learn of the olden days in a time of success for Tibet. The ongoing existence of the people of Tibet was even allowed you continue existing because they didn't have great armies of the mongols invading their country. Their eternal enemy was actually the Chinese han.
The fifth dalai lama was the smart one that allied himself to the Chinese emperor to overthrow the Tibetan rulers and put himself in that position. The very existence of Tibet and the Dalai lama then depended on their ongoing alliance with the han emperor. As the emperor increasingly lost power over the 19th century and then alright in the early 20th, Tibet missed the opportunity to become officially and completely autonomous with help of united nations. It would inevitably become an easy and trapped target for the new power of Mao.
Despite this deeply isolated and restricted life, he would distinguish himself from his predecessors with his first real act as the Dalai lama. He freed all the common criminals of the potala palace. Not wild like the sixth nor hidden in religious isolation like the eighth nor a political mastermind like the fifth or a strongman like the 13th. He remained simple hearted.
Things start to change in the 1950s as Mao wants to take Tibet under the Chinese fold. This is in the 1950s. Tibet at that point was a far cry from it's former ancient days and had a culture of bad soldiers. An army was not in the priorities of a deeply Buddhist Tibet. China wanted to unite the country and keeping Tibet in check would be a good way to stop any of the cracks in the dam. Tibet was also a important strategical goal for China as it would not go in the hands of the west or United Nations. Tibet is also a rich land that had minerals and even oil (unbeknownst at the time). In hindsight, only logical that they did invade. Hard to see it not happening really or someone else not taking advantage of it.
He was only 23 years old when China invaded and I think this book illustrates how unprepared and naive the young leader was for what was ahead. AS a young leader but also deity, he was quite alone in carrying the responsibility of Tibet. It was during this time that he turned to Buddhism finally.
Not shocking of how other countries reacted, or more like DIDN'T react. As per usual, British empire getting their mitts involved with what they shouldn't and then not helping those it should. So they didn't get involved. The Americans needed the Dalai lama to openly support the resistance and he really dropped the ball on this to be honest. I can only assume that hesitancy and indecision held him back. India was offended that they had communication with the Americans first and Neru was on the path of establishing his own foreign policy that was neither Western nor Soviet so he needed support from the Chinese. Needles to say, they did not help.
In the end, the Dalai Lama did sign an agreement with China in which they would come under the rule of the China. The specifics and fine print was all just brushed aside eventually. Of course.
Fascinating to me as a westerner in the 21st Century, I know the Dalai Lama as a wise old man but admitting never to calculate anything and do things spontaneously is precisely the polar opposite of that. He was far too soft which was a contrast in the Chinese leader map who was extremely hard.
But the Chinese not having the numbers or influence to take over by force at the time so they did it nicely.
He eventually visited China which is amazing to imagine now and even more interesting that he loved the communism that he saw. The only part he didn't like was the atheist part. He even met with Mao, whom he was very impressed with as he seemed more graceful in manner and more humble in attire than even the Dalai lama himself at the time.
Things started going to hell (political and economic hell) in 1954 with the economic reforms of collectivization. This is when the resistance and fighting really started. The book talks a lot about the rebels (the Khampas who were an ethic group in eastern Tibet which the Chinese attacked first). It's crazy to imagine that there was apparently even a bombing in Tibet.
Rumors started to kidnap or kill the leader,
Unfounded because it was advantageous to keep the Dalai lama for China as he was a reluctant but accepting leader
Walked a difficult tightrope in who and how much to support.
China discovering Tibetan communication with the Americans CIA.
The rest of the world wasn't just far away from Tibet, but Tibet was also seen as far away and way to foreign to the rest of the world. Example of Sherlock Holmes and Marco Polo and even neighboring kingdoms or nations.
The US ultimately would not be invested in going to war but only acting behind the scenes with no detection.
Decided to escape despite his belief in reincarnation. It was for the will of the Tibetan people. He disguised himself in soldiers uniform and took his glasses off (apparently a symbol of the west)
Escape, not ultimately wanting to leave Tibet behind
The very story of him spreading around the world to help their cause.
The perception of the kids of the rebellion or the Dalai lama escape. Both for negative and positive
A city of women and exodus
Asylum in India and having nothing. Sick on arrival
False reports of his escape in the rush to get the news scoop first
China's blunder to let him go(conversation between Mao and kruzchev) but the difficulty of keeping him there
Nativity with negotiations with the rude neru.
