In this astonishingly frank autobiography, the Dalai Lama reveals the remarkable inner strength that allowed him to master both the mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism and the brutal realities of Chinese Communism.
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
The Dalai Lama's autobiography should leave no one in doubt of his humility and genuine compassion. Written without the slightest hint of pretense, the exiled leader of Tibet recounts his life, from the time he was whisked away from his home in 1939 at the age of 4, to his treacherous escape from Tibet in 1959, to his winning of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. The backdrop of the story is the 1950 Chinese invasion of Tibet. He calmly relates details of imprisonment, torture, rape, famine, ecological disaster, and genocide that under four decades of Chinese rule have left 1.25 million Tibetans dead and the Tibetan natural and religious landscapes decimated. Yet the Dalai Lama's story is strangely one of hope. This man who prays for four hours a day harbors no ill will toward the Chinese and sees the potential for good everywhere he casts his gaze. Someday, he hopes, all of Tibet will be a zone of peace and the world's largest nature preserve. Such optimism is not naive but rather a result of his daily studies in Buddhist philosophy and his doctrine of Universal Responsibility. Inspiring in every way, Freedom in Exile is both a historical document and a fable of deepest trust in humanity. --Brian Bruya
From Library Journal
This book gives some picture of Tibetan daily life and a few anecdotes, but because the reign of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet has been conducted largely in exile, it is not surprising that much of his story is concerned with the tangled problem of Tibet's relationship with China over the past 40 years. One striking feature of the book is one's sense that the Dalai Lama is a fundamentally ordinary individual despite a life that--beginning with his being "discovered" as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of three--was always most out of the ordinary. His winning the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize will increase curiosity about this man and his world view, so perhaps more readers will explore the quiet wisdom of his philosophy and see the eloquent result of a tradition that has the abiding sense not to divorce statesmanship from true spirituality. Highly recommended.
- Mark Woodhouse, Gannett Tripp Lib., Elmira Coll., N.Y.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Mark Woodhouse, Gannett Tripp Lib., Elmira Coll., N.Y.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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More About the Author
His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 to a peasant family in northeastern Tibet and was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. The world's foremost Buddhist leader, he travels extensively, speaking eloquently in favor of ecumenical understanding, kindness and compassion, respect for the environment, and, above all, world peace.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By Catmindu
Format:Paperback
Right up front, the Dalai Lama claims that English is not his first language and he requests the reader bear with him. At times, the english is a little stilted but it never detracts from the story being told. His honest account of the young days having been found as the 14th Dalai Lama but still being a little boy is wonderful. He leads you through a chronological account of his life and spiritual work.
The book was an education for me on the basics of Buddhism, the struggle of the Tibetans, the role of the Dalai Lama and glimpse of China's past and present. I'm motivated to read more on all these topics - in particalar, Buddhism and the history of China (the notable Gang of four).
If you're looking for information on the Tibetan struggle and the Dalai Lama, this book is it. THe Dalai Lama is always honest and frank about his opinions on events and people. His strength and poise comes across clearly in his writings.
The pain and trauma of the Tibetans has left a mark on my conscience. The Dalai Lama's non-violent opposition of the Chinese is admirable and to be an example for us all.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By A. Vegan
Format:Paperback
Knowing nothing at all about His Holiness The Dalai Lama or Tibet/China relations I was eager to learn more. As a convert from Catholicisim to Buddhism, I was pleased to read that the Dalai Lama considers himself to be just a regular human, who was chosen to fulfill a specific role. After reading this book, you get the sense that he would be a very pleasant person to talk with.
On the downside, I was absolutely shocked to read about what the Chinese Government has done to Tibet and its people. Tibet is a peace loving country and to be in the army, was the lowest form of life. A 17 point 'agreement' was drawn up by the Chinese for Tibet. Members of the Tibetan delegation were forced under duress to sign the agreement and phony Tibetan state seals were used. Large Tibetan estates were confiscated and redistributed by the Chinese. After monks and nuns were arrested, they were forced, in public, to break their vows of celibacy with one another and even to kill people.
The Tibetan Freedom Fighters were no match for the Chinese army. Besides using bombers to obliterate towns and villages, the Chinese army also crucified, disembowelled, beheaded and buried many Tibetans alive. In order to prevent Tibetans from giving praise to the Dalai Lama on their way to execution, the Chinese tore out their tongues with meat hooks.
It was really disheartening to read about what happened to these people. I think this is a book that everyone at some point needs to read. It really opened my eyes.
On the downside, I was absolutely shocked to read about what the Chinese Government has done to Tibet and its people. Tibet is a peace loving country and to be in the army, was the lowest form of life. A 17 point 'agreement' was drawn up by the Chinese for Tibet. Members of the Tibetan delegation were forced under duress to sign the agreement and phony Tibetan state seals were used. Large Tibetan estates were confiscated and redistributed by the Chinese. After monks and nuns were arrested, they were forced, in public, to break their vows of celibacy with one another and even to kill people.
The Tibetan Freedom Fighters were no match for the Chinese army. Besides using bombers to obliterate towns and villages, the Chinese army also crucified, disembowelled, beheaded and buried many Tibetans alive. In order to prevent Tibetans from giving praise to the Dalai Lama on their way to execution, the Chinese tore out their tongues with meat hooks.
It was really disheartening to read about what happened to these people. I think this is a book that everyone at some point needs to read. It really opened my eyes.
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is by far one of the most moving and amazing books I have had the pleasure to read. The Dalai Lama has a very eloquent way of telling the story of his life. From his simple begininngs throughout the Chinese invasion of Tibet, he tells the story beautifully. His attention to detail and rememberence of people who he has met impressed me greatly. Sometimes words can fail to summarize the effect something has one you...for words lack the ability to describe the depth of compassion and sympathy I felt during and after reading this book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
candid
I liked the story and the candor involved in telling it. There is so much in the book that is not general knowledge. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Rick
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE 14TH DALAI LAMA TELLS HIS LIFE STORY (up to 1990)
Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935); he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, and is also well known for his lifelong advocacy for Tibetans inside and outside Tibet. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Steven H. Propp
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Dalai Lama in his own words.
If you wonder what the Dalai Lama is really like, you need to read this book. There are a lot of surprises, at least for me. Read more
Published 5 months ago by George P. Partin
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent book
I think this is a must-read for everyone. Dalai Lama beautifully narrates his life and the life around him - struggles of Tibet, China, Buddhism, and life in general. Read more
Published 19 months ago by SebTaveras
5.0 out of 5 stars
Autobiography
Very well written autobiography by Dalia Lama.
Excellent information on the Tibetan struggle, honest and frank opinions on events and Tibetan people living in Dharamsalla. Read more
Excellent information on the Tibetan struggle, honest and frank opinions on events and Tibetan people living in Dharamsalla. Read more
Published 21 months ago by JohnA37
5.0 out of 5 stars
Changed My Thinking
I recommend this book highly. I relished reading it and it has changed my viewpoint in ways that I value.The Dalai Lama himself and his culture are fascinating. Read more
Published on April 3, 2011 by Aikya
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
It's amazing how much he remembers from his childhoo! The book opened me up to the truths of buddhism and the hardships they face. I definitely recommened it!
Published on September 23, 2010 by Chaise Gilbert
2.0 out of 5 stars
slight and prejudices
I was not expect a objective writing about the sensitive subject of China-Tibet relationship, however I was appalled and troubled, by some choice words of prejudices on this... Read more
Published on March 7, 2010 by lnmlnm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bought for daughter
I purchased this for my daughter because she needed it for her English reading in school, she is a junior. Read more
Published on November 24, 2009 by Medina A. Lucero
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Very Important Story to Know
The Dalai Lama, a winner of the Nobel Prize in 1989, tells his life's story in this readable, gripping account of himself and his country. Read more
Published on August 28, 2009 by Will Jerom
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