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.
Tendzin Choegyal was thirteen years old when he accompanied his elder brother, the Dalai Lama twentythree
at the time on his dangerous 1959 escape to India. Decades later, he began encouraging his lifelong
personal friend, Tenzin Geyche Tethong for forty years His Holiness' personal aide to record their people's
journey. As elders' in the Tibetan community, they have collaborated with photo archivist Jane Moore and
a creative team to produce a memorable, comprehensive, and close-up portrait. It offers, in these uncertain
times, an uplifting retrospective of an iconic leader, a heritage, a cause, and a creative vision that have won the
attention and hearts of people around the world.
Tenzin Geyche Tethong has been a trusted companion and aide to His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, for over four decades and is part of a legacy of service; his own father was second in command of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama’s bodyguard and his forefathers were officially commended by the Dalai Lama for their service to Tibet. Born in 1943 in Lhasa, Tethong first joined the Tibetan administrative service in 1961 before being deputed to the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama three years later. He served in the Private Office until retiring in 2007 as Secretary (English Section). As part of his role, he worked as the Dalai Lama’s personal assistant, accompanying him on several official international visits, including his meeting with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican in 1973, his historic first trip to America in 1979, and the Nobel Prize ceremony in Oslo in 1989. In addition, he was Deputy Director of the Department of Information and International Relations and also established its first Department of Health in the 1980s. This is the first time that he has written about his remarkable years as one of His Holiness’ closest aides.
Tenzin Geyche Tethong has been a trusted companion and aide to His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, for over four decades and is part of a legacy of service; his own father was second in command of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama’s bodyguard and his forefathers were officially commended by the Dalai Lama for their service to Tibet. Born in 1943 in Lhasa, Tethong first joined the Tibetan administrative service in 1961 before being deputed to the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama three years later. He served in the Private Office until retiring in 2007 as Secretary (English Section). As part of his role, he worked as the Dalai Lama’s personal assistant, accompanying him on several official international visits, including his meeting with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican in 1973, his historic first trip to America in 1979, and the Nobel Prize ceremony in Oslo in 1989. In addition, he was Deputy Director of the Department of Information and International Relations and also established its first Department of Health in the 1980s. This is the first time that he has written about his remarkable years as one of His Holiness’ closest aides.
Tenzin Geyche Tethong has been a trusted companion and aide to His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, for over four decades and is part of a legacy of service; his own father was second in command of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama’s bodyguard and his forefathers were officially commended by the Dalai Lama for their service to Tibet. Born in 1943 in Lhasa, Tethong first joined the Tibetan administrative service in 1961 before being deputed to the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama three years later. He served in the Private Office until retiring in 2007 as Secretary (English Section). As part of his role, he worked as the Dalai Lama’s personal assistant, accompanying him on several official international visits, including his meeting with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican in 1973, his historic first trip to America in 1979, and the Nobel Prize ceremony in Oslo in 1989. In addition, he was Deputy Director of the Department of Information and International Relations and also established its first Department of Health in the 1980s. This is the first time that he has written about his remarkable years as one of His Holiness’ closest aides.
Tenzin Geyche Tethong has been a trusted companion and aide to His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, for over four decades and is part of a legacy of service; his own father was second in command of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama’s bodyguard and his forefathers were officially commended by the Dalai Lama for their service to Tibet. Born in 1943 in Lhasa, Tethong first joined the Tibetan administrative service in 1961 before being deputed to the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama three years later. He served in the Private Office until retiring in 2007 as Secretary (English Section). As part of his role, he worked as the Dalai Lama’s personal assistant, accompanying him on several official international visits, including his meeting with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican in 1973, his historic first trip to America in 1979, and the Nobel Prize ceremony in Oslo in 1989. In addition, he was Deputy Director of the Department of Information and International Relations and also established its first Department of Health in the 1980s. This is the first time that he has written about his remarkable years as one of His Holiness’ closest aides.
ISBN
9788194643371
Binding
Hardback
Page Extent
352
Weight (kg)
1.9
Height (in)
9.25
Width (in)
6.75
Subject
Biography
Published Date
28/10/20
Publisher
Roli Books
Reviews
Hindustan Times
Published Date:- October 5, 2020
The work of Tenzin Geyche Tethong who served the Tibetan leader as his secretary for more than 40 years and headed the English section his private office, this biography chronicles the Dalai Lama’s life’s journey as a boy of two from his village, his ascent to the Lion Throne in Lhasa, his emergence on the world stage, and other pivotal events in his life.
[A] true gem … intimate and personal perspective … that will appeal to those new to the topic, as well as vested scholars, for the work’s valuable archival material.
Via personal testimony and stunning, rarely seen photographs, Tethong chronicles the remarkable journey of a man who has led by example with kindness and empathy … A fluid work that effectively honors a gentle, compassionate teacher and writer … [H]andsomely illustrated ….
A vivid insider’s look at the life of one of the most revered spiritual figures in the world … a gripping narrative and never-before-seen photos of the Dalai Lama and his family … This remarkably candid and intimate account sheds new light on the life of the world leader.