Becoming more famous than all the predecessors and breaking all traditions of behavior or succession and power
Nightmares of the escape and avoiding the date of the pan hen lama while at the same time freeing himself of the restraints of Buddhism and reaching everyone
China good for the country. Not the villain of old
The differences of what the Dalai lama wants for the country and what Tibetans want
May 29, 2016
True account of the escape of the Dalai Lama from Tibet after it was invaded (and taken over) by China. The insight into the traditions of Buddhism were fascinating as was the depiction of the Dalai Lama as a pretty amazing human being and political figure. The book is actually pretty even-handed. Under Mao, China didn't simply annex Tibet, but annexed it as part of what it believed fell within traditional Chinese borders. However, it is always tough to annex people who do not feel they are within a land that is entitled to be annexed.
The Tibetans also aren't depicted as non-violent cultural saints. They lived in a remote land, did not care for foreigners, and had their share of corruption in the combined church/state government. Their non-violent mindset came from isolation and adherence to religious tradition as much as anything else. The book described how the Dalai Lamas attempted to modernize Tibet so that they were more in touch with the world as it existed,while also shedding some of their antiquated ceremonies and traditions.
After the Dalai Lama left Tibet, he set up an external Tibetan government and became a major political figure representing the conviction of all conquered and oppressed people. It was more his personality that became famous because he is a bright, sociable, peaceful sort who would like to see all disputes in the world settled by compromise and peaceful discussion. He is a champion of the underdog, and believes in gender equality, as well as a separation of church and state. How many living gods would promote that voluntarily?
It is unclear what the future of Tibet is. Under Mao, there was religious persecution and the standard communist torture and imprisonment of traitors. However, after the death of Mao, Tibet has a certain type of independence, and the Chinese have, in fact, poured a lot of money into modernize the country. However, there are still elements of of persecution, as well as some mistreatment as many Tibetans feel they are part of an underclass not able to speak or live as they truly feel. Many want to settle for nothing less than an entirely free Tibet with the Dalai Lama restored to his "rightful" place. The book is not entirely clear what, exactly, the Dalai Lama would settle for in terms of a return to Tibet. He seems willing to accept a Chinese Tibet on par with Mongolia, but wants assurances of equal rights, no religious persecution, and a respect of the Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama has both a web page and a Facebook page where he answers questions.
The Tibetans also aren't depicted as non-violent cultural saints. They lived in a remote land, did not care for foreigners, and had their share of corruption in the combined church/state government. Their non-violent mindset came from isolation and adherence to religious tradition as much as anything else. The book described how the Dalai Lamas attempted to modernize Tibet so that they were more in touch with the world as it existed,while also shedding some of their antiquated ceremonies and traditions.
After the Dalai Lama left Tibet, he set up an external Tibetan government and became a major political figure representing the conviction of all conquered and oppressed people. It was more his personality that became famous because he is a bright, sociable, peaceful sort who would like to see all disputes in the world settled by compromise and peaceful discussion. He is a champion of the underdog, and believes in gender equality, as well as a separation of church and state. How many living gods would promote that voluntarily?
It is unclear what the future of Tibet is. Under Mao, there was religious persecution and the standard communist torture and imprisonment of traitors. However, after the death of Mao, Tibet has a certain type of independence, and the Chinese have, in fact, poured a lot of money into modernize the country. However, there are still elements of of persecution, as well as some mistreatment as many Tibetans feel they are part of an underclass not able to speak or live as they truly feel. Many want to settle for nothing less than an entirely free Tibet with the Dalai Lama restored to his "rightful" place. The book is not entirely clear what, exactly, the Dalai Lama would settle for in terms of a return to Tibet. He seems willing to accept a Chinese Tibet on par with Mongolia, but wants assurances of equal rights, no religious persecution, and a respect of the Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama has both a web page and a Facebook page where he answers questions.
