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My Land and My People
The Original Autobiography of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama of Tibet
Reviewer: "ah-ling" (New York, NY)
I started this book with the thought that I would gain a better sense
of the history surrounding the current events in Tibet, where I
recently visited. What I didn't anticipate was that the book would
generate such strong feelings of compassion and emotion within me.
Read it slowly and allow yourself to fully digest the Dalai
Lama's simple but compelling portrayal of the suffering his people have
encountered, as well as the incredible courage they displayed- as a
testament of their deep devotion to him and their unwavering belief in
their most valuable posession: Buddhist religion.
I had to stop every so often and calm the inner turmoil I
felt, as I read. While I have deep respect for the Dalai Lama and his
own struggle to save his people & religion and to keep the Tibetan
story alive, it is truly the Tibetan people who have proved their
heroism and strength.
When I read about them surrounding the Potala, armed only with
sticks and determination, in order to protect their holy leader, it
just overwhelmed me to remember that human struggles of the most basic
kind are still occuring and need to be remembered and championed by
those of us so far away.
When I was in Tibet, I thought that it would be a tragedy to
lose such a rich and vibrant culture but now after reading this, it's
even more unimaginable.
There
are few cultures that cultivate such inner strength and whose people
demonstrate such devotion for what is meaningful to them- I hope
Tibetans will find a way to survive the continued oppression of China
and that China will soon recognize the value of what they seem intent
on destroying.
CONDITION:Softcover, as new but for light
wear to edges from shelving! PLUS previous owner drew a line through
the price on the back cover. Previous owner name inside front cover.
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