The Dalai Lama

<strong>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</strong> <p/> 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. Now Alexander Norman acclaimed Oxford-trained scholar of the history of Tibet delivers the definitive biography--unique multilayered and at times even shocking. <p/><em>The Dalai Lama</em> illuminates 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. <p/> A revelatory life story of one of today's most radical charismatic and beloved world leaders.