January 12, 2011
The history of Tibet and its relationship with China is outlined in this account of the Dalai Lama’s exile during the uprising in 1959. While the writing wasn’t exceptional, the subject was well researched and gave a good background of the political climate of the region at the time. China asserted its authority over Tibet, but there was resistance by the deeply religious people who did not want to be ruled by communists despite the progress and modernization they brought to the isolated nation. The unrest that lead to full out rebellion in Lhasa in 1959 resulted in the slaughter of thousands of innocent Tibetans and the exile of the Dalai Lama to India. Prior to reading this, I was unaware of the CIA’s role in attempting to suppress communism by aiding the rebels in Tibet. There were numerous interviews and quotes from participants in the uprising, monks and civilians, individuals who were working with the Americans, and the Dalai Lama and his family. I thought the epilogue was especially effective. The author concludes the book with his own narrative of his trip to Lhasa fifty years after the fateful date that demoralized Tibet. Talty illustrated the paranoia among the Tibetans, especially in the presence of so many Han Chinese and PLA troops. More than anything, though, there was a pervading sadness among the people at the absence of the Dalai Lama. Though these events helped bring awareness to Tibet’s plight and made His Holiness an international figure, the despondency of the Tibetans is palpable and unfortunate.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program.
February 28, 2011
This is an easy read and exciting, too, but that is not to say it lacks deep research or avoids the complexity of China-Tibet relations and Tibetan history and culture. The author does an excellent job showing the good and the bad. He does not romanticize Tibet. There are many interesting aspects to this story and one for me was learning about the CIA’s involvement with the rebels in the 1950s. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Tibet and/or the suppression of freedom.
February 7, 2021
Escape from the Land of Snows: The Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a Spiritual Hero is a biography of His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. Stephan Talty, a journalist and author, wrote this biography.
This book serves as an entry (A character "on the run") in The 52 Book Challenge 2021. It was pure happenstance that I saw a program listing the top ten greatest escapes in history that I remember the criterion of this entry and search for a book about the Dalai Lama’s escape from China and found this biography.
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the current Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibet, and considered a living Bodhisattva, an emanation of Avalokiteśvara. The Dalai Lamas are also leaders of the Gelug School, which is the newest school of Tibetan Buddhism and was formally headed by the Ganden Tripas.
Talty skillfully moves between protests in Lhasa and the Dalai Lama's escape toward the border, tracing stories of the many people involved. Adding complexity to this narrative are details about CIA support of Tibetans fighting against the Chinese regime, the U.S. role in securing permission for the Dalai Lama's entry into India, and the worldwide media frenzy that shaped the public's perceptions of Tibet.
Escape from the Land of Snows: The Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a Spiritual Hero is written rather well. Drawing from written eyewitness accounts and interviews with survivors, Talty describes the events in 1959 that irrevocably altered the future of Tibet. Witness reports include those of the Dalai Lama's mother and brothers, rebels and refugees, members of the CIA's Tibetan Task Force, and former prisoners of the Chinese. From these multiple voices, Talty has woven a vivid picture of a dangerous journey and a country in crisis.
All in all, Escape from the Land of Snows: The Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a Spiritual Hero is a great read about an extraordinary escape.
This book serves as an entry (A character "on the run") in The 52 Book Challenge 2021. It was pure happenstance that I saw a program listing the top ten greatest escapes in history that I remember the criterion of this entry and search for a book about the Dalai Lama’s escape from China and found this biography.
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the current Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibet, and considered a living Bodhisattva, an emanation of Avalokiteśvara. The Dalai Lamas are also leaders of the Gelug School, which is the newest school of Tibetan Buddhism and was formally headed by the Ganden Tripas.
Talty skillfully moves between protests in Lhasa and the Dalai Lama's escape toward the border, tracing stories of the many people involved. Adding complexity to this narrative are details about CIA support of Tibetans fighting against the Chinese regime, the U.S. role in securing permission for the Dalai Lama's entry into India, and the worldwide media frenzy that shaped the public's perceptions of Tibet.
Escape from the Land of Snows: The Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a Spiritual Hero is written rather well. Drawing from written eyewitness accounts and interviews with survivors, Talty describes the events in 1959 that irrevocably altered the future of Tibet. Witness reports include those of the Dalai Lama's mother and brothers, rebels and refugees, members of the CIA's Tibetan Task Force, and former prisoners of the Chinese. From these multiple voices, Talty has woven a vivid picture of a dangerous journey and a country in crisis.
All in all, Escape from the Land of Snows: The Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a Spiritual Hero is a great read about an extraordinary escape.
September 7, 2020
This book was a little disappointing. Much more political than I expected. At first he focused more on the Dalai Lama, his early life, etc. and I really liked that part. And his initial escape was interesting but the ongoing conflict was terrible, but I got pretty bored with it by the end. I love reading about the Dalai Lama. I think he's amazing but the war between China and Tibet - too much detail...
