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Tibet With My Eyes Closed: Stories
A collection of vivid and deeply emotional stories... [that] deals with issues of identity and belonging, allowing one to experience the hope, pain, and remarkable perseverance of a people and region that are at risk of being forgotten. --Shashi Tharoor
In this collection of short stories, heart-breaking and heart-warming in equal measure, the lives of displaced Tibetans building new homes in India are chronicled with rare nuance. The eleven stories are divided into the five colours of the Tibetan prayer in Blue (Sky), 'Zinda' is the name of the Tibetan village which a child has to escape after Chinese occupation, returning only as a young man to this unfamiliar motherland after a bittersweet surprise. Mariko, the former monk protagonist in White (Air), shatters expectations by becoming a beauty icon and dancer. 'In the Footsteps of Buddha's Warriors' from Red (Fire) tells the story of the Chushi Gangdruk, the forgotten Tibetan guerrilla group which fought bravely from Nepal for an independence which never arrived.
Madhu Gurung writes evocatively and with deep empathy about the Tibetan community's struggles and success, despair and hope, and the fabric of family and identity that stretches and dissolves and knits itself back in new configurations.
In this collection of short stories, heart-breaking and heart-warming in equal measure, the lives of displaced Tibetans building new homes in India are chronicled with rare nuance. The eleven stories are divided into the five colours of the Tibetan prayer in Blue (Sky), 'Zinda' is the name of the Tibetan village which a child has to escape after Chinese occupation, returning only as a young man to this unfamiliar motherland after a bittersweet surprise. Mariko, the former monk protagonist in White (Air), shatters expectations by becoming a beauty icon and dancer. 'In the Footsteps of Buddha's Warriors' from Red (Fire) tells the story of the Chushi Gangdruk, the forgotten Tibetan guerrilla group which fought bravely from Nepal for an independence which never arrived.
Madhu Gurung writes evocatively and with deep empathy about the Tibetan community's struggles and success, despair and hope, and the fabric of family and identity that stretches and dissolves and knits itself back in new configurations.
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2019
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85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 21, 2020
What a book!! I was left in complete awe after finishing the book. It was an absolutely random pick at one of my favourite bookstores in the city, The Bookworm. I was very intrigued by the blurb and I am glad it didn't disappoint.
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In the last century, Tibet was damaged beyond repair by China's atrocities. China forcefully acquired Tibet in 1959 and the Tibetans had no choice but to flee their motherland in huge numbers. Many of them settled in India, making it their motherland, but in their hearts, they still long for Tibet.
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"Tibet with my eyes closed" is a collection of 11 stories divided in five sections, Blue (Sky), White (Air), Red (fire), Green (water) and Yellow (Earth), denoting the colors of the Tibetan prayer flag. The stories in each section stay true to the element in which they're divided into. The stories are vivid and poignant and Gurung's nuanced writing gives the Tibetan community in India a strong voice. It beautifully describes the struggle they went through, the experience in a foreign country like India, the new generation of Tibetans who call India their home. It also has stories of the very few Tibetans who last saw a free Tibet.
The stories carry hope, and are laced with an undercurrent of tension. We read about Tibetan folklore, their beliefs and most importantly we learn persistence from them. I highly recommend this book if you want to learn and educate yourself about a country and a culture that is at the risk of being forgotten. We also read about the Tibet of today and how ambitious China has been in wiping out all traces of uniqueness about the Tibetan identity.
~
Deeply researched and very well written, invoking lots of emotions in the reader, which make you pause and ponder over many things. It also teaches us to not take out privilege, history and culture for granted.
Don't miss this book!
5⭐
~
In the last century, Tibet was damaged beyond repair by China's atrocities. China forcefully acquired Tibet in 1959 and the Tibetans had no choice but to flee their motherland in huge numbers. Many of them settled in India, making it their motherland, but in their hearts, they still long for Tibet.
