"The first definitive biography of the Dalai Lama-a story by turns inspiring, surprising-from an acclaimed Tibetan scholar with exceptional access to his subject"--. The Dalai Lama’s message 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 Lama recounts an astonishing odyssey from isolated Tibetan village to worldwide standing as spiritual and political leader of one of the world’s most profound and complex cultural traditions. Norman reveals that, while the Dalai Lama has never been comfortable with his political position, he has been a canny player—at one time CIA-backed—who has maneuvered amidst pervasive violence, including placing himself at the center of a 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 are illuminated in this book for the first time. A revelatory life story of one of today’s most radical, charismatic, and beloved world leaders. Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 386-391) and index.

The travails of the Great Thirteenth -- A mystic and a seer : the regency established -- A child is born -- The view from the place of the roaring tiger : Tibet's nameless religion -- "Lonely and somewhat unhappy" : a hostage in all but name -- Homecoming : Lhasa, 1940 -- Boyhood : two cane-handled horsewhips -- Trouble in Shangri-La : devilry and intrigue on the roof of the world -- The perfection of wisdom : the higher education of a Tibetan Buddhist monk -- "Shit on their picnic!" : China invades, 1949-50 -- Into the dragon's lair : the Dalai Lama in China, July 1954-July 1955 -- The land of the gods : India, November 1956-March 1957 -- "Don't sell the Dalai Lama for silver dollars!" : Lhasa, 1957-1959 -- On the back of a Dzo : the flight to freedom -- Opening the eye of new awareness : Allen Ginsberg and the Beats -- "We cannot compel you" : cultural revolution in Tibet, harsh realities in India -- "Something beyond the comprehension of the Tibetan people" : The yellow book and the glorious goddess -- From Rangzen to Umaylam : independence and the middle way approach -- Cutting off the serpent's head : reaction and repression in Tibet -- "An oath-breaking spirit born of perverse prayers" : the murder of Lobsang Gyatso -- Tibet in flames : the Beijing Olympics and their aftermath -- The magical play of illustion.