My Land and My People: The Original Autobiography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet

by Dalai Lama XIV

Schooled behind ancient palace walls to become the leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama has become a spiritual leader to the world and a leading civil rights advocate. My Land and My People tells the story of his life.

In the Himalayan City of Lhasa, the four-year-old son of a humble farmer sat on a huge, gilded throne. His childhood would be unimaginable in both its isolation and a people's adoration. His destiny would be one of immense tragedy and the awesome transformation of a man.

Written by the Dalai Lama as a young man in exile, this dignified testament re-creates the miraculous search that identified him as the reincarnated leader of his country. It paints a rare intimate portrait of Tibetan Buddhism-a way of life that would end with a terrifying foreign invasion surpassing sanity and reason. And it reveals the evolution of a man from a gentle monk to a world leader-one struggling to this day to free his country... one able to touch our hearts with the goodness that makes him on of the most beloved men of our time.

He was once a small boy was chosen to rule the most mysterious land on Earth. Now the Dalai Lama tells his, and his country's, poignant story.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Buddhism, History, Religion, Autobiography, Asia

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub), the 14th Dalai Lama, is a practicing member of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism and is influential as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the world's most famous Buddhist monk, and the leader of the exiled Tibetan government in India.

Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.

On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.

After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.

Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.

Reviews

[Dmitri · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to being an eyewitness to 20th century history, the 14th Dalai Lama is a central figure in that history. His authorship of this book alone qualifies it as a historical document of some significance. But beyond that, this a well written and captivating description of the life of Tibet and the Lama before and after the revolution of 1949.

It traces the events surrounding his birth, youth, education, rule, overthrow and exile without an excess of religious dogma or partisan polemics. It was first published in 1962 following his 1959 flight to India, this memoir remains a compelling and readable primary source. There is a political message at the end that seems almost unnecessary.

[Cherisa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism, the role of the Dalaï Lama, and the Chinese takeover and so much more. The 14th Dalaï Lama tells us what led to his escape and subsequent exile, the shelter he received from India, and how he has been managing a government in exile and keeping Tibetan Buddhism alive. Deeply interesting, moving, and important, and a testament of courage against tyranny.

Nobel laureate.

[Tenzin Deckyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one heart-wrenching story. Although I grew up hearing almost every details mentioned in the book, like any other Tibetan kid born into exile, reading the book written by the very man made it a whole new story. It overwhelmed me, tore my heart and had me weep.

You come to realize that your life and all those self-acclaimed tragedies that you have so far made a list of, doesn't come as near to what His Holiness had to experience. If anything, you are just an undeviating product of what happened to Tibet and to the Dalai Lama more than 50 years ago. On the one hand, this book has made me aware of my significance, my role as a Tibetan and my belonging to this tragic modern history of my fatherland. Yet, on the other hand, it has humbled me down, almost making me feel negligible to my own eyes, like the meaning of my own life and that of my father’s and mother’s has really come to have nothing if it wasn’t for our Tibet and His Holiness.

This is a must read for anyone who is interested in Tibet, His Holiness and our struggle for genuine autonomy.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm kind of torn on what I think about this book. On one hand I feel kind of jipped. The first few chapters were marvelous, and ridiculously interesting, but then it became 100% political. I feel as though I can recount every single detail of the struggle between Tibet & China. I feel as though I bought an autobiography, but ended up reading about politics.

On the other hand...I'm not sure I can really fault the Dalai Lama for that. I mean...that is his life, right? Seeing as how I (obviously) side with Tibet in that struggle, I didn't so much mind- it was very informative & interesting to see it from his perspective...and had it been in another book I probably would have absolutely loved it...but I bought this book- the "original autobiography of His Holiness The Dalai Lama" just for that...the autobiography. I was interested in learning more about him, as a person.

But again, that being said, when you're leading a nation like he is, I imagine it's difficult to separate yourself as a person, and as a leader- especially when the vast majority of your life has revolved around your leadership.


So yes...I'm not sure what I was expecting, but in that sense it was somewhat disappointing. But, for the record, it was an incredibly interesting account of his early life, and later on his personal struggle while attempting to lead Tibet through their greater struggle.


Solid read- I will definitely be continuing my exploration of the Dalai Lama, Tibetan culture, and their struggle under Chinese oppression.

[George Ilsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A text written in the 1960s with the energy and context of unfolding events.

There was a mood of youthful idealism at the time — that the UN would help Tibet, that China would be amenable to reason.

In 2022, offering the merit of optimism and hope to the world. May we all live in peace. May we all be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.

[Tatum Theaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must first say that this is not the exact version I read (I read an early version printed in 1962), but it's the version of this book I could find.

This book was possibly the most incredible, beautiful, and heart-breaking book I have ever read. We've all at least heard bits and pieces of the story of the Chinese invasion of Tibet, but I have never heard it told in such a heart-wrenching manner, and yet, there is no bitterness. The Dalai Lama tells the story of not just the invasion, but of his childhood and his culture, and I was awestruck by the beauty he describes.

The Dalai Lama states clearly in the opening that it is not his intention to make people hate the Chinese. He tells the story from the point of a Tibetan, so you only get one side of the story. However, he expresses no hatred or ill-feelings towards the Chinese. He says many times how much he admires Mao Tse-tung, and the Chinese people, calling them "charming" and "civilized" and saying that they would be "bitterly ashamed" if they truly knew what was happening. He tells his story as honestly as he can, and at times I found myself actually liking Mao Tse-tung, which is an incredible thing for a piece of writing to do: make you change feelings that you believed were set in stone. Hearing the story from any one else, I find myself almost immediately loathing the Chinese and everything they stand for, but the Dalai Lama is so benevolent and kind that I just couldn't bring myself to think the way I had before. Instead I began to feel sorry for them, and even began to understand the reasoning being what they did. I found myself no longer hating, but being almost understanding.

The writing was equally as beautiful and painful as the story. He begins by telling the story of his people and his culture. He tells the story of how he came to be recognized as the Dalai Lama, and how he grew up after knowing who he was. You get bits and pieces of explanation about Buddhism: not so much that you find yourself in the middle of a religious lecture, but just enough so that you understand why he and his people think the way they do. Soon he gets into the political side of things. You see things not only through the eyes of a religious figure, but through the eyes of a boy who has never had this much pressure thrust upon him, but who knows he must do good for his people. You follow him through his interaction with the Chinese and you see how he responds, which in itself is surprising, at least, in the sense that most people would not handle that situation as calmly as he did.

His diction is one of the most amazing aspects of the writing. He was able to send me on all kinds of emotional roller coasters; from sadness to happiness to joy to pain, and often, to tears. He uses absolutely beautiful language to describe a terrible situation. Just with his words, he has able to sway my view, not to mirror the views of one side or another, but to sway me away from one-sided thinking and to view the situation from both the view of the Tibetan people, and the view of the Chinese.

I would absolutely, without a doubt recommend this to anyone. It was incredible and worth the read. It was truly enlightening.

[kista · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book! Held back tears in every page and let them flow when I was finished. Written in a manner that shows and tells the true emotions and motivations behind the Dalai Lamas actions during the time of the first years of Chinese occupation.
His Holiness is such an amazing human, a true inspiration. His softness and kindness is truly something spectacular and extraordinary in this world. Makes you wonder- what would the world be like if we'd all be like this.

My favourite book of all times- definitely.

[K Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and heartbreaking account of China's atrocities in Tibet, the impact of genocide on Tibetan people/culture, and the Dalai Lama's efforts to lead the country as a spiritual and political leader.

[Rounak Nayak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first memoir by His Holiness Dalai Lama. Through My Land My People, Dalai lama shares his experiences and journey of the first phase of his life.
From being born in a humble peasant family in Tibet,
To being recognised as the incarnations of all previous Dalai Lamas at age 2.
Taking command of his country at the age of 14 to defend his country against China's invasion in 1950, and
Eventually escaping Tibet for India when bombs started flying towards him in 1959 when he was just 24-25 years of age.

This book is an extreme mix of calm-peaceful spirituality with mistakes, political invasions and genocides.

Buddhism has always been a peaceful religion and there is not one instance in the world when Buddhists have spread violence or negativity to the world. It is a religion that I have huge respect for and attraction towards.

Tibet had always maintained isolation from the world as all they wanted was to live peacefully among themselves and practice there religion. This self imposed isolation is one big reason why they were invaded and swallowed by China.

Tibet was so peace loving that they neither build military defences nor they registered themselves as an independent nation in UN or in any other organisation. This led to their fall.

However, they were even ready to live under China as an autonomous state but China had other plans and the barbarous and cruel methods they used went against every single human right and law.

This book recounts experiences of Dalai Lamas early life and what led him to escape his nation and live in exile in India along with more than hundred thousand Tibetans. He wrote another autobiography after this memoir which recounts the next phase of his life.

[Nicholas Poveda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read, and this translation seems to work well.

[Lora Shouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the original autobiography of the Dali Lama. Written in the early 1960’s it ends just a few years after he was driven from his native Tibet by the Chinese. The book includes not only his own story, but, of necessity a brief history of the Tibetan people, the Chinese invasion of Tibet, and a recounting of the resolutions filed in the United Nations after the Dali Lama’s exile asking to have Tibet restored to the Tibetan people.

The story of the Dali Lama’s early life was especially interesting, as was the account of his attempted kidnapping by the Chinese just before it was decided that he should leave the country for good. The account of the attack on the city and people of Lhasa was particularly vivid.

Some years ago, at the time of a further attack on the Tibetan people by the Chinese, some of my friends wondered why the Chinese found it necessary to attack the Tibetans so viciously, a people whose primary form of aggression appears to be debating Buddhist principles. In this book, the Dali Lama gives what he believes to be the reasons for this. They are, in brief, 1. With so many people, the Chinese were looking for more land, and they saw Tibet as a relatively large, sparsely populated country they could use. 2. They thought there was a great wealth of mineral riches in the mountains of Tibet that the Tibetans had never tapped because they saw no need for them. 3. (The main reason) they saw Tibet as a strategic location from which they could more easily dominate other countries in Asia.

In addition to the main story, the book contains appendixes covering a short explanation of Tibetan Buddhism and the texts of several documents and letters concerning the early requests for U.N. resolutions relating to Tibet.

[Roniq · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dalai Lama is coming to Seattle. Woo Hoo!!!

This is a truly incredible book for learning about the culture of Tibet and the struggles and domination the country has endured as a result of Chinese occupation, in addition to having an insight into the man who would become the Dalai Lama. I learned so much reading this book. His story is amazing, from a very young age (four and a half) he journeyed to Lhasa and was recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama, the Temporal and Spiritual leader of Tibet. His upbringing and schooling, the description of the Potala where he lived, how and why the occupation took place and the affect it had on the people of Tibet, and even his letters to the United Nations pleading for help are included here. I found some of this book very sweet in it's own special way, and at moments I was in tears. All in all there is a thread of optimism in it for the future of Tibet. Yet it was hard for me to read and not feel so much emotion and down right anger at times. I highly recommend this book though, especially in light of recent events in Tibet.

There is also an Appendix at the back of the book labeled
"An outline of the Buddhism of Tibet" which is extremely informative for anyone wanting to learn more about Buddhism in Tibet

A Quote from the Dalai Lama in "My Land and My People":

"We all have a special responsibility to help create a better world, because material progress alone is clearly insufficient for a happier human society. No one loses, and everyone gains by a shared universal sense of responsibility to this planet and all living things on it".

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I knew the broad outlines of what happened to TIbet in the mid-twentieth century, I had no idea the exact details, and I'm grateful to have read this book and to have a sense of exactly what was done, what was lost, and who gave their lives under such difficult circumstances. I also value the look at Tibetan life before the Chinese invasion - especially for beautiful moments of contradiction, like the Buddhist belief that it's wrong to take a life, but their commitment to eating meat, requiring that certain people live in their communities as butchers (cheerfully labeled as sinners too)!

The Dalai Lama seems to narrate the events of 1950-1960 from a distance - not simply the literal one of being settled in Indian by the time the book is penned, but an emotional distance, or at least a narrative one. He tells us that he feels sad, feels despondent, feels frightened (and how glad I am to know that the Dalai Lama struggles with those things too!) but he never shows us - and I think that's what I wanted the book to do; to show me what it felt like to endure Chinese invasion, to try and govern, to search for the best policy, to worry for the lives of the ordinary Tibetans who would ultimately be massacred, and to maintain Buddhist practice - compassion, peace - at the same time.

I am perhaps asking too much - after all, the Dalai Lama's exile was fresh as he wrote, and I know only too well how distance is a survival tool to make it through trauma. I am glad to have read this; I'll definitely search out more.

[Phayvanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing that there are people in the world who have to go through ordeals such as one that the 14th Dalai Lama had to. Exiled since he was 13, but serving his days as a holy man since the day he was born basically, this story, told in his own words, gives a very touching and emotional narrative of his life , leading into exile.

I was very moved by his exile story, how reading it gave me more insight into my own parents' story during the American-Vietnam conflict, and how hard it must have been for them to have left their homeland and the place they loved so dearly. I was filled with great sadness and empathy for him and all victims, direct or indirect, or politcal wars.

This book made me long for another such autobiography, in the years to come, of the Dalai Lama, and his years in exile. I want to hear of his personal story, his life of practice and teaching, so far away from his Tibetan subjects. His outlook, apolitically, of what his future might hold....

[PMP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought "Freedom in Exile", the account more widely available in bookstores, was the definitive autobiography by HH the DL, untilI stumbled upon this in Dharamsala. The very last copy in a tiny bookstore was extricated from a dusty window display for me. Far more detailed, pained, immediate, reasoned than anything else I've read from or about HH. A mind-blowing piece of memoir writing in itself, where you can trace Buddhist practice in the very turn of a phrase. After he escaped from Chinese-occupied Tibet into India, HH was stunned to find hundreds of journalists waiting for him on the other side, wanting to capture "the story of the year." After reading this, I had a strong feeling that I held in my hands one of the greatest stories of the last century. A story that trails into the 21st century with its conclusion unwritten.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting account by the Dalai Lama of his childhood and escape into India. Clear explanations of the political climate. Very objective. He's not a dramatic crybaby whining for his country. He is so dignified and peaceful. I am outraged at what China has done to Tibet. I wonder if the Tibetans will ever get to go home.

[nima · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. read for tibetan school and i thoroughly enjoyed learning more about my culture and people. very interesting, but the other book that he wrote i felt was a lot more compelling

[Passang Dolma · Rating 5 out of 5]

My land and my people is autobiography of his holiness the 14th dalai Lama. Translation was done by his interpreter Kazi sonam topgay and edited by David howarth.
He writes of simple Tibetan life into which he was born and among whom he as the reincarnation of his predecessor , was discovered and declared dalai Lama according to his country ancient customs. In 1938 he was recognised as 14th dalai lama and then taken away  from his family and brought up in Lhasa according to a monastic regime of rigorous austerity and in total isolation. His intellectual curiosity and power of observation led him beyond traditional  Tibetan education system. When he was only twelve he was studying every piece of machinary on which he could lay hands. At same time he had serious and mature interest in the way of the outside world and he had also attempted to learn English.  At age of seven he was enthroned in potala palace as spiritual leader of  a nation with a population of six million and at fifteen ,he become head of the state.
Tibet was the home of people  with strong individuality, conscious of their distinctive from neighbour in race and culture. It's historical relationship with China is fluctuating and undefined. And never to have justified the claim that  Tibet was part of China. The dalai lama emphasize that from 1912 until 1950 his country was enjoying real de facto independence.
Dalai Lama's  account of invasion in 1950 ,of his visit to China and India and the disturbance and escape in 1959 are especially valuable, so are his comments on personality he met. It is dalai Lama's view that Chinese  seized Tibet with more or less clear aims of securing living space and because of  economics wealth and strategic value for the domination of Asia.
In 1959 , finally he was forced into exile (followed by over 100000 refugees). since that time, in exile in Himalayan village of dharamsala , he has devoted himself to the plight of his people and to promoting world peace through unwavering policy of nonviolence.

[Ajai · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet has described in brief about his birth and childhood, his native village and how he was chosen to be the incarnation of God and thereby the ruler, King of Tibet. He has also explained the customs and practices of ancient Tibet, their religious beliefs and culture and even about the history of Tibet briefly since Second century B.C. including the frictions between rulers of Tibet and the dynasties of China.

Through his words we readers get to know about the loving and welcoming Tibetans who were simple and down to earth people who clung to their religious beliefs firmly without harming others. Though the Dalai Lama has written in a very soothing and forgiving manner about the invasion by China in 1951, I as a reader and a person could not read those pages without feeling enraged about the Chinese and their invasion and sympathising with the people of Tibet, all those who are in exile as well as those who could not escape this tragic invasion. Chinese invasion of Tibet, which was never under the rule of China is not only a 20th century example of colonialist and imperialist expansion but also aimed at ethnic cleansing and altering the demographics of a peace loving state.

The people of Tibet still had trust in their ruler, the Dalai Lama to guide them out of their hard times and they also did not hide their popular resentment against the Chinese invaders. The humiliation and suppression undergone by the Tibetan people which sent many of them into exile and much more murdered and forcibly taken as labourers and prisoners, children separated from their parents at small age, all for the rich treasures of Tibet and their mineral riches has been explained by the Dalai Lama. I don’t think anyone can read this book without feeling sorry for the Tibetans and their children and anguish for the invaders.

[Arun · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "My Land and My People," His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers a stirring and personal account of the history, culture, and resilience of Tibet and its people. This memoir, written with a blend of poignancy and determination, is both an intimate narrative and a thoughtful historical record from the Tibetan perspective. Here's a glimpse into the different chapters:

- **Early Life**: The book begins with a captivating look at the Dalai Lama's early life, providing insights into his childhood and the profound responsibilities placed upon him at a young age. His anecdotes about growing up in a palace and his rigorous spiritual training are particularly enlightening.

- **Chinese Occupation**: The narrative takes a somber turn as it delves into the Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet. The Dalai Lama discusses the political and social upheaval that ensued, offering a unique perspective on the struggles faced by the Tibetan people.

- **Escape to India**: One of the most dramatic chapters recounts the Dalai Lama's harrowing escape to India. The tension and danger of this journey are palpable, and it's a testament to his leadership and courage.

- **Exile and Advocacy**: The book also covers the Dalai Lama's life in exile and his tireless work as an advocate for the Tibetan cause on the international stage. His reflections on the challenges and hopes for his people's future are both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

- **Spiritual Teachings**: Throughout the book, His Holiness intersperses his narrative with Buddhist teachings. There is also an appendix with details about Buddhism as practiced by the Tibetans.

[Letitia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was unexpected and worthwhile. I was gifted with this volume when I worked with Tibetan refugees in Nepal. I expected the text to be propagandistic, but it wasn't. In fact, the Dalai Lama speaks of known atrocities with a measure of restraint, never delving into the truly horrible things that China did and is doing in Tibet. It is a controlled, tactful, reserved story of an exceptional person in exceptional circumstances. This might actually be the one weakness of the book. It simply doesn't explore either the personal or individual horrors of the period.

I rarely enjoy autobiographies, as I find them self-aggrandizing, tone-deaf, and usually concentrated on minutia that doesn't matter to the reader in the slightest, though the writer clearly views it as important. This one could not be more different. In fact, if Sonam Topgay Kazi and David Howarth (translators and co-writers) want to teach a class on writing nonfiction, I'm sure it would be amazing.

I thought frequently during the read that rarely have the words "for such a time as this" been more meaningful. The Dalai Lama leads with a grace and humility that few others would have shown in this historical context. Having read this, I have a greater understanding of Tibet, of China's imperialistic agenda, of the Dalai Lama himself. Enjoyed it far more than I expected to.

[Anjali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating autobiography of the first part of the Dalai Lama's life, which is really a history of what Tibet went through in the 1950s when China invaded. It's a little dry at times, and heartbreaking much of the time, and I have tremendous respect for the delicate dance of politics that the Dalai Lama had and has to constantly engage in. I have a couple of quibbles, one of which is his characterization of Mao Zedong, the biggest mass murderer in the history of the world, as a "remarkable man" and his surety that Mao himself was not responsible for nor approved of the atrocities committed by the Chinese upon the Tibetan people. Second, while I have respect for the Dalai Lama, it was very clear that he had no respect for me as an atheist, equating the evils of communism with atheism, and stating that the only solution for the world to live at peace is for people of faith to lead and to eventually convince those of us with no religious faith the error of our ways. Still, this is a very worthy read and would pair well with Barbara Demick's book Eat the Buddha: Life and Death in a Tibetan Town if you want to be better informed about what happened and is still happening in Tibet.

*1962 pick for my century reading project 1921-2020

[Choki Wangmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of the literature on Tibetan uprising couldn't really put into frame what the central government did during the crisis other than being a Chinese puppet. Many ended up accusing the government of being weak and inattentive to peoples' wellbeing.

In his own words, the Dalai Lama, however brings into light what the government did and try to do during those times- the best decision was inaction to save Tibetans from brutal torture and death. It was unsuccessful because the Chinese did it their way whether the head of the state followed the compassionate way or not. The writer, in a unbiased way doesn't blame anyone for Tibet's fate but collective merit of the Tibetans. He doesn't even blame the controversial figure Ngabo Ngawang Jigme who was said to have betrayed his own country during the invasion.

Vivid and engaging, the book is a good read and makes the Tibetan stand clearer, more so because it came from the leader himself, who lived through the atrocities.

[Kevin Considine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly engaging read with the Dalai Lama telling the story of his being discovered as the reincarnation of the 13th Dali Lama at the age of 4. I most enjoyed the stories of his boyhood and preparation to be the spiritual and political leader of Tibet and the Tibetan people.

The book transformed from an autobiography of the Dalai Lama to more of a history of China’s invasion, oppression, and eventual genocide of the Tibetan people.

Sad to think that the Tibetan people will at some point soon be a minority in their own country, without freedom to worship as they choose. Free Tibet!

Perhaps the most interesting and useful section is Appendix 1. An Outline of the Buddhism of Tibet. Here the Dalai Lama acknowledges that all followers of religions seek the same goal and thus we should develop tolerance and Unity among religions. And he encourages all of us to learn something of all religions.

[Kamana Mhatre · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up when I was travelling in Kaza which is at Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Having visited the various monasteries and experienced the hospitality of Buddhist people in this region I was very interested in knowing about the religion. This book started with an interesting description of the Dalai Lama’s childhood, education, and his journey of becoming a spiritual and political leader of Tibet. It gave an insight on the various customs and traditions of Buddhists. In the later part however, the book transformed from an autobiography to more of history and political aspect of China’s invasion of Tibet. It was heart-breaking to read how the peace-loving people of Tibet were oppressed and eventually genocide was committed by the Chinese in the most brutal way. I am glad that my country, India, was able to offer a little help to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan people. I would like to read the Dalai Lama’s further writings was written in 1960s.

[Arjun warrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much more Tibet than what we read about it.The book elaborates upon a Leaders plight of reflecting upon his people struggle to be recognised as a soveriegn country and the price they had to pay against the Chinese political and armed take over in the 1950s. Despite their own set of troubles,the Tibetan people even today embrace Buddhism as the way of Life and have distanced themselves from their colonialists. It's a fight the Tinetans have been fighting at international forums and committees for decades. Extracts of letter to UN and other international entities display the pain and agony this peace loving Nation had to go through(and are still experiencing ) in today's Modern World. In a gist, it's a Leaders written testament in which he had showcased the plea of his people to the international forum, which his people face, even today.

[Pratap Padhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart wrenching account of the Chinese accession of Tibet. Though its an autobiography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama yet the book has inclusively touched upon all the aspects of Tibet its past, the land and its art and culture. The story unfolds how a newly born brash Machiavellian communist state spreads it evil tentacles to devour a great treasure house of spiritualism and philosophy. Its a distressing story of coercive conversion of a nation of simple and contended people to nationless refugees. Its a pathetic anti thesis of the age old believe that love and peace can win over hearts. It is a glaring example of how the rich and powerful nations can be mute spectators of inhumanity and suffering if such misery does not affect their own selfish interest.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting how this book compares with his later memoir, Freedom in Exile. He wrote My Land and My People when he was in his 20s, a few years after he had escaped to India. I sensed that he wanted to properly represent his country and himself especially because at that moment he is trying to gain more support from other nations for the Tibetan cause. He is a bit reserved in how he describes himself--particularly as a young child. In Freedom in Exile, which he wrote almost 30 years later, you discover how mischievous he really was as a child and get more insight into the person who is the Dalai Lama.

The photos were fascinating. I also liked how he included an overview of some of the Buddhist principles in the appendices and also the letters to the Secretary General of the UN.

[ananan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming back from Dharamsala, visiting His Holiness The Dalai Lama in person, as well as the Tibetan-in-exile community in India, this book definitely hits me hard.

A peaceful country with some of the kindest, most honest, nicest, and also brightest people I've ever met who are Buddhists with the highest morality. And China did some of the most outrageous and cruelest things to the people, to the land, to the thousands years of culture, and heritage.

HHDL, the figure at the center of it all who was only about 19 at the time, wrote this autobiography with such great desire to help his Tibetan people. He wrote it is such an objective way a detailed recount of the event, but also with a vast amount of compassion.

[Jim Breslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey guys, I just finished reading this book by the Dalai Lama and I'm starting to think our country isn't on the correct path to achieve Enlightenment.

Seriously though, the Dalai Lama's autobiography covers up to the early 1960s and is worth reading. I was fascinated by the selection process that led to their realization that he was the reincarnation they were searching for. It was insightful to read about the invasion of Tibet by China, how the Tibetans formed a Resistance, how the UN failed to help negotiate peace, and how close the Dalai Lama came to being killed by the Red Army before fleeing to India. The story is worth knowing. Check it out.