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Zijne Heiligheid de Veertiende Dalai Lama- De geïllustreerde biografie
Zijne heiligheid de veertiende Dalai Lama is een inspiratie voor miljoenen mensen wereldwijd. Als belangrijkste spiritueel leider van Tibet ontving hij al in 1989 de Nobelprijs voor de Vrede, voor zijn onverzettelijkheid en onvermoeibare optimisme waarmee hij politieke en spirituele vrijheid voor zijn volk probeerde te bewerkstelligen. Op indringende wijze wordt in deze biografie zijn vlucht naar India beschreven, evenals de moeizame periode die daarop volgde en de vele obstakels die hij overwon voordat hij wereldwijd erkenning en bijval kreeg. Zijn levensverhaal is opgetekend door zijn persoonlijk secretaris Tenzin Geyche Tethong, die al meer dan veertig jaar voor hem werkt. Als een van de zeer weinigen kent Tethong de anekdotes en verhalen uit het bijzondere leven van de Dalai Lama. Aangevuld met interviews met zijn dierbaren en niet eerder gepubliceerde foto’s vormt dit een heel persoonlijk inkijkje in het unieke doch bescheiden leven van een van de invloedrijkste personen ter wereld.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 13, 2021
Ik heb een enorme fascinatie voor het Verre Oosten en stond dan ook te popelen naar het nieuwe biografische boek over Zijne Heiligheid de Veertiende Dalai Lama, geschreven door niemand minder dan Tibets voormalige minister van Buitenlandse Zaken en de jarenlange vertrouweling van de Dalai Lama Tenzin Geyche Tethong. De familie van de auteur is bovendien reeds generaties lang in dienst voor de Dalai Lama.
Toen ik het boek voor de eerste keer in mijn handen kreeg was ik positief verrast, wat een mooie editie is dit, er is duidelijk met veel zorg aan gewerkt. Het heeft een hardcover en bevat vele illustraties, zowel foto’s, prenten als documentatie zoals oude krantenknipsels, brieven etc. Visueel is het een echt pareltje!
De auteur begint, na een korte inleiding, bij de dood van de dertiende Dalai Lama en de zoektocht naar zijn opvolger. Eenmaal de veertiende Dalai Lama gevonden is volgen we hem vanaf zijn eerste stappen tot heden. Als vijfjarige kwam hij in Lhasa aan als “de” opvolger en kreeg hij een nieuwe naam Tenzin Gyatso. Sindsdien heeft hij een lange weg afgelegd, niet alleen is hij wereldlijke leider geworden maar hij won ook nog eens de Nobelprijs voor Vrede. Vandaag is hij één van de meest invloedrijkste personen wereldwijd. Sinds de jaren ’50 zet hij zich geweldloos in voor vrede in zijn thuisland Tibet, dat reeds tientallen jaren onderdrukt wordt door China en dit blijkt geen makkelijke opdracht te zijn.
Het boek bevat een gedetailleerde opsomming van feiten en data over de Dalai Lama’s doen en laten. Hierbij had een inleiding en een nawoord door een Westerse specialist in de Tibetaanse cultuur en geschiedenis een meerwaarde geweest, het zou namelijk de lezers makkelijker gemaakt hebben om bepaalde zaken en feiten te kunnen duiden. Je dient er tevens ook indachtig voor te zijn dat het boek geschreven werd vanuit het Tibetaanse standpunt, de auteur is van Tibetaanse afkomst en zijn familie is reeds generaties lang trouw aan de Dalai Lama. Dit is natuurlijk interessant, maar wanneer de auteur het over bepaalde onderwerpen heeft zoals bijvoorbeeld China is hij zeer bevooroordeeld.
Grote delen van het boek gaan over het Tibetaans-Chinees conflict, de Indiaans- Tibetaanse band en de politieke rol van de Dalai Lama. Je zult met deze biografie niet onmiddellijk de ‘persoon’ achter de Dalai Lama leren kennen, maar wel zijn rol als leider in het jarenlange conflict met China. Het boek ademt spiritualiteit uit, zo zal men bijvoorbeeld wanneer men het heeft over Tenzin Gyatso steeds ‘Zijne heiligheid de veertiende Dalai Lama’ gebruiken als aanspreking, ook andere hoogwaardigheidsbekleders binnen en buiten Tibet zullen steeds op respectvolle manier genoemd worden, wat ik wel zeer mooi vond. Ik miste hier wel een namenlijst in de bijlage, er komen niet alleen veel personages voor in het boek, zoals Dalai Lama’s familieleden, zijn leerkrachten, mensen die hem bijstaan, etc, maar de meeste Tibetaanse namen zijn ook nog eens langer dan onze Westerse, dit zorg tijdens het lezen soms wel voor wat verwarring. Af en toe moest ik eventjes terugbladeren, want ik wist ofwel niet meer wie wie was, ofwel was ik de ene ingewikkelde Tibetaanse naam aan het verwarren met de andere.
Deze biografie is een zeer bijzondere weergave geworden over het leven van een bijzondere man. Omdat de auteur alles vanop de eerste rij heeft kunnen meevolgen en bovendien ook nog eens toegang had tot vertrouwelijke documenten, die hij met toestemming van de Dalai Lama hier mocht publiceren, is het bovendien een waarheidsgetrouw naslagwerk geworden. Volgens mij zijn
er weinig biografieën zo gedetailleerd en correct weergegeven als deze. Kortom deze biografie van de Dalai Lama is een mooi boek, eentje om te koesteren. 4 sterren ****
Toen ik het boek voor de eerste keer in mijn handen kreeg was ik positief verrast, wat een mooie editie is dit, er is duidelijk met veel zorg aan gewerkt. Het heeft een hardcover en bevat vele illustraties, zowel foto’s, prenten als documentatie zoals oude krantenknipsels, brieven etc. Visueel is het een echt pareltje!
De auteur begint, na een korte inleiding, bij de dood van de dertiende Dalai Lama en de zoektocht naar zijn opvolger. Eenmaal de veertiende Dalai Lama gevonden is volgen we hem vanaf zijn eerste stappen tot heden. Als vijfjarige kwam hij in Lhasa aan als “de” opvolger en kreeg hij een nieuwe naam Tenzin Gyatso. Sindsdien heeft hij een lange weg afgelegd, niet alleen is hij wereldlijke leider geworden maar hij won ook nog eens de Nobelprijs voor Vrede. Vandaag is hij één van de meest invloedrijkste personen wereldwijd. Sinds de jaren ’50 zet hij zich geweldloos in voor vrede in zijn thuisland Tibet, dat reeds tientallen jaren onderdrukt wordt door China en dit blijkt geen makkelijke opdracht te zijn.
Het boek bevat een gedetailleerde opsomming van feiten en data over de Dalai Lama’s doen en laten. Hierbij had een inleiding en een nawoord door een Westerse specialist in de Tibetaanse cultuur en geschiedenis een meerwaarde geweest, het zou namelijk de lezers makkelijker gemaakt hebben om bepaalde zaken en feiten te kunnen duiden. Je dient er tevens ook indachtig voor te zijn dat het boek geschreven werd vanuit het Tibetaanse standpunt, de auteur is van Tibetaanse afkomst en zijn familie is reeds generaties lang trouw aan de Dalai Lama. Dit is natuurlijk interessant, maar wanneer de auteur het over bepaalde onderwerpen heeft zoals bijvoorbeeld China is hij zeer bevooroordeeld.
Grote delen van het boek gaan over het Tibetaans-Chinees conflict, de Indiaans- Tibetaanse band en de politieke rol van de Dalai Lama. Je zult met deze biografie niet onmiddellijk de ‘persoon’ achter de Dalai Lama leren kennen, maar wel zijn rol als leider in het jarenlange conflict met China. Het boek ademt spiritualiteit uit, zo zal men bijvoorbeeld wanneer men het heeft over Tenzin Gyatso steeds ‘Zijne heiligheid de veertiende Dalai Lama’ gebruiken als aanspreking, ook andere hoogwaardigheidsbekleders binnen en buiten Tibet zullen steeds op respectvolle manier genoemd worden, wat ik wel zeer mooi vond. Ik miste hier wel een namenlijst in de bijlage, er komen niet alleen veel personages voor in het boek, zoals Dalai Lama’s familieleden, zijn leerkrachten, mensen die hem bijstaan, etc, maar de meeste Tibetaanse namen zijn ook nog eens langer dan onze Westerse, dit zorg tijdens het lezen soms wel voor wat verwarring. Af en toe moest ik eventjes terugbladeren, want ik wist ofwel niet meer wie wie was, ofwel was ik de ene ingewikkelde Tibetaanse naam aan het verwarren met de andere.
Deze biografie is een zeer bijzondere weergave geworden over het leven van een bijzondere man. Omdat de auteur alles vanop de eerste rij heeft kunnen meevolgen en bovendien ook nog eens toegang had tot vertrouwelijke documenten, die hij met toestemming van de Dalai Lama hier mocht publiceren, is het bovendien een waarheidsgetrouw naslagwerk geworden. Volgens mij zijn
er weinig biografieën zo gedetailleerd en correct weergegeven als deze. Kortom deze biografie van de Dalai Lama is een mooi boek, eentje om te koesteren. 4 sterren ****
December 20, 2020
• r e c o m m e n d a t i o n •
His Holiness The Fourteenth Dalai Lama is an epitome of kindness and compassion. Although his life is not much of a secret, how much do we really know about him? We know that he had to flee from Tibet decades ago and that he received The Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 but most of us know next to nothing about his childhood and growing up years. In this biography of His Holiness, Tenzin Geyche Tethong has bared it all; be it His Holiness's selection as the fourteenth Dalai Lama or even details of the previous ones, their contribution towards the cultural heritage of Tibet and finally, China's unfair invasion of Tibet. This biography is one of the most informative books I've had the chance to read this year and to make it even better, there are rarest of rare pictures of His Holiness's teachers, family members, of his meetings with various world leaders etc. It is incredibly educative.
What fascinated me the most was the selection process involved in looking for the Dalai Lamas. At age four, His Holiness who was originally known as Lhamo Thondup was selected as the next Dalai Lama. Very quickly he grew up into an adult and this process was hastened by China's invasion. When he had to flee to India in the '60s he was received with such warmth and affection by Indians that he began calling himself as the 'Son of India'. Now, at 85 he is one of the most influential and respected person in the World. This biography explains in detail about how tough it has been on the thousands of Tibetans who had to leave their motherland because of China and are still unable to go back. The political aspect of this book is brilliantly written in detail right down to the dates and years. His Holiness's role in maintaining a peaceful relationship with the Chinese took years to form and his compassion and nonviolent attitude is still highly revered by millions. His love for science, contrary to other religious people who rarely indulge in the scientific aspect of the world, is appreciated by many renowned scientists and physicists. There's in fact, no one quite like His Holiness and this book proves exactly that.
5/5.
His Holiness The Fourteenth Dalai Lama is an epitome of kindness and compassion. Although his life is not much of a secret, how much do we really know about him? We know that he had to flee from Tibet decades ago and that he received The Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 but most of us know next to nothing about his childhood and growing up years. In this biography of His Holiness, Tenzin Geyche Tethong has bared it all; be it His Holiness's selection as the fourteenth Dalai Lama or even details of the previous ones, their contribution towards the cultural heritage of Tibet and finally, China's unfair invasion of Tibet. This biography is one of the most informative books I've had the chance to read this year and to make it even better, there are rarest of rare pictures of His Holiness's teachers, family members, of his meetings with various world leaders etc. It is incredibly educative.
What fascinated me the most was the selection process involved in looking for the Dalai Lamas. At age four, His Holiness who was originally known as Lhamo Thondup was selected as the next Dalai Lama. Very quickly he grew up into an adult and this process was hastened by China's invasion. When he had to flee to India in the '60s he was received with such warmth and affection by Indians that he began calling himself as the 'Son of India'. Now, at 85 he is one of the most influential and respected person in the World. This biography explains in detail about how tough it has been on the thousands of Tibetans who had to leave their motherland because of China and are still unable to go back. The political aspect of this book is brilliantly written in detail right down to the dates and years. His Holiness's role in maintaining a peaceful relationship with the Chinese took years to form and his compassion and nonviolent attitude is still highly revered by millions. His love for science, contrary to other religious people who rarely indulge in the scientific aspect of the world, is appreciated by many renowned scientists and physicists. There's in fact, no one quite like His Holiness and this book proves exactly that.
5/5.
August 29, 2021
The teachings of His Holiness are something I started following a year back and so this book was the perfect pick for me. Getting a glimpse not only into the life of His Holiness but also into the history of Tibet was like living through a timeless era and experiencing its essence through experiences. The thoughtfulness of the author in conveying the accounts of His Holiness’ life accompanied by proper historical background filled me with gratitude as it acted as a great source of learning.
His Holiness’ life is nothing short of an inspiration and getting to know him through someone who has known him from close quarters made this book distinctive and personal. This book is not necessarily a complete biography in the true sense but is rather a mirror to multiple events – the events that led to the exile of His Holiness, the events that led India to welcome His Holiness, the events that led to the current state of the India-China relationship and the events that led to wars and conflicts changing the face of Tibet as well as their citizens.
There are historical insights about several current political situations and their onsets. The illustrations and photographs aptly accentuate the value of the book and substantially complement the accounts.
This book is a perfect collectable for history enthusiasts as well as for those interested in getting to know more about Tibet, its history and His Holiness.
His Holiness’ life is nothing short of an inspiration and getting to know him through someone who has known him from close quarters made this book distinctive and personal. This book is not necessarily a complete biography in the true sense but is rather a mirror to multiple events – the events that led to the exile of His Holiness, the events that led India to welcome His Holiness, the events that led to the current state of the India-China relationship and the events that led to wars and conflicts changing the face of Tibet as well as their citizens.
There are historical insights about several current political situations and their onsets. The illustrations and photographs aptly accentuate the value of the book and substantially complement the accounts.
This book is a perfect collectable for history enthusiasts as well as for those interested in getting to know more about Tibet, its history and His Holiness.
December 16, 2020
I’m sure there is no one in this world who doesn’t know about The Dalai lama. He is the highest spiritual leader of Tibet and is considered a living buddha all over the world. But, how many of us know the tale of his recognition as the 14th Dalai Lama, from being called Tenzin Gyatso. How many of us know his exile story to India. How many of us know his story of becoming the peacemaker in world history. Certainly, not all.
‘His holiness the fourteenth Dalai Lama’ is one such Biography about the most powerful Buddhist monk in the world where it puts light on all the things one should know about if he/she wants to learn more about his holiness’s life in depth. Not just that, this memoir also talks about Tibetan heritage, culture, and a Buddhist monks’ lifestyle very precisely. Written by someone very close to his holiness himself, this book makes it a wonderful memoir about the greatest Buddhist monk in the world.
What distinguishes this biography from the rest of other biographies written on his holiness is that it is completely illustrated. Even though it’s a huge book, because of these illustrations, it doesn’t make you feel uninterested even for a bit. Some of the illustrations are so realistic that it made me gasp and stare at its magnificence, and because of these same illustrations, this book becomes extremely beginners friendly. One other thing that caught my eyes is the quotes written by his holiness himself before the start of each section that I absolutely loved and this book is a complete package of beauty to behold.
Looking back at this biography, it is not an exaggeration to say that his holiness is truly one of the greatest living inspirations in this world, and the way he led his life dedicating it to his people, his country, and his culture is legendary. Just holding this book, reading about the portrayal of this influential international leader made me uplift my mood in these critical times, and I have this strong zeal in me to contribute things to my people and country now. Recommending it to everyone!
‘His holiness the fourteenth Dalai Lama’ is one such Biography about the most powerful Buddhist monk in the world where it puts light on all the things one should know about if he/she wants to learn more about his holiness’s life in depth. Not just that, this memoir also talks about Tibetan heritage, culture, and a Buddhist monks’ lifestyle very precisely. Written by someone very close to his holiness himself, this book makes it a wonderful memoir about the greatest Buddhist monk in the world.
What distinguishes this biography from the rest of other biographies written on his holiness is that it is completely illustrated. Even though it’s a huge book, because of these illustrations, it doesn’t make you feel uninterested even for a bit. Some of the illustrations are so realistic that it made me gasp and stare at its magnificence, and because of these same illustrations, this book becomes extremely beginners friendly. One other thing that caught my eyes is the quotes written by his holiness himself before the start of each section that I absolutely loved and this book is a complete package of beauty to behold.
Looking back at this biography, it is not an exaggeration to say that his holiness is truly one of the greatest living inspirations in this world, and the way he led his life dedicating it to his people, his country, and his culture is legendary. Just holding this book, reading about the portrayal of this influential international leader made me uplift my mood in these critical times, and I have this strong zeal in me to contribute things to my people and country now. Recommending it to everyone!
January 13, 2021
First read of 2021
Towards the end of last year I watched a movie called 'Seven years in Tibet', it not only intrigued me to read more about the rich history of Tibet, its culture and religion but also about their leader The Dalai Lama.
This book 'His Holiness The Fourteenth Dalai Lama' by Tenzin Geyche Tethong is an illustrated biography, it presents an indepth first hand narrative of the Dalai Lama's life story, it consists of around 400 pictures and also detailed maps which gave me visual tour of his life. Many of these pictures are from the private collection of His Holiness' family which have never been published before.
The book not only talks about the life story of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama but also about the tradition of the Dalai Lama's in Tibet, it gives us a brief about previous 13 Dalai Lama's and also an overview on the life of the Thirteen Dalai Lama. It was thrilling and astonishing to read about Tibet's history from the year 605, process of selecting the Dalai Lama, the Chinese invasion on Tibet and the suffering of thousands of people at the hands of Chinese republic. It also broke my heart to read that not even a single country stood up to China and supported Tibet military wise to protect the locals and the monks.
In 1959, India welcomed the Dalai Lama and thousands of his followers with open arms and hearts. Ever since India has been home to one of the greatest spiritual leaders of our time and a preserver of Tibetan culture and heritage.
This book has definitely inspired me to read more about Tibet and put Dharamshala on the top of my list of to visit places!!
Definitely definitely recommended!!
Rating 5/5⭐
Towards the end of last year I watched a movie called 'Seven years in Tibet', it not only intrigued me to read more about the rich history of Tibet, its culture and religion but also about their leader The Dalai Lama.
This book 'His Holiness The Fourteenth Dalai Lama' by Tenzin Geyche Tethong is an illustrated biography, it presents an indepth first hand narrative of the Dalai Lama's life story, it consists of around 400 pictures and also detailed maps which gave me visual tour of his life. Many of these pictures are from the private collection of His Holiness' family which have never been published before.
The book not only talks about the life story of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama but also about the tradition of the Dalai Lama's in Tibet, it gives us a brief about previous 13 Dalai Lama's and also an overview on the life of the Thirteen Dalai Lama. It was thrilling and astonishing to read about Tibet's history from the year 605, process of selecting the Dalai Lama, the Chinese invasion on Tibet and the suffering of thousands of people at the hands of Chinese republic. It also broke my heart to read that not even a single country stood up to China and supported Tibet military wise to protect the locals and the monks.
In 1959, India welcomed the Dalai Lama and thousands of his followers with open arms and hearts. Ever since India has been home to one of the greatest spiritual leaders of our time and a preserver of Tibetan culture and heritage.
This book has definitely inspired me to read more about Tibet and put Dharamshala on the top of my list of to visit places!!
Definitely definitely recommended!!
Rating 5/5⭐
January 16, 2021
This is different. A journey through the powerful life story of Dalai Lama with illustrations. It attempts to chronicle the life-story of becoming a peace preacher and spiritual teacher. This is a work by one of the close aid of Dalai Lama. With interesting narration, beautiful photos of fateful days, good times and tangled situations. It resonates better with history buffs to resonate with the lost times. This definitely covers from good to tensed days and book moves quickly. Although this totally cannot be called as autobiography. This explains some of the historical events like evolution of Tibetan school of Buddhism, Chinese invasion of Tibet, relation between India and Dalai Lama, exile to India. This is an interesting read with some deep insights as a personal journal with the display of rare photos and display of Tibetan ancient heritage. In this we travel back to resurrect some of the historical events. The books is not a long read, expect it needed attention to connect the dots with a brief info into personal details.
I liked this book and makes a pretty good read for the history enthusiasts and those who are interested in knowing a hostage situation between India-China, with India's support to Dalai Lama. One of the interesting thing was becoming a 14th Dalai Lama, how and why of it ? The black and white photos give better idea of the situations.
I rate it 5/5. Definitely a collectible. Recommend it.
I liked this book and makes a pretty good read for the history enthusiasts and those who are interested in knowing a hostage situation between India-China, with India's support to Dalai Lama. One of the interesting thing was becoming a 14th Dalai Lama, how and why of it ? The black and white photos give better idea of the situations.
I rate it 5/5. Definitely a collectible. Recommend it.
January 21, 2022
Such a good book with a beautiful hopeful message. It surprised me that I knew next to nothing about the Dalai Lama and his people in Tibet, and all the horrifying things that have been happening to them. I admire His Holiness for never stopping to fight for peace and justice in a non-violent way. Many world leaders could learn from his compassion and wisdom. People like His Holiness the Dalai Lama are exactly the people we need right now and I hope that his words reach many people now and in the future, to transform the way of life in a more peaceful and kind one.
January 5, 2021
A very good overview of 14. Dalai Lama's life. How he has had great challenges, how he did not start out with internationally recognized. However, he kept going. He has proved to be very innovative (women's inclusion and rights, education, Tibet's future not depending on him only and sharing power). Great book!
June 18, 2021
Reads like a textbook and I learned a lot about the history of Tibet and their conflict with and occupation by China. The latter third of the book shared some high level views of the Dalai Lama on ethics, happiness, and global peace.
The biggest drawback was the author’s occasional personal stories that made me challenge his credibility and point of view as a biographer and historian.
Currently Reading
April 24, 2021Recommended by Martha Shideler...wonderful photos & artwork Helpfully categorized by topic & years..I am learning so much I hadn't known about this country, Nepal, & the support His Holiness' received over the years...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews