The Dalai Lama

<strong>The first authoritative biography of the Dalai Lamaastory by turns inspiring and shockingfrom an acclaimed Tibetan scholar withexceptional access to his subject.</strong><BR/> <BR/> The Dalai Lama'smessage 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 Normanacclaimed Oxford-trained scholar of the history of Tibetdelivers the definitive, unique, unforgettable biography.<BR/> <BR/><em>The Dalai Lama</em>recounts an astonishingodyssey from isolated Tibetan village to worldwide standing asspiritual and political leader ofone of the world's most profound and complexcultural traditions. Norman reveals that, while the Dalai Lamahas never been comfortable with his political position, he has been a canny playerat one time CIA-backedwho hasmaneuvered amidstpervasive violence, includingplacing himself at the center ofa 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 prophecydetails of which areilluminated in this book for the first time.<BR/><BR/> A revelatory life story ofone of today'smost radical,charismatic, and beloved world leaders.