Nothing really offensive and I did learn some things so I'm not sorry I read it, but I can't really recommend it... Took me a long time to get through it because I kept putting it down, being distracted by covid life and family..
Nothing really offensive and I did learn some things so I'm not sorry I read it, but I can't really recommend it... Took me a long time to get through it because I kept putting it down, being distracted by covid life and family..
September 1, 2024
This is the story of the 1959 escape of the young Dalai Lama from the formerly peaceful Tibet. But even more, it is the story of the country itself, fighting for survival of its culture during a brutal invasion.
Much as China tried to control news reaching the outside world “Tibet was going through a remarkable transformation. It was becoming famous just as it ceased to exist.” When journalists at that time could not access information many of them fabricated stories although there were plenty of dramatic true stories of the events and people.
Present day Tibet has changed, but it seems its people’s love for their Dalai Lama has not.
Much as China tried to control news reaching the outside world “Tibet was going through a remarkable transformation. It was becoming famous just as it ceased to exist.” When journalists at that time could not access information many of them fabricated stories although there were plenty of dramatic true stories of the events and people.
Present day Tibet has changed, but it seems its people’s love for their Dalai Lama has not.
September 1, 2019
A very good book about a time, place and people that I knew little about. I found the story of the Chinese occupation of Tibet and the eventual uprising and the Dalai Lama’s escape to be quite captivating. It would have been nice if there were some historical and/or modern day images included in the book for the key figures of places. All in all, a good book and I look forward to reading more about Tibet.
September 29, 2021
Prior to reading this book I didn't know anything about the Dalai Lama's escape from Tibet when China took over the country. The book started off with a bit of the history of the Dalai Lama, and how they found the 14th incarnation of the Dalai Lama after the 13th died.
Intermixed with the story of the Dalai Lama's escape was a description of the uprisings and fighting in Lhasa. It was a fascinating story to read.
Intermixed with the story of the Dalai Lama's escape was a description of the uprisings and fighting in Lhasa. It was a fascinating story to read.
January 12, 2019
Very informative about how the Dalai Lama was chosen. Most of his beliefs he was born with. His schooling and training just helped to develop them. The escape to India was the last part of his training which got him ready to be a world figure. Really amazing how much respect Tibetan's have for the Dalai Lama, before, during, and after the escape to India.
November 24, 2020
Never knew anything about Tibet; nothing about the climate, the people, nor the Chinese takeover. If we're not careful, the Chinese will take over our way of life as well. They are continuing their ambition to control the world with Hong Kong right now.
An excellent read with insights to what people, as a group, will do when they believe in something greater than they are.
An excellent read with insights to what people, as a group, will do when they believe in something greater than they are.
June 22, 2017
Really good read, informative, interesting, didn't get bogged down in the tin minutiae of history like some historical nonficts do, I'd definitely recommend.
August 24, 2017
Esta leitura, fez com que entendesse melhor uma situações que vivi quando visitei o Tibete, na altura pareceram-me....estranhas.
A luta de um povo pela liberdade...
A luta de um povo pela liberdade...
January 28, 2019
Very good. I had to put it down at times because I was so saddened by it at times but overall very good and insightful.
April 10, 2011
Before reading Escape from the Land of Snows, I had a vague, general understanding of Tibet and the Dalai Lama. I knew Tibet had been invaded by China, its territory is protected by the mountain ranges above Nepal (and Mt. Everest), and that it is a nation of Buddhists and pacifists. I'd seen various movies/books that depicted the selection of the Dalai Lama and about Tibet was aware that much poetic license had been taken - James Hilton's Shangri-La, Tintin in Tibet, Little Buddha, Seven Years in Tibet.
Escape from the Land of Snows deftly combines a glimpse into the Dalai Lama's personal history with the historical and political events that have shaped Tibet. We learn how the Dalai Lama is selected; from the process of selection to the conditions that must be fulfilled - this is explained in its sociocultural and political context. Stephen Talty makes the Dalai Lama come alive both as the political, religious and cultural figure that he is and on a personal level.
