Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People – A New York Times Bestselling Memoir of Spiritual Exile and Freedom

by Dalai Lama XIV

In this unique book offering personal, spiritual, and historical reflections—some never shared before—His Holiness the Dalai Lama tells the full story of his struggle with China to save Tibet and its people for nearly seventy-five years.

The Dalai Lama has had to contend with the People’s Republic of China for about his entire life. He was sixteen years old when Communist China invaded Tibet in 1950, only nineteen when he had his first meeting with Chairman Mao in Beijing, and twenty-five when he was forced to escape to India and became a leader in exile. In the decades since, he has faced Communist China’s leaders—Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping—in his efforts to protect Tibet and its people, with their distinct language, culture, religion, history, and environment, in the face of the greatest possible obstacles.

Now, almost seventy-five years after China’s initial invasion of Tibet, the Dalai Lama reminds the world of Tibet’s unresolved struggle for freedom and the hardship his people continue to face in their own homeland. He offers his thoughts on the geopolitics of the region and shares how he personally was able to preserve his own humanity through the profound losses and challenges that threaten the very survival of the Tibetan people. This book captures the Dalai Lama’s extraordinary life journey—discovering what it means to lose your home to a repressive invader and to build a life in exile; dealing with the existential crisis of a nation, its people, and its culture and religion; and envisioning the path forward.

Voice for the Voiceless is a powerful testimony from a global icon, who shares both his pain and his enduring hope in his people’s ongoing quest to restore dignity and freedom.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, China, Religion, Memoir, Spirituality

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 11, 2025

About the author

Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub), the 14th Dalai Lama, is a practicing member of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism and is influential as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the world's most famous Buddhist monk, and the leader of the exiled Tibetan government in India.

Tenzin Gyatso was the fifth of sixteen children born to a farming family. He was proclaimed the tulku (an Enlightened lama who has consciously decided to take rebirth) of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two.

On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, he was enthroned as Tibet's ruler. Thus he became Tibet's most important political ruler just one month after the People's Republic of China's invasion of Tibet on 7 October 1950. In 1954, he went to Beijing to attempt peace talks with Mao Zedong and other leaders of the PRC. These talks ultimately failed.

After a failed uprising and the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, the Dalai Lama left for India, where he was active in establishing the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile) and in seeking to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.

Tenzin Gyatso is a charismatic figure and noted public speaker. This Dalai Lama is the first to travel to the West. There, he has helped to spread Buddhism and to promote the concepts of universal responsibility, secular ethics, and religious harmony.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, honorary Canadian citizenship in 2006, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal on 17 October 2007.

Reviews

[Tinzing Artmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Tibetan who has spent 25 years in the U.S. trying to understand what it means to be Tibetan — and what it means to fight for my identity to be preserved — this book deeply moved me. In Voice for the Voiceless, His Holiness the Dalai Lama opens his heart about how, for over seven decades, he has worked tirelessly to preserve our culture and identity, while trying to engage with the Chinese Communist government for nothing more than the space to simply exist as who we are, in our own land.

Reading this, I was struck by how many times we have tried, how much we have compromised, even offering everything just to be allowed to live as Tibetans and protect our culture. What resonates most is His Holiness’s unwavering commitment to peace in action — to still call those who attempt to erase our very existence our brethren. It’s a reminder of the strength of compassion even in the face of injustice.

This book is more than a memoir; it’s a testimony to the resilience of a people, and a call to never forget who we are.

Highly recommend to all who wants to understand Tibetan struggles to fight for existence.

[Julia DeCelles-Zwerneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. Written as what the Dalai Lama clearly presumes to be his final written work, this is a clear, blunt and heartbreaking review of the systematic oppression and repression of Tibet. Simple, beautiful, and devastating.

[Tenzin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever felt so strongly about a book. So many emotions reading it. It’s a sad but powerful story and one that must be heard. Proud to be Tibetan and lucky to have such a compassionate leader.

[Jeremy Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great history of the Dalai Lama's history regarding Tibet and China. It is definitely an occupation that most in the West are unaware of, but the level of cultural genocide is quite sad. The Dalai Lama makes a compelling case for political pressure to help China change its approach to Tibet. One that might include recognizing it's distinctiveness, while maintaining it as a territory.

[Sela · Rating 4 out of 5]

took me a while to get through this one because 1. I don't read a lot of historical books and 2. obvious personal reasons. I started this book hoping for more clarity on a political issue that has plagued my culture and has shaped my worldview growing up. While I am leaving this book with more knowledge on said issue, I can't help but feel immense sadness at the depiction of the PRC's continued lack of humanity and accountability for their actions.

[Vineeth Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

India-China-Tibet relations as the Dalai Lama sees it. Good read

[Jason Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch. Covering over seventy years, touches on key points in the Tibetan struggle for autonomy. The Dalai Lama’s trademark authenticity shines through.

[Ry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly wise, informative, and poignant— great introduction to a geopolitical issue that I believe we will see flare back up in coming years. Free Tibet!!!

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I need to listen to this book, to take more of it in. A lot of the politics went over my head. Dalai Lama writes with great compassion. I had no idea about the history of China & Tibet and the many attempts to resolve it. Blows my mind what China did and continue to do ti Tibet and its people.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tibetan histories identify Tibet’s first king as Nyatri Tsenpo, whose reign began in 127 BCE. In fact, one traditional Tibetan calendar system, bö gyalo (Tibetan royal year), takes this to be year 1—making 1950, when Communist China invaded Tibet, year 2077 on the Tibetan calendar. An early chronicle says that this king descended from heaven and “went of his own accord to become the lord of all under heaven . . . to the center of the earth, in the heart of the continent, in the enclosure of snow mountains, at the head of all rivers, where the mountains were high, the earth pure, the country fine, . . . a place where swift horses flourished.”

Seven decades. 70 years of exile and never giving up the hope of a Tibetan people that is free to live as they have for millennia. My heart breaks that the arc of the moral universe has not bent for the Tibetan people. Yes, they perhaps are not killed as often, maybe, but there is still an ironclad fist over them. The Dalai Lama is such an inspiration and touchstone in this world, and he has changed the world with his story and the story of his people. Namaste.

Personally, I find this basic altruistic orientation of the heart to be the source of my greatest strength and courage. Every morning when I get up, I remind myself I am just another human being, one among the billions on this earth. We are all the same, each and every one of us wishing to be happy and not wanting suffering. As social beings, we seek connection with others and find joy through them.

All those who are happy in the world
Are so because they desire happiness for others;
All those unhappy in the world
Are so because they desire only their own happiness.
Therefore, if one does not switch the outlook
Of self-centeredness to other-centeredness,
Let alone the attainment of enlightenment,
Even in this life there can be no joy.
As long as space endures,
As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I too remain,
And dispel the miseries of the world.
Shantideva

Ecologically speaking, the Tibetan plateau houses the source of many of Asia’s greatest rivers—including Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and Senge Khabab (Indus), which flow southward, and Dzachu (Mekong), Machu (Yellow River), and Drichu (Yangtze), which run east. The Communist Chinese occupation of Tibet has had a devasting effect on the health of these rivers, with significant environmental consequences to many countries in Asia. In the future too, unless responsible custodianship of the sources of these major rivers is ensured, there may be significant conflicts in connection with access to water, indispensable for the survival of hundreds of millions of people in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Some environmental specialists refer to the Tibetan plateau as “the Third Pole,” to add to the North and South Poles, for reasons including it being the largest repository of fresh water. In addition, the ecosystem of the plateau plays a crucial role in the regulation of the monsoon across South Asia.

While I understand people’s emotional attachment to ideas of sovereignty and independence, personally, I have always been more of a pragmatist. I am a huge admirer of the ideals behind the European Union. Today, nations like France and Germany, which traditionally saw each other as enemies, join together and cede part of their cherished sovereignty to a collective European body so that the citizens within the individual countries have a greater chance of flourishing. It is a historical fact that sometimes, due to geopolitical conditions, what were previously independent nations come together to form a composite entity. Yet at other times, again because of changed political situations, some nations newly obtain their freedom, such as Timor-Leste.* For me, at least, what matters is the presence of an adequate structure and framework that ensures the continued survival and thriving of a people with their unique language, culture, and identity.

In Buddhist teachings there is, in fact, a special emphasis on viewing one’s adversaries—those who are creating trouble for you—as spiritual teachers. Regardless of their intention, they provide you with the opportunity to practice patience and compassion.

This book is, primarily, an account of more than seven decades of my dealing with successive leaders of Communist China on behalf of Tibet and its people. It is also an appeal to the conscience of the Chinese people—many of whom share with us a spiritual heritage in Mahayana Buddhism (which I refer to as the Sanskrit tradition)—as well as the broader international community, to care for the plight of the Tibetan people. Ours is an existential crisis: the very survival of an ancient people and their culture, language, and religion is at stake. Drawing on the lessons learned from my long period of engagement with Beijing, the book also aims to offer some suggestions on what might be the path forward. Given that ours is the struggle of a people with a long history of distinct civilization, it will, if necessary, continue beyond my lifetime. The right of the Tibetan people to be the custodians of their own homeland cannot be indefinitely denied, nor can their aspiration for freedom be crushed forever through oppression. One clear lesson we know from history is this: if you keep people permanently unhappy, you cannot have a stable society.

Mao’s surprising response implied that, at that time at least, he had in mind a model of the diverse nations within the People’s Republic along the lines of the republics within the Soviet Union. In fact, I know Mao gave orders to senior Chinese officials stationed in Tibet at the time—Zhan Jingwu, Zhang Guohua, and Fan Ming—to display the Tibetan flag alongside China’s red star and also my photo alongside his own. So later, in exile, when Tibetans and international Tibetan supporters would display our national flag in public, especially when greeting me during international travels, I used to tell them that Mao himself had given permission to keep our flag. Today, sadly, the Tibetan flag is illegal in Tibet, and anyone caught in possession of it will go to prison.

Mao told me, “Your attitude is good, you know. Religion is poison. It reduces the population because the monks and nuns must stay celibate and it neglects material progress.” I was shaken and attempted to hide my feelings by leaning forward as if to write something. It was then I knew despite all the hints of positive dialogue that he was the destroyer of Buddha Dharma

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been always interested in Chinese politics and its repressions on many nations within its borders. Tibet's struggles for independence are well-known, but as I was closing the book, I felt like their hopes are bleak. Given the Dalai Lama's age, he is still holding onto Tibet's old traditions and culture, without concrete and realistic outlook into the present and the future. It's a good thing that a nation has a distinct culture and language, but if they don't have any means to defend them, how can they last? Tibet is a good example of a nation who lost their sovereignty for failing to respond to the demands of the time during the tumultuous 20th century.

[Arun Narayanaswamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t understand the politics, but the book is written in a positive note. However the book (audio) abruptly ends

[Tenzin T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voice for the Voiceless is not merely a book—it is a poignant and urgent appeal on behalf of a people whose identity, freedom, and very existence hang in the balance. In this deeply moving narrative, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives voice to the Tibetan people—both those still in Tibet and those living in exile—by illuminating the historical truth of Tibet, the colonial oppression under Chinese rule, and the resilience of a culture fighting to survive.

At the heart of the book lies the critical importance of understanding the real facts of Tibetan history—truths that have too often been distorted, denied, or silenced. The Dalai Lama recounts how Tibet once existed as a distinct nation with its own language, culture, government, and rich spiritual traditions long before Chinese occupation. This truth is not about division—it is about restoring dignity to a people who have been forcibly muted and misrepresented.

The Dalai Lama’s message is not one of hatred or vengeance, but of compassion, dialogue, and reconciliation. He acknowledges the political complexity of the Tibet-China relationship and proposes a Middle Way Approach—a vision that does not seek independence, but real autonomy for Tibetans within the framework of the People’s Republic of China. This would allow Tibetans to preserve their unique culture, language, religion, and way of life—all of which are currently under threat of erasure. He emphasizes that such autonomy is not just a matter of justice for Tibetans, but a mutual benefit for both Tibet and China—one that would foster peaceful coexistence and build a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern governance.

One of the most heartbreaking and sobering aspects of the book is the Dalai Lama’s gentle yet firm warning: Tibetans are facing an existential crisis. Each year, Tibetan identity grows more fragile under the weight of repressive policies, forced assimilation, displacement, and life in diaspora. Even after decades of peaceful appeals, the Dalai Lama’s repeated efforts to initiate open dialogue with Chinese leaders have been met with silence. This book becomes, therefore, not just a historical testimony but a moral plea—a call to the Chinese government, to world leaders, and to everyday citizens of the world to recognize the urgency of the Tibetan cause before it is too late.

The Dalai Lama also underscores the importance of protecting Tibet’s fragile environment, which serves as the water source for over a billion people in Asia. He makes it clear that the ecological degradation of the Tibetan Plateau is not just a Tibetan problem—it is a global one. Preserving Tibet’s natural heritage benefits not only its people, but the entire region and world. Once again, the Dalai Lama’s appeal rises above politics and ideology, grounded instead in the shared interests of humanity.

Delivered in the pure, honest tone that only a spiritual leader of his depth can embody, Voice for the Voiceless is not a political manifesto—it is a human story of justice, survival, and the enduring hope for peace. It calls on us to build a world where compassion outweighs control, and where truth can serve as the foundation for healing.

Reading Voice for the Voiceless is not just an act of learning—it is an act of bearing witness. And once we bear witness, we are called to act: by amplifying Tibetan voices, advocating for their rights, and refusing to let their struggle be forgotten.

As someone born a second-generation Tibetan in exile, this book hit me in a profoundly emotional way. It stirred a deep connection to my roots, while also bringing painful clarity to what has been lost—and what remains at risk. Yet, alongside that grief, Voice for the Voiceless gave me immense hope. It awakened in me a powerful sense of responsibility: to carry our story forward, to speak out, and to ensure our culture and truth are not erased. Being Tibetan today—whether in exile or in occupied Tibet—is not just about identity. It is about resilience, duty, and the collective effort to protect a sacred legacy before it slips away.

[Kiran Sakroji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People
In this book, HH Dalai Lama passionately writes about his struggle for over seven decades with the Oppressive Chinese Government in retaining Tibet’s autonomy. Born in 1935, he was recognized as the XIV Dalai Lama at the age of 2. But the Chinese aggression pushed him in exile in 1959 at the age of 16. Since then, India has been His home, and he has relentlessly pursued his goal for recognition of Tibet as an autonomous region within Republic of China. Over these years he has tried various means and ways to bring sense to Chinese government on the benefits of inter-dependency of China and Tibet, the necessity of preserving Tibetan culture and tradition, and the importance of co-existence. But the Chinese government looks at Tibet as a potential cause of regional instability, due to the traditions of Dalai institution. (and also, may be due to its border with India.)

After seeking asylum in India, HH Dalai Lama was convinced of the worthlessness of fighting the mighty PRC , but He also did not want to give up on the cause of Tibet and His people. He had seen the devastation caused by PRC, the atrocities committed by the army on Tibetans and He would not want more of His people to suffer. So, he devised a ‘Middle-Way Approach’, that would solve the China-Tibet conflict. Being concerned for His people, their welfare and growth, He suggested to not claim independence of Tibet and allow it to be a part of PRC. All He wishes is to retain Tibet’s autonomy in deciding for itself, retain its tradition and culture and allow PRC to develop Tibet. Despite all His efforts, PRC has never paid heed to His suggestions and never taken any efforts in finding an amicable solution. They have thwarted all His efforts and have been persistent in rumourmongering within PRC and Tibet. They have pretended to listen to His views but never heard Him. They have been playing these games of pretence for long, and we see them mastering it now in respect to their conflicts with other countries including India.
Although there is a small section of educated and learned people within PRC, apart from different nations across the world, who support Dalai Lama’s views of Tibet and resolving the conflict, unfortunately, none of them could drive sense in PRC government for obvious reasons of Geopolitics. It indeed would be a miracle to see a stronger nation like USA to openly pick a fight with PRC over a small nation like Tibet with no obvious and tangible advantage for them. In this context at least India has openly provided asylum to Tibetan refugees and taken substantial steps in improving their life by establishing settlements, educations, and work for them. HH Dalai Lama, now calls India as His home and we Indians are truly blessed to have Him spent majority of His life with us.
At the ripe age of 91 (looking at Him, it is just a number!), he still wishes to visit Tibet and waits for fulfilling His goal.

H.H Dalai Lama’s thoughts, writings, and speeches in the book, subtly highlight the kind of compassion and love that is evident of a monk. He has been fighting the oppressive Chinese government for seven decades, yet He has only love and compassion for all beings irrespective of the geographical dispersion.

This is truly an impactful book to understand the cultural genocide of Tibet. It’s a sad but powerful story, simple yet devastating book.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voice for the Voiceless is a powerful and heartfelt memoir that chronicles the Dalai Lama’s lifelong struggle for the freedom and dignity of the Tibetan people. Spanning over seventy years, this book is more than just a political or historical account—it’s a deeply personal reflection on faith, identity, and the cost of nonviolent resistance.

The Dalai Lama’s voice throughout is calm yet firm, sorrowful yet hopeful. His unwavering commitment to peace, compassion, and dialogue—even in the face of oppression and exile—is both humbling and inspiring. The book offers unique insight into the emotional and spiritual toll of Tibet’s ongoing crisis, as well as the global implications of China’s policies.

Why 4 stars instead of 5? While the message is profound, the writing can be quite formal and philosophical at times, which may feel distant or heavy for casual readers. It’s not a fast-paced narrative, but rather a thoughtful meditation on endurance and moral clarity.

Still, for anyone interested in human rights, global politics, or spiritual leadership, this is an essential and deeply meaningful read.

[Anna Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Voice for the Voiceless?
Oh my.. The people in Tibet are being erased and meanwhile with buddhist ahimsa rethoric, Dalai Lama and his ‘voice’ is ‘helping’ those left behind, by (simplified) accepting the violence from Chinese Government. Examples given below.

Unfortunately very repetitive and missing insights in what Dalai Lama has done for the people left in Tibet - if anything? If he had done so, he would surely have mentioned it in the book.

Our personal opinion is that Dalai Lama seems like an expat who capitalizes upon this freedom and speaks in fluffy Buddhist promising language, but it seems like it only covers the fact that genocide is going on, and he said no to USA helping out in very beginning.

Vague and missing clarity on a lot missing years inbetween the course of his life. We would like to know what he did for tibetans imprisoned for decades dying there, and also for those who escaped - what did the Tibetan govt in exile did for their integration back to the society?

Uncritical praising of Ghandi and his ahimsa - is it not too easy to be pro-ahimsa when it is not your own dearest being slaughtered and tortured?

[Xue Ying · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Voice for the Voiceless" by the Dalai Lama is a powerful and poignant account of the struggles faced by the Tibetan people. This book sheds light on the complex history and ongoing power struggle between the Chinese government and Tibetans, bringing much-needed awareness to the global community.

The Dalai Lama's words are a testament to the resilience and courage of the Tibetan people, and his leadership is inspiring. Through his story, he conveys the helplessness and frustration of being a symbol of hope for his people, while navigating the complexities of international politics.

This book is an important read for anyone looking to understand the Tibetan situation and the Dalai Lama's unwavering commitment to his people's cause. It's a thought-provoking and emotional journey that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of the Tibetan people.

I highly recommend "Voice for the Voiceless" to anyone interested in history, politics, and human rights. The Dalai Lama's voice is a beacon of hope and compassion, and his story deserves to be heard.

[Louis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately very repetitive and missing insights in what Dalai Lama has done for the people left in Tibet - if anything?

Our personal opinion is that Dalai Lama seems like an expat who capitalizes upon this freedom and speaks in fluffy Buddhist promising language, but it seems like it only covers the fact that genocide is going on, and he said no to USA helping out in very beginning.

Vague and missing clarity on a lot missing years inbetween the course of his life. We would like to know what he did for tibetans imprisoned for decades dying there, and also for those who escaped - what did the Tibetan govt in exile did for their integration back to the society?

Uncritical praising of Ghandi and his ahimsa - is it not too easy to be pro-ahimsa when it is not your own dearest being slaughtered and tortured?

[Doreen Rota · Rating 4 out of 5]

tibetans living in exile today do actions for tibetans living inside of tibet who could never fight for their own freedom. some of the saddest recounting of history i’ve read from the Panchen Lama being the world’s youngest political prisoner at age 6 to the first tibetan monk that self-immolated from profound helplessness and the 160 more that followed. the chinese man who’s grandfather was part of the cavalry in the PLA that attacked tibet and, 60 years later, the grandfather requesting the boy to sincerely apologize to the dalai lama on his behalf. many are disappointed in beijing and many “😔”, “😞”, and “😭”s were scribbled in the margins. conditions in tibet are only worsening and i hope, in our long history, this brief nightmare of ccp occupation comes to an end for the sake of the tibetan people, humanity, the earth, and much more.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I've got to give this back straightaway yet at the same time like it might not matter at all. I read this long after I had finished conducting my big research project on Deng Xiaoping in undergrad, so I found it curious to read the words of somebody who has interacted with someone I have read so much about for a semester. That's wild.

I worked my fingers off preparing that report but remember only a little so it might be better to refer to someone more reliable.
My mother had liked calling herself "Dalai Mama," but that's just a play on words I couldn't forget while reading this book. I think the Dalai Lama had something a little different in mind.
It's still a good book.
You might like it, too. Please open it and have a look.

[Palwai]

Completed reading
"Voice For The Voiceless"
by His Holiness the #DalaiLama

Personally, this is the greatest book I have read !

Not just a collection of words, this is the work of profound expression of compassion. His Holiness uses this work to shed light on the timeless values of empathy, and highlights the importance of #MahatmaGandhi, nonviolence, and the universal human desire for freedom and dignity.

His Holiness speaks like a fellow human being, appealing to our shared conscience. The book offers deep insight into the Tibetan struggle, but is not divisive, and appeals for peace with perseverance!

Reading "Voice For The Voiceless" has been a humbling experience. And i strongly recommend that every human being must read it once in their lifetime.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We western hemispherians are often content to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV as a benign benevolence, sharing Buddhist peace, love and joy throughout the world. This book illustrates his backbone of steel. His outward serenity cloaks a lifetime of political hardball with the Peoples' Republic of China, invaders and corroders of his homeland Tibet. He shares his frustrations and his hopes. His core values of interconnectedness, compassion and empathy have cornerstoned his advocacy for the people of his country. Towards the end of the book you can feel the triste which permeates his later life, his lament for the fate of Tibet. This book is a true masterclass in determination, integrity and faith. This audiobook most sympathetically read by Edoardo Ballerini.

[Barbara Lifland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very informative. Lucky enough to visit Tibet on a trip to China several years ago, I already knew a little about the horror inflicted upon the Tibetans, but not much about the history of the past 75 years. As our primary trip leader was Chinese I did not expect to learn much about China's on-going aggression during the trip. We were able to briefly speak with one Tibetan when we were in an environment where we would not be overheard and he confirmed what we could see- China wants Tibet for its natural resources and for access to India. Children are not taught the Tibetan culture or language, and the Chinese threaten to outnumber the Tibetans in their own home. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dalai Lama XIV has given us a thorough record of his lifelong efforts to protect the lives and culture of his occupied Tibet, beginning with the Chinese invasion in 1950 to the present day. He and his translator write this report with masterly detail of 75 years of conflicts, statesmanship, negotiations, and lies, from their home-in-exile in India. It is a beautifully readable reminder that the lives of Tibetans were, are, and will be at risk, in all likelihood beyond the life of their dedicated leader. We are truly living in a world weary with brutal suppression.

[Qin Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a slim volume of an autobiography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The book felt so heavy. A sad, depressing, and so far unfruitful struggle against a powerful neighbor for the author over seven decades were detailed. Still, the book offered a hopeful message, because of this seemingly hopelessness situation, and the compassion and optimism his holiness demonstrated throughout. I can relate to him and the Tibetan people. I too am hopeful that some day, his voice will be heard around the world, and the impossible may become a reality.

[Steve Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the history of Tiber and struggles to get autonomy. The Dalai Lama seemed to be very pragmatic in his efforts to protect Tibetan culture by endorsing a middle way of autonomous rule under China rather than continuing the fight for independence. I am impressed by his continued resolve to resolve the Tiber issue through diplomacy and nonviolence despite brutal repression and attempts to assimilate Tibetans. My criticism is that the book gets really repetitive about his approach to China, aspirations, and potential succession.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is H.H The Dalai Lama’s account of his 70+ year struggle with the Chinese communist government over preserving the unique culture of Tibet after the invasion and subsequent occupation and brutal suppression of its people. It’s amazing how he manages to remain so hopeful even as he approaches his 90th birthday, given the lack of any concessions by the Chinese. This is a frustrating and heartbreaking situation that most people in the West are probably only vaguely aware of. Despite this, the book itself is very well written and I learned so much about Tibet.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily understood history. Compromising. Caring.

“All those who are happy in the world are so because they desire happiness for others. All those unhappy in the world are so because they desire only their own happiness.”
Attributed to Shantideva, an 8th-century Indian Buddhist monk and scholar.
From his famous work, The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara), which explores the path of a Bodhisattva—someone dedicated to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

[Maleah Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dalai Lama likely waited until he thought he could say the things he says in the book publicly. He has had pushback even from an older brother by proposing a “middle way” for Tibet and China. He documents how he has tried to negotiate in good faith and the failure of China’s government to respond or of their at best being misleading.
Shame on what looks like a concerted effort by those who oppose him to give the book 1 star.

[Shereen Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

70 years of exile and never giving up the hope of a Tibetan people that is free to live as they have for millennia. My heart breaks that the arc of the moral universe has not bent for the Tibetan people.
The Dalai Lama is such an inspiration and touchstone in this world, and he has changed the world with his story and the story of his people. We all deserve happiness and freedom no matter who we are.
Namaste.