Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama

n nSome believe him to be a living reincarnation of the Buddha; some despise him as a counterrevolutionary. He has charmed Hollywood celebrities and the heads of nations, while fearlessly defending his beliefs. Freedom in Exile explores the amazing life of the fourteenth Dalai Lama: his discovery at age four; his dangerous escape from Chinese-occupied Tibet in 1959; his diplomatic efforts on behalf of his country; his Nobel Peace Prize in 1989; his personal spirituality and his continuing popularity. n nn 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. He describes the five decades of Chinese rule which have left 1.25 million Tibetans dead and the Tibetan natural and religious landscapes decimated, yet his story is one of hope. Inspiring in every way, Freedom in Exile is both a historical document and an example of deep trust in humanity. nn Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, is the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people. His tireless efforts on behalf of human rights and world peace have brought him international recognition. He is a recipient of the Wallenberg Award (conferred by the U.S. Congressional Human Rights Foundation), the Albert Schweitzer Award, and the Nobel Peace Prize. nn A simple and powerful autobiography. The Dalai Lama's story of exile must serve, of course, as a vital historical witness, not only to inhumanity but to compassion as well, not only to betrayal and treachery but to generosity and faithfulness. -- Los Angeles Times Book Review nn