Talty starts in 1935 with the passing of previous Dalai Lama and the search for his successor. I'd had all sorts of Hollywood misconceptions as to the method of finding the successor and found the detailed description fascinating. We learn the details of the Dalai Lama's life from the moment that he was "found"- in Amdo, an obscure village 1,000 miles (2 months' travel) from the capital Lhasa. I was fascinated by the specific ways in which the monks are able to identify and confirm the identity of the next Dalai Lama. We learn how the three year old boy was raised, tutored, and shaped to become Tibet's spiritual leader. Separated from his family with the exception of his younger brothers - one of whom was disciplined when the Dalai Lama misbehaved - the new Dalai Lama is raised in the traditional way by elderly monks.
Talty recounts what it was like for the Dalai Lama as a lonely young boy raised by monks in the palace in Lhasa and revered by the Tibetan people. As I read about his acts of generosity and mercy, such as releasing the inmates from the nearby prison, it was clear that the Dalai Lama sees the world very differently. We learn how his trusting and generous nature - his celebration of the good in others - played out in the negotiations with Mao and the People's Republic of China. Mao's desire to reintegrate Tibet into China and the increasing ruthlessness of China's foreign policy resulted in heartbreaking attacks on Tibetan monks, citizens, and the Tibetan government.
As Talty shares the harrowing details of those last days and of the Dalai Lama's escape from Lhasa during those turbulent days, we see the strength of the Dalai Lama's love for his country and his people and just how much he means to Tibet and the Tibetan people.
Escape from the Land of Snows: The Young Dalai Lama's Harrowing Flight to Freedom and the Making of a Spiritual Hero is more than an engrossing read, it's a story that needs to be shared.
ISBN-10: 9780307460950 - Hardcover
Publisher: Crown; 1 edition (January 18, 2011), 320 pages.
Review copy acquired through the Amazon Vine program.
August 20, 2012
This was a real page turner that was hard to put down. I remember when the movie Seven Years in Tibet came out and what am impact it made on the the youth. Seems like everyone was passing out literature about Tibet and the oppression by the Chinese, and bumper stickers appeared everywhere, saying Free Tibet. So it was informative to read more about those events. interesting how the search committee had a vision which led them to find this young child and that the child knew their names, was able to correctly ID tidy some objects that he'd never seen before, and was chosen to go to Llasa. It seems he led a lonely life, separated from others and schooled so closely that he felt like he was in a prison. It was interesting how rumors and crowds ignited the revolt and escape--reminded me of the Arab Spring events that have happened lately. The Chinese had invited the dalai lama to a cultural event and asked that his guards be left outside their building, and his guards assumed they were planning to kidnap him. Thus the local people ran to the summer palace Norbulingka to protect him. He was smuggled out and traveled across the barren wasteland to India where he set up a government in exile. It was interesting that the Tibetans saw the conflict w china as a religious struggle that they would fight wholeheartedly, a point of view that the chinese seemed to not understand. The author says: "he is no religious exile fleeing to some safe retreat . . . But a God-king of a proud, angry and courageous people coming to demand moral recognition and help in the name of religion from those who profess to believe in it against the forces of materialism." it seems that in the end, materialism has won out bc we value trade with the Chinese more highly than their records on human rights violations, not only in taking over Tibet but in other realms as well.
April 16, 2011
In all honesty, I think I was expecting something else from the write ups I read. I’m not saying that I didn’t enjoy this. I found it very interesting, truthfully. However, I was expecting much more about the Dalai Lama himself and honestly, this was more about what he means to the Tibetan people than anything else.
The book starts off the with boy who will become the Dalai Lama. We get a lot of how he was a child, what his brothers and parents are like and how he was discovered to be the reincarnation they were searching for. It goes into his loneliness and thoughts and feelings about being in the palace in Lhasa and his growing fears as to what the Chinese would do. He was barely more than a teen when the day to run came.
But once he takes off for India, the focus of the book shifts. Very little, comparatively speaking, is centered on the Dalai Lama himself. Instead, we have dozens of other Tibetans and Western reports/CIA members to follow around and see what happens. While the history of what happened to Tibet is important, I thought it would just be to set the stage and we would get into the Dalai Lama’s head as he is forced to flee. Is he angry? Guilty to be leaving his people to fight for themselves? Grateful that so many are willing to die to keep him and what he symbolizes safe? Etc and really, I never got a clear image of any of that.
So while it is interesting, it really seems to be more about the Tibetan people and their lives than the Dalai Lama’s. I felt vaguely disappointed in that but over all, it’s still a book worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2011
Actually the first half of this book is detailed and extremely interesting background leading up to the escape story. The author explains in interesting details how the Dalai Lama was chosen and the story of his training and upbringing. He also tells the fascinating story of what happened from the time the Chinese invaded Tibet until the escape in 1959.
In light of the fact that the Dalai Lama recently announced his retirement from the political side of his job, I found this story important and informative. I far better understand the implications of his position in today's world.
The escape story in the book is not as compelling as some other escape from Tibet books I have read. But it is historically valuable to know the details of the escape.
I have followed the Dalai Lama with interest for many years and actually heard him speak in Houston many years ago. He is such a gentle soul with nerves of steel who was able to do the right thing at the right time when he was very young.
Reading this book also upsets me somewhat because I know a number of young Chinese college students and I feel that while China is progressing economically and even politically the attitude toward Tibet is frightening and disappointing. I am grateful to the author for spelling out the story in a readable and compelling way. He has a glossary and a list of people's names that really help the reader to understand who all of those people are.
In light of the fact that the Dalai Lama recently announced his retirement from the political side of his job, I found this story important and informative. I far better understand the implications of his position in today's world.
The escape story in the book is not as compelling as some other escape from Tibet books I have read. But it is historically valuable to know the details of the escape.
I have followed the Dalai Lama with interest for many years and actually heard him speak in Houston many years ago. He is such a gentle soul with nerves of steel who was able to do the right thing at the right time when he was very young.
Reading this book also upsets me somewhat because I know a number of young Chinese college students and I feel that while China is progressing economically and even politically the attitude toward Tibet is frightening and disappointing. I am grateful to the author for spelling out the story in a readable and compelling way. He has a glossary and a list of people's names that really help the reader to understand who all of those people are.
January 26, 2012
"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." ~ Dalai Lama
This is a very amazing viewpoint for anyone to have in my opinion. Every persons life is a journey and this book looks at the life's journey of the Dalai Lama.
A fascinating and thoughtfully written story that has been thoroughly researched by Mr. Talty. While reading this book I could easily envision the people and places. Especially interesting was the political and military history of Tibet. Also of interest to me was the interspersing of Tibetan customs that brought further life to the story.
Myself, I couldn't imagine having to leave my home because of events beyond my control, in this case the country being taken over. This however was the reality of the situation, having to leave his home in disguise while travelling hundreds of miles to India.
Many things come together in the building of a persons life, helping to decide the road that will be travelled. Reading this book you begin to fully understand the guiding principles of the Dalai Lama.
Simply put, this book is a must-read for anyone that is interested in the Dalai Lama. It's an exquisite page turner that will keep the reader engrossed.
This is a very amazing viewpoint for anyone to have in my opinion. Every persons life is a journey and this book looks at the life's journey of the Dalai Lama.
A fascinating and thoughtfully written story that has been thoroughly researched by Mr. Talty. While reading this book I could easily envision the people and places. Especially interesting was the political and military history of Tibet. Also of interest to me was the interspersing of Tibetan customs that brought further life to the story.
Myself, I couldn't imagine having to leave my home because of events beyond my control, in this case the country being taken over. This however was the reality of the situation, having to leave his home in disguise while travelling hundreds of miles to India.
Many things come together in the building of a persons life, helping to decide the road that will be travelled. Reading this book you begin to fully understand the guiding principles of the Dalai Lama.
Simply put, this book is a must-read for anyone that is interested in the Dalai Lama. It's an exquisite page turner that will keep the reader engrossed.
October 31, 2012
Short, wonderful account of the Dalai Lama' s flight from Tibet. China for centuries kept Tibet under suzerainty where officials from China were tolerated as Tibet had gone its own way. It had a history of not allowing foreigners into the country in order to keep their culture and traditions intact even killing those who came. Eventually the British came and the Chinese invaded in 1959. As the Chinese officially claimed Tibet as its own, other powerful countries were not in the mood for challenging China and Tibet was so little known, that outsiders cared little about it. Gradually some Tibetans were able to press for help and it came in the form of the American CIA and British Intelligence. It was seen that if the Dalai Lama could escape Tibet to India that he could lobby the world for help. A harrowing escape ensued and was successful. But India under Nehru was not interested in antagonizing China and feared Kashmir which they had just invaded and claimed for India. Almost half of Tibet left for India after the Dalai Lama left and Tibetans who stayed fear for their lives, religion and culture to this day. A really moving read.
April 13, 2015
There is no doubt I have rated this book high as a result of having traveled to Tibet, specifically Lhasa. Having heard the story from our tour guide while there is was wonderful to read all of the details and history leading up to the Dahli Lama's escape from his homeland. I will credit our tour guide with having done a very good job with the reader's digest version of events. The book came alive as the author described the various monasteries and palaces knowing we had walked the same streets and seen the same sites. The reading of this book transported us back to our China vacation and confirmed it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. There is no doubt in my mind the Dhali Lama would not be the influential person he is today had he remained in Tibet. It is unfortunate that the Chinese could not find a way to co-exist with Tibetans and their belief structures as well as their form of self government. It will be interesting to see how Lhasa continues to evolve and who the next Dhali Lama will be....
March 14, 2011
After finishing Tetsu Saiwai's manga bio of the 14th Dali Lama (highly rec for all ages), decided I needed to fill in some of the gaps in my knowledge of his life.
I was looking for a book that informed me about the Lhasa Uprising 52 years ago, that gave me insight into the Dali Lama's trek across the Himalayas fleeing certain death at the hands of Mao's PLA & his growth from a sheltered child king-god into the modern Nobel Laureate in 1989. This book fell woefully short in my expectations.
While it indeed filled in gaps of my knowledge, I found it to be poorly written, which is disappointing since the book's cover blurb touts the author as a worldwide award winning journalist. I came away from the book feeling as if he had simply "phoned it in."
I was looking for a book that informed me about the Lhasa Uprising 52 years ago, that gave me insight into the Dali Lama's trek across the Himalayas fleeing certain death at the hands of Mao's PLA & his growth from a sheltered child king-god into the modern Nobel Laureate in 1989. This book fell woefully short in my expectations.
While it indeed filled in gaps of my knowledge, I found it to be poorly written, which is disappointing since the book's cover blurb touts the author as a worldwide award winning journalist. I came away from the book feeling as if he had simply "phoned it in."
May 29, 2011
This book describes the flight of the young Dalai Lama's flight to freedom in 1959 from Tibet to India during the Chinese invasion. The story starts from the time the Dalai Lama is chosen as a small boy to modern day.
This story helped to put together all the pieces I remember of the Dalai Lama's life. He was in Minnesota a few months ago when I was there, so his appearance renewed my interest in this story. I heard a review last year on NPR about the book, which had not been released yet, so it has been on my "to read list" for awhile.
This story helped to put together all the pieces I remember of the Dalai Lama's life. He was in Minnesota a few months ago when I was there, so his appearance renewed my interest in this story. I heard a review last year on NPR about the book, which had not been released yet, so it has been on my "to read list" for awhile.
May 14, 2015
This book covering the early life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his escape from the Chinese, is well researched without falling into the weighty academic category. Beginning with his identification as the incarnation as the 14th Dalai Lama, the narrative provides glimpses of the very closed society he was born into and traces his gradual evolution into the great leader he has become. The uprising of 1959, during which the escape took place, provides the central drama of the book. Talty's has a light touch and this narrative non-fiction account is a pretty darn good read.
March 9, 2016
Fascinating, true, story. I listened to the audiobook because my son was reading it for English class. I prefer fiction but like to know what he's reading so we can discuss it.
The beginning of the book was a bit boring to me, but I think that's because it was more factual than 'fictional'. After several chapters, I became more interested in the story and the 'characters'. It was difficult at times to read, knowing that these characters were real, and that the things that had happened to them were real.
The beginning of the book was a bit boring to me, but I think that's because it was more factual than 'fictional'. After several chapters, I became more interested in the story and the 'characters'. It was difficult at times to read, knowing that these characters were real, and that the things that had happened to them were real.
May 6, 2014
Some people's lives defy all odds and explanations. The Dalai Lama is one. His birth and early life are so distant from his later life that it beggars description. This book does a marvellous job of telling the tale, the history of the Dalai Lamas and of Tibet. Only the last portion (the authors trip to Tibet) is a bit of a disappointment and detracts from the whole. It is still a very interesting book and well recommended. The narration in the audio version is a treat.
March 9, 2011
Not the type of thing I usually read. But a fantastic life story of the fourteenth Dalai Lamais trek out of war torn Tibet. The personal strength and vigilance that it took for the entire group to tackle the mountainous trek and risk their lives to save their lives. Good history details and well written. Highly recommend it.
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