Few people have lived more turbulent, more interesting lives than that of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. He went from small child of a poor horse breeder to the god-king of Tibet to an outcast to Nobel Prize winner to the witness of the end of his home nation. Although published in 1990, Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama is still relevant today as when it was published. Nothing much has changed for Tibet and the Dalai Lama since.
His Previous Lives
The Dalai Lama’s voice, although written through an English translator, comes across as tongue in cheek, even about some of the most cherished beliefs in Buddhism. He mentions that as a small child he talked about his past lives and then ads, “or so I’m told I said.” In many speeches, when asked if he remembers his past lives, he often responds, “I can’t even remember what I had for dinner yesterday.”
The Dalai Lama is considered the living spirit of the Tibetan nation and the Tibetan people. At times of great turmoil, the continuity of the Dalai Lama’s office goes on. The title of “Dalai Lama” is actually Mongolian and Buddhism developed in India, but Tibet has taken these influences and given it a uniquely Tibetan flavor. The history of Tibet is intertwined with the history of the Dalai Lama’s previous lives.
The Language Barrier
To a native English reader, the Tibetan, Indian and Chinese names may seem very daunting at first. It may help to write down the names in order to sort out who is who. Tenzin Gyatso is from a very large family, so what sibling did what can often get confusing. The siblings also have nicknames.
Eventually, if the reader sticks with the book, the names will no longer become a problem. The book is illustrated with helpful maps and photographs in order to help the reader better picture who is who and what is where. The book also features photos of the Dalia Lama with some important historical figures such as Pope John Paul II, Indira Ghandi and the Panchen Lama, who disappeared shortly after China invaded Tibet in 1959.
All Too Human
Although he doesn’t blatantly come right out and say it, Tenzin Gyatso comes across as being baffled as to why he was chosen to be the Dalai Lama. He recounts trying to work a new Tibetan constitution where the Tibetan people or government could impeach a Dalai Lama if he (or she) is incompetent. However, this apparently did not win favor with the Tibetan government in exile.
The Dalai Lama also says that if he could, he would change the way people are chosen for their roles as various Rinpoches or Lamas. He does state that he thinks young children should no longer be chosen for their roles, no matter what they say of their previous lives. This could be due to the Dalai Lama’s own role in selecting children for these roles, including his younger brother. It was a fascinating revelation, just like the rest of the book.
