Tibet: The Road Ahead

by Dawa Norbu

In The Road Ahead, a gifted Tibetan of humble origins tells the untold story of ordinary Tibetans in the 20th century, before and during the Chinese invasion. As he talks about the possible extinction of a culture, Professor Norbu refutes China's claim that Tibet has been a part of China since the 7th century. He shows that the relationship between the two countries was symbolic and ceremonial, rather than characterized by political domination, and that pre-1950 Tibet enjoyed complete and genuine freedom. In addition, he analyzes recent events in the region, covering nearly half a century of Tibetan history in the process. A book written with scholarship and grace, offering a fresh and informed look at what lies ahead. Professor Dawa Norbu received his doctorate from the University of California; he now teaches at Nehru University in New Delhi. Among his books are Culture and Politics of Third World Nationalism.

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[George Ilsley]

Beautiful book, oodles of full page photos.

This is not a review of a book listed here as “The Road Ahead” but a book simply called Tibet published by Lustre Press Roli Books.

Primarily a large format art book, with some introductory texts.

[Amrendra]

This is good work for a primer on Tibet. Replete with breathtaking photographs of this esoteric land, the book, a research work by JNU and St. Stephens alumnus is indeed a short and summary picture of Tibet.
The book is divided into 4 parts - The Land of Snows and its People, Mystery and History, Religion and Festival and Ceremonies. The book outlines the various kings and monastic orders of the land and the struggle between Bon and Buddhism to establish itself as the primary religion in Tibet. Well researched and lucidly documented - a nice read.

[Tseten Dorjee]

Amazing and brilliant writer, Dawa Norbu. In this book, he depicted the hardship and servival of Tibetan's day to day life in old Tibet and new Tibet. It is a vivid historical novel, which gives clear image of Tibetan society, their struggle and custom and also of Government.

It is shock to know that Tibet once upon a time used to be warring state, delighted to kill and fought many wars. Later, in the 7th century Buddhism widely spread in the Tibet. Everyone is influenced and practiced Buddhism wholeheartedly. It is said that later Chinese came, and destroyed every religious an cultural places and even abandoned to worship in the home. The Cultural revolution destroyed Tibetan's culture, and Chinese tried to eradicate their cultures. Tibet, a historically and culturally rich country undergone through certain invasion and lastly Chinese occupied Tibet through certain methods such as divide and rule.

It is disheartening to witness how they gradually lost their hidden paradise and have to run away form their own motherland. Nothing is left for them, only choice is to labor under them. So if you are curious to know about tragic Tibet, then it is such a good help to know about Tibet and its people.

I'm shattered by their peculiar methods and rule over Tibetan people pathetically and also of Tibetan's disunity, which gives a way to occupy their holy land.

[Beverly]

Comprehensive background and current situation. Not so much about the future. Really worth reading to understand the plight of the Tibetan people.

[Pasang]

This autobiographical and historical book shed light on old Tibet specifically life for common people under Lamaist rule, the invasion of Tibet by the Chinese in the 1950s, including his own experiences with the Chinese Marxist and imperialists rulers, and finally his escape to freedom. As a Tibetan from a nomadic family with no ties to the elites in old Tibet, and educated in the West, I appreciated Dawa’s willingness to be critical/ question decisions made by high ranking religious officials. I resonated with the authors curiosity and search for truth.

[Evan]

this book was about Tibet, and it's history