Though he holds no official worldly rank, the Dalai Lama is widely seen as one of the most insightful leaders of the modern era. His emphasis on nonviolent protest, compassion, and reason are the foundation of his teachings. With these values, Dr. Robert Thurman believes there is a powerful hope for reconciliation, peace and enlightenment. In his book, Dr. Thurman gives the detailed life story of the fourteenth Dalai Lama, from his early childhood and escape into exile, to conflicts with the Chinese Communist Party, and finally, his role as a truly global inspirational figure with special insight on Tibetan culture and identity.

Dr. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and president of the Tibetan House U.S. He has popularized the Buddha’s teachings in the West and has authored several books on Tibet, Buddhism and most recently his good friend the Dalai Lama XIV. Dr. Thurman is also the first westerner to be ordained a Tibetan monk by the Dalai Lama.