The Dalai Lama
By Patricia Crown Marcello
Published by Jaico Publishing House (2012)
ISBN 978-81-8495-358-9

THERE are certain people whose existence it appears is all about calming others and promoting peace.
Their influence transcends their small communities and extends to other nations.
It seems they were created to bring sanity and order in human affairs.
These people are found occupying different positions.
Their well-chosen words bring comfort and hope that keeps society moving forward to a better future.
The sustainable development and growth of mankind is their chief business.
One such person described as ‘the living conscience of the Tibetan people and an internationally respected human rights symbol’ is the Dalai Lama.
He has earned respect across nations.
The book under review this week is a biography of the 14th Dalai Lama, The Dalai Lama written by Patricia Marcello.
It is a summary of the 14th Dalai Lama’s life and gives an insight into his experiences from the time he was born.
Indeed, the book, as stated by the author, delivers an insight into the curious and winning personality of the Dali Lama as a boy and his wisdom as a man.
It is a story about the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.
The book leaves one appreciating the Tibetans’ way of life, especially how they adhere to and appreciate their religion of Buddhism.
One gets a full appreciation of the Dalai Lama’s life in Tibet, his exile in India and quest to get independence from China.
The writer gives an account of the social life of the Tibetans, showing the depth of their reverence not only to Buddha, but their ‘god king’, Dalai Lama.
The guidance of the Dalai Lama is not treated as a spiritual act, but a practical way that is followed for the sake of unity.
“To Tibetans, the Dalai Lama is much more than a simple ruler; he is a living Buddha, a god-king, a being considered to have reached enlightenment,” writes Marcello.
“To Tibetans, the Dalai Lama is Tibet and his demise would surely mean the downfall of the whole country and the Tibetan way of life.”
The Dalai Lama has earned respect across nations due to his wise words that promote peace, love and recognition of basic human rights.
“We must therefore insist on a global consensus not only on the need to respect human rights worldwide but more importantly on the definition of these rights,” said the Dalai Lama in a speech delivered at the United Nations (UN) World Conference on Human Rights.
Gifted with intelligence and the need to learn more about other nations, he remains the protector of Buddhism and has written more than 60 books that explain his religion or the Tibetans heritage and culture.
He is known to be interested in other subjects.
“He is also interested in learning cosmology and particle physics and he has spoken with neurosurgeons, mathematicians and astronomers in his quest to find the place where Eastern mysticism coincides with Western science.”
The Dalai Lama’s call for independence from China is not steeped in violence as he has chosen to pursue the path of diplomacy.
“For it is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others,” says the Dalai Lama.
The book shows how relations between states and failed diplomacy can lead to death and suffering of innocent people.
The Dalai Lama gