The Dalai Lama

The first authoritative biography of the Dalai Lama—astory by turns inspiring and shocking—from an acclaimed Tibetan scholar withexceptional access to his subject. The Dalai Lama’smessage of peace and compassion resonates with people of all faiths and none.Yet, for all his worldwide fame,he remains personally elusive. At last Alexander Norman—acclaimed Oxford-trained scholar of the history of Tibet—delivers the definitive, unique, unforgettable biography. The Dalai Lamarecounts an astonishingodyssey from isolated Tibetan village to worldwide standing asspiritual and political leader ofone of the world’s most profound and complexcultural traditions. Norman reveals that, while the Dalai Lamahas never been comfortable with his political position, he has been a canny player—at one time CIA-backed—who hasmaneuvered amidstpervasive violence, includingplacing himself at the center ofa dangerous Buddhist schism. Yet even more surprising than the political,Norman convinces, is the Dalai Lama’s astonishing spiritual practice, rooted in magic,vision, and prophecy—details of which areilluminated in this book for the first time. A revelatory life story ofone of today’smost radical,charismatic, and beloved world leaders.