Understanding the Dalai Lama

His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the remarkable exiled spiritual and temporal head of Tibet, is a statesman for our troubled times. This collection of 11 essays by scholars, writers, theologians, and others whose lives he has touched represents a broad spectrum of perspectives on this Nobel Peace Prize recipient who is also a living Buddha to six million followers. Included among the contributions are personal reflections by those who have been privileged to get to know His Holiness, as well as illuminating introductions to some of his core beliefs. Editor Rajiv Mehrotra, who contributes the book’s first essay, says of the Dalai Lama, “As with all truly great and inspiring leaders, his life is his message and philosophy.” The essays in this volume shed light on that fascinating life . . . painting the portrait of a tireless champion of compassion, altruism, and peace who is both deeply spiritual and disarmingly human.