~
"Tibet with my eyes closed" is a collection of 11 stories divided in five sections, Blue (Sky), White (Air), Red (fire), Green (water) and Yellow (Earth), denoting the colors of the Tibetan prayer flag. The stories in each section stay true to the element in which they're divided into. The stories are vivid and poignant and Gurung's nuanced writing gives the Tibetan community in India a strong voice. It beautifully describes the struggle they went through, the experience in a foreign country like India, the new generation of Tibetans who call India their home. It also has stories of the very few Tibetans who last saw a free Tibet.
The stories carry hope, and are laced with an undercurrent of tension. We read about Tibetan folklore, their beliefs and most importantly we learn persistence from them. I highly recommend this book if you want to learn and educate yourself about a country and a culture that is at the risk of being forgotten. We also read about the Tibet of today and how ambitious China has been in wiping out all traces of uniqueness about the Tibetan identity.
~
Deeply researched and very well written, invoking lots of emotions in the reader, which make you pause and ponder over many things. It also teaches us to not take out privilege, history and culture for granted.
Don't miss this book!
5⭐
September 17, 2019
A highly stimulating anthology that precisely captures the feeling of longing and belonging, pain,loss, the identity crisis & the constant trial to fit into a adopted home.The book is divided into five parts based on the Colors of Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags representing the basis five elements.
:
In 1949, the PLA first entered Tibet quite helpful at the beginning, with progressing years it showed it’s true colours and captured the peaceful land.Despite the long resistance movement, the Chushi Gangdruk, the natives failed to free their country from the Jamas.On 17 March 1959, Dalai Lama along with his close associates escaped to India.Following him, many of his followers too crossed the borders.These stories brings out their plight.
:
The very first tale Zinda,introduces Sangay, who moved to India at a tender age, returned to his birthplace to discover a strange land devoid of its essence under dominating rule.With The Social Entrepreneur Lobsang Wangyal, the readers unearths the severe identity crisis the generations of migrated Tibetans are facing, their prolonged struggle for recognition and the changes each responsible individual can bring into the community. In Mariko we come across an individual who dares to break the traditional cast, coming out in open to live her life in her own skin and setting an example for others to fight their personal doldrums.
:
The title story just moved my heart, I could feel Lhasang’s dillusionment with the movement.Sixty- three, The Medal and In the footsteps of Buddha’s warriors we come across brave fighters who fought for their adopted home and lastly but not the least my favourite Kutta Ama, one come across a kind soul and her selfless love for the speechless animals.
:
The vivid descriptions breathed life into the serene beautiful rugged land and the life of natives scarred by history. Each story transcends into the heart on its own course leaving an everlasting imprint.
:
I would highly #recommend the book to every reader.
:
In 1949, the PLA first entered Tibet quite helpful at the beginning, with progressing years it showed it’s true colours and captured the peaceful land.Despite the long resistance movement, the Chushi Gangdruk, the natives failed to free their country from the Jamas.On 17 March 1959, Dalai Lama along with his close associates escaped to India.Following him, many of his followers too crossed the borders.These stories brings out their plight.
:
The very first tale Zinda,introduces Sangay, who moved to India at a tender age, returned to his birthplace to discover a strange land devoid of its essence under dominating rule.With The Social Entrepreneur Lobsang Wangyal, the readers unearths the severe identity crisis the generations of migrated Tibetans are facing, their prolonged struggle for recognition and the changes each responsible individual can bring into the community. In Mariko we come across an individual who dares to break the traditional cast, coming out in open to live her life in her own skin and setting an example for others to fight their personal doldrums.
:
The title story just moved my heart, I could feel Lhasang’s dillusionment with the movement.Sixty- three, The Medal and In the footsteps of Buddha’s warriors we come across brave fighters who fought for their adopted home and lastly but not the least my favourite Kutta Ama, one come across a kind soul and her selfless love for the speechless animals.
:
The vivid descriptions breathed life into the serene beautiful rugged land and the life of natives scarred by history. Each story transcends into the heart on its own course leaving an everlasting imprint.
:
I would highly #recommend the book to every reader.
May 22, 2021
Tibet With My Eyes Closed is a set of short stories representing the Tibetan people and it's culture post their exodus from China in 1959. Although this book doesn't delve too deep into intricate Tibetan politics, Madhu Gurung has a knack of positioning the stories in such a way so that the reader can piece together an approximate timeline of the major events.
I've read a couple of books with this storytelling structure, namely 9 Lives of Pakistan and Sex and Lies. My gripe with them was that all the stories felt disconnected to an extent and I couldn't connect with any single character as chapters were short. This time, I faced none of those issues. There are many characters from different backgrounds, from an aging woman in an old age home in Dharamshala who takes care of strays to a new generation Tibetan who hosts cultural festivals and a Miss Tibet pageant. Although the stories are transient, the emotion and feelings of these people resonate loudly through this book an.
The book is divided into subsections, with each one being one of the five elements. The first chapter, "Zinda" is heart breaking and it's a good indication to how the book will read .However, the chapter about the rise and the eventual fall of Chunshi Gangdruk "The Buddha Warriors" was the most gripping section of the book. By this point, Gurung outlines how Tibetan ancestors were famed warriors and briefly outlines the past history of a few Tibetans in the Indian SFF. It's a shame that we aren't taught about these band of warriors who fought against the world's largest army fuelled by a distant memory of their homeland. Maybe this is because India also has a few skeletons to hide in this matter.
Nevertheless, It's an inspiring chapter to read and as a reader, you really feel a sense of finality when the Dalai Lama himself officially calls an end to the Tibetan resistance. In a sense, 1974 was the year the dream of Tibet died and when the locals had to settle for McLeod Ganj. As the chapters go on, Gurung briefly mentions the mass protests and the immolations carried out by the Tibetans but the reader can sense there's no real sense of unity in an armed rebellion.
I really adored this book, in the masterful way the author tells disparate stories while also weaving in a deeper narrative. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who has no idea about Tibet or it's culture and personally, I hope to pick up more books on this topic.
I've read a couple of books with this storytelling structure, namely 9 Lives of Pakistan and Sex and Lies. My gripe with them was that all the stories felt disconnected to an extent and I couldn't connect with any single character as chapters were short. This time, I faced none of those issues. There are many characters from different backgrounds, from an aging woman in an old age home in Dharamshala who takes care of strays to a new generation Tibetan who hosts cultural festivals and a Miss Tibet pageant. Although the stories are transient, the emotion and feelings of these people resonate loudly through this book an.
The book is divided into subsections, with each one being one of the five elements. The first chapter, "Zinda" is heart breaking and it's a good indication to how the book will read .However, the chapter about the rise and the eventual fall of Chunshi Gangdruk "The Buddha Warriors" was the most gripping section of the book. By this point, Gurung outlines how Tibetan ancestors were famed warriors and briefly outlines the past history of a few Tibetans in the Indian SFF. It's a shame that we aren't taught about these band of warriors who fought against the world's largest army fuelled by a distant memory of their homeland. Maybe this is because India also has a few skeletons to hide in this matter.
Nevertheless, It's an inspiring chapter to read and as a reader, you really feel a sense of finality when the Dalai Lama himself officially calls an end to the Tibetan resistance. In a sense, 1974 was the year the dream of Tibet died and when the locals had to settle for McLeod Ganj. As the chapters go on, Gurung briefly mentions the mass protests and the immolations carried out by the Tibetans but the reader can sense there's no real sense of unity in an armed rebellion.
I really adored this book, in the masterful way the author tells disparate stories while also weaving in a deeper narrative. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who has no idea about Tibet or it's culture and personally, I hope to pick up more books on this topic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2024
I see Tibet’s clear blue skies
Her towering snow capped peaks
Her verdant hills and valleys
But only with my eyes closed …..
Lhasang Tsering
Prayer flags of 5 colours are synonymous with Buddhism which believes them to promote peace compassion strength wisdom through the winds, carrying goodwill and blessings of the mantras across all spaces to bless all sentient beings. The colours represent the 5 elements and the stories the book beholds truly epitomises each of these.
It’s truly unbelievable, I had just finished reading Freedom In Exile - the autobiography of HH The Dalai of Tibet and this book presented itself through our Travelling Book Exchange society from Po.
What then uncovered was a vivid story after story of commoner Tibetans in exile narrating tales of outage, loss, pain, separation and emptiness yet full of compassion, grace and gratitude telling their prayer beads.
Of a child’s escape from Zinda, Mariko the monk turned Trans, the unsung heroes in Buddha Warriors, of then glory of Potala and Norbulingka, secrets of 22 Establishment, the love and respect for their God King HH of rapidly diminishing culture and yet how faith and hope have kept them alive.
All in all a great read, deeply emotional, will surely question what freedom means to you.
Her towering snow capped peaks
Her verdant hills and valleys
But only with my eyes closed …..
Lhasang Tsering
Prayer flags of 5 colours are synonymous with Buddhism which believes them to promote peace compassion strength wisdom through the winds, carrying goodwill and blessings of the mantras across all spaces to bless all sentient beings. The colours represent the 5 elements and the stories the book beholds truly epitomises each of these.
It’s truly unbelievable, I had just finished reading Freedom In Exile - the autobiography of HH The Dalai of Tibet and this book presented itself through our Travelling Book Exchange society from Po.
What then uncovered was a vivid story after story of commoner Tibetans in exile narrating tales of outage, loss, pain, separation and emptiness yet full of compassion, grace and gratitude telling their prayer beads.
Of a child’s escape from Zinda, Mariko the monk turned Trans, the unsung heroes in Buddha Warriors, of then glory of Potala and Norbulingka, secrets of 22 Establishment, the love and respect for their God King HH of rapidly diminishing culture and yet how faith and hope have kept them alive.
All in all a great read, deeply emotional, will surely question what freedom means to you.
July 17, 2021
A beautiful collection of stories of faith and perseverance of the people of Tibet who had to leave their own homeland for survival.
The different aspects of all the stories whether it is about the reunion after a decade long separation or the monk having the courage to come out as transgender or the people who want to hold their tradition and saving them from getting forgotten or the people who are working selflessly to rehabilitate the tumultuous lives of displaced Tibetans...I think each one has something to offer...each one takes you to a different journey but to the same meadow of the mountainous geography of loss and separation.
It is heartening to read how the community is building itself again with the faith to see Free Tibet again.
The different aspects of all the stories whether it is about the reunion after a decade long separation or the monk having the courage to come out as transgender or the people who want to hold their tradition and saving them from getting forgotten or the people who are working selflessly to rehabilitate the tumultuous lives of displaced Tibetans...I think each one has something to offer...each one takes you to a different journey but to the same meadow of the mountainous geography of loss and separation.
It is heartening to read how the community is building itself again with the faith to see Free Tibet again.
December 29, 2020
One of the best read to end the year with.. the stories talks about the suffering, fight, hope and perseverance of displaced Tibetans due to Chinese aggression. It is really sad when the aggressor country is powerful we fail to recognize the atrocities as genocide.
The stories are short yet capture enough details to generate empathy each of the story deserves. Personally liked stories titled 'Zinda' and 'Social Entrepreneur' the most.
The stories are short yet capture enough details to generate empathy each of the story deserves. Personally liked stories titled 'Zinda' and 'Social Entrepreneur' the most.
May 2, 2021
We should all be reading this!
I knew the history and story of Tibetans exile, but until now I never thought about it so deeply. This book will give you a good shake and will take you on a heartwarming and heartbreaking journey.
I knew the history and story of Tibetans exile, but until now I never thought about it so deeply. This book will give you a good shake and will take you on a heartwarming and heartbreaking journey.
June 6, 2021
Thanks to Madhu Gurung who has done her bit to save the dwindling 2100 years old traditional Tibet in this collection of heart touching stories. Lovely read if you wish to know more about Tibet, the people and their culture of grit and persistence.
November 4, 2020
A beautiful insight into a culture and people I never had the chance to understand before this
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews