His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama: An Illustrated Biography

by Tenzin Geyche Tethong, Jane Moore (Photographer)

"The photographs are rare and superb. The stories are fresh and beautifully told. I was transported. I love this book.” –Richard Gere

This biography of the Dalai Lama—blessed by His Holiness himself—is the most authentic and intimate profile of the world’s greatest living spiritual figure. Tenzin Geyche Tethong, a close aide of His Holiness for forty years who became family, offers readers unprecedented access to the Dalai Lama in this beautifully illustrated book. The Dalai Lama’s youngest brother, Ngari Rinpoche Tenzin Choegyal, who was only 12 years old when he accompanied His Holiness on his dangerous 1959 escape to India, is a personal friend of Tethong and the mentor for this book project. As “elders” to the Tibetan community in exile, these men have come together to tell the true story of His Holiness—their brother, friend, and leader.

Featuring previously unpublished photographs, as well as interviews and memories of those closest to him, this book renders unparalleled insights into the Dalai Lama’s experiences as the preeminent leader of Tibet, and the wealth of his compassion and gentle humor in the face of the ongoing conflict. This is in no small part due to Tethong and Ngari Rinpoche’s unique perspectives on many sensitive issues.

Richly compelling, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai An Illustrated Biography is a stunning visual celebration of the Dalai Lama, sketching a memorable portrait of an icon and a cause that have won the attention and hearts of billions across the world.

• As his long-time personal secretary, Tethong was privy to the Dalai Lama’s difficult relationship with India during his exile, with many challenges arising from his host country’s ambivalence to Tibet. Tethong candidly discusses India’s lackluster attempts at uplifting his people—denying them official documentation, restricting employment, and crowding refugees in the remote location of Dharmsala—citing its fear of angering China as the reason behind its ambivalence towards Tibet.

• Tethong also sheds much-needed light on the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Prize-winning campaign for the spiritual and political liberation of his people. He adopts a nuanced approach towards the Dalai Lama’s non-violent struggle for Tibetan autonomy, writing frankly about their attempts to mediate the political differences between younger Tibetans in Dharmsala and the Tibetan administration. He also explores the numerous political difficulties faced by the Dalai Lama’s cause in the years before its worldwide recognition.This beautifully illustrated chronicle presents an in-depth, firsthand narrative of the Dalai Lama’s life story and the Tibetan saga. From remembrances of those close to him, and a treasure trove of over 400 images of Tibet’s priceless visual heritage, it preserves a record of what it was like to create a nation from nothing, in exile, and how His Holiness rallied endlessly for his people. A rich blend of biography, history, and legacy, it captures a detailed account of the tumultuous events through which the Dalai Lama was forced to chart a path, leading to his emergence as an international figure. It illuminates as well his initiatives in the wider world to relieve suffering, overcome global challenges, and foster human flourishing through compassionate universal ethics, working hand in hand with science and ingenuity.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

Published December 23, 2020

Reviews

[Marius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read not so many books about Tibet's history or Dalai Lama in general, but this one is definitely the best. It composes of three parts: history and customs of early Tibet, the life of XIII Dalai Lama and the unfortunate fate of Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

Tibet was damned to become the province of China already in the early XX century. The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 has been claimed that China only has suzerainty over Tibet. So, it was only a time of question, when China will occupy Tibet. A long years Tibet was closed and mystical country, which rulers tried to understand the teaching of the Lord Buddha. Frankly, the warriors nation became a monks nation. Thus, XIII Dalai Lama sought to force his motherland to step to the global political arena and to protect its future as independent country. This book very vividly describes the inner Tibet government problems. It shows how Britain, China and Russia tried to became dominants over this mountains country.

The key moment starts when Mao decided "to liberate" Tibet from "religion fanaticism and theocratic feudal system." Because Tibet was unlikely to voluntarily give up its de facto independence, Mao in December 1949 ordered that preparations be made to march into Tibet. When the fighting spread to Lhasa in March 1959, the XIV Dalai Lama fled Tibet. So, the book speaks about Tibet-China-India negotiations, atrocities against ordinary Tibetans by China government, Dalai Lama's viewpoint and the exile itself. The last part of book shows how the emigrants tried to create a new Tibet in the Northern India and how Dalai Lama became the most famous man in the world.

It's very interesting book, full of extracts from memoirs, letters and political documents. An author represents Dalai Lama not only as The Reincarnation of Buddha, but also as ordinary monk, who smiles, sorrows or likes to repair different mechanisms. It helps to know Dalai Lama more personally. I was fascinated by book and want to deep my knowledges about Tibet.

[Ann Otto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Followers of the Dalai Lama will appreciate this book written by one of his inner circle, but don't expect anything but hero worship. I admire him, but you'll need to find another book to get a balanced historical perspective on the Tibetian life, politics, and culture of the last century. However, the hundreds of photos make looking through the book worthwhile.

[Pretty Little Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that I have been reading and savoring for the most part of March is this wonderfully illustrated biography of the Dalai Lama.
Thanks so much to Roli Books for sending me a review copy of this book. I never knew what I was missing until I read it.
As the title suggests, it is a biography about the fourteenth Dalai Lama - written by a person who has been by His Holiness's side for quite some time. As such, I believe there could have been no one better for this task. Apart from giving a glimpse into His life, we also get to see the political and social scenario that led to his exile even today. It gave quite the background to Buddhism and thus was enlightening for a layman like me.
I think that this beautiful book is also a beautiful coffee table book because of the intricate illustrations, often prints of original paintings, murals, scrolls, and so on.
I would definitely recommend you to check it out and slowly savor it. This book is not to be rushed through.

[Drficticity · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness.” ― Dalai Lama

This book was my first read of 2021 and I don't think there could be any better one,

I don't consider myself to be a overly religious person but I'm very influenced by the teachings of Dalai Lama and if you would like to know his journey and more about the Tibetan culture and heritage or just looking for something insightful or an amazing coffe table book with pictures this book is a go to, I have literally pulled out this book quite a few times just to adore it's beauty.

[Tobias Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a man that spent his live in close proximity to his Holiness this book sprawls with anecdotes, insights and photos of a seldom fascinating life.
To my wishes the focus lays too much on the tragic history of Tibet in the first half of the twentieth century and the resulting cultural changes. In a biography I expected to find especially more on the spirituality and the ideology of the 14th Dalai Lama, although the wide-ranging overview of this book also has its appeal.
Insightful and greatly researched this poses a great first introductory to Dalai Lamas and Tibetian Buddhism in General and the 14th Dalai Lama specifically written adapted to the western reader.

[Anantha Giri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a treasure trove of photographs related to His Holiness. For someone who admires HH this is a valuable part of collection. As his biography it does give a basic idea about the institution of Dalai Lama, some background about the conflict between China and Tibet and the atrocities committed by Beijing on Tibetan people and their culture. However there is some element of discontinuity in the book. Still it does a good job of portraying the Dalai Lama as a multidimensional person rather than just a religious leader.

[Lori Beron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a jewel of a book, I loved all the historical photos. What an incredible journey his life has been, he sets an example for all of humanity.