Truths about Tibet, the Dalai Lamas, and Buddhism
The Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, was also, until 1959 (date of the occupation by China), the main political leader of Tibet. A towering figure of Buddhism, he is considered the manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion, reincarnated to serve the people. In fact, his position means "Ocean of Wisdom" in Mongolian. In this very complete book, Bernard Baudouin takes us to discover these extraordinary men who have been at the head of Tibet for more than five hundred years. He brings to life before our eyes: the first Dalai Lama in the 15th century, Gendun Drub; Lobsang Gyatso, the "Great Fifth" and first Dalai Lama to really reign in the 17th century; Kelsang Gyatso, the great mystic of the 18th century, a consummate master in the art of containing Chinese ambitions and clan struggles; or Thubten Gyatso, the 13th Dalai Lama and the great modernizer of Tibet.