© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
For over 66 years, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso — the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibetan Buddhism —has been the face of the struggle for autonomy in Tibet. As the Dalai Lama turns 90, a tug-of-war has recommenced between the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Chinese government over the right to declare his successor.
Over the years, the Buddhist monk has been a global leader, drawing disciples from around the world. In 1989, he won the Nobel Peace Prize “for advocating peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.”
His extensive body of work includes books on spiritual guidance, political memoir, and interfaith dialogue. Whether you’re a student of theology, curious about Buddhism and the Dalai Lama’s philosophy, or seeking to understand the Tibetan resistance, these five books are a must-read:
Publisher: HarperCollins (Thorsons)
Pages: 272
Paperback:
The book Voice For The Voiceless is the Dalai Lama’s most recent release (Photo: amazon.in)The Dalai Lama’s most recent release is also his most politically direct. Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle With China For My Land and My People by the Dalai Lama (March 2025), published just months before his 90th birthday, is part memoir and part manifesto. This work assumes a fresh urgency due to the rising geopolitical tensions over his successor. It documents his decades-long engagement with Chinese authorities, his strategies for negotiation and peaceful resistance, and his advocacy for the Tibetan people.
He reflects on exile, cultural loss, and his dream of Tibetan autonomy. The Dalai Lama also speaks to the global stakes of the Tibetan cause, suggesting that Tibet could serve as a peaceful buffer and ecological zone in Asia’s volatile geopolitics.
Publisher: Abacus Books (Little, Brown Book Group)
Pages: 352
Paperback: ₹375
The books is the Dalai Lama’s definitive autobiography, written after his escape from Tibet in 1959. He recounts the surreal reality of being discovered at age two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, his monastic upbringing, and his rapid transition from spiritual novice to head of state at age 15 amid mounting Chinese occupation.
The memoir, Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama, offers rare insight into behind-the-scenes diplomacy, including meetings with Chairman Mao and Indian Prime Minister Nehru, and the heartbreak of watching his homeland fall under authoritarian rule. Those interested in the institution of the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhism, the Tibet-China conflict, or how the Tibetan government-in-exile came to be headquartered in Dharamsala should read this book. It also serves as a compelling introduction to Buddhist philosophy.
Publisher: Penguin USA
Pages: 352
Paperback: ₹325
First published in 1998, this book introduced the Dalai Lama’s philosophy of happiness to the West. Partnering with American psychiatrist Dr. Howard Cutler, he explores existential questions such as why happiness matters and whether it is truly attainable.
The Dalai Lama asserts, “Happiness is the purpose of life, and the very motion of our life is toward happiness.” Through conversations, stories, and meditations, he illuminates how happiness can be achieved.
The book delves into themes of psychological well-being, emotional resilience, and the path to inner peace. It explains how Buddhist philosophy can be applied to counter anxiety, insecurity, grief, and anger; navigate relationships; and even reflect on the pursuit of wealth.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 240
Paperback: ₹660
Published in 2002, Advice on Dying: And Living a Better Life is a spiritual guide to death, rebirth, and preparation for the end of life, in line with Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. Meditative and practical, it draws from a 17th-century Tibetan Buddhist poem and views death not as a finality, but as a transformational passage—akin to sleep.
The Dalai Lama describes the stages the mind experiences during the dying process. The book is not only about death, but also about living with greater awareness, presence, and compassion.
“Death is a natural part of life. It is something we all face. And if we prepare for it, we can meet it with clarity, courage, and peace,” he says.
This book is ideal for spiritual seekers, hospice workers, or anyone reckoning with mortality—personally or professionally.
Publisher: Wisdom Publications, US.
Pages: 224
Paperback: Rs 1,556
An interfaith dialogue on compassion and universal ethics, The Good Heart acts as a bridge between Eastern and Western spirituality. It is based on the Dalai Lama’s participation in the 1994 John Main Seminar in London, where he engaged in discussions with Christian scholars by reflecting on selected passages from the New Testament.
He reads the Gospels to uncover shared values and a moral common ground. Central themes include compassion, selflessness, forgiveness, and love—core tenets in both Christianity and Buddhism. Each chapter features a Gospel reading, a Buddhist reflection, and responses from Christian theologians.
This book is perfect for readers exploring interfaith harmony and cross-cultural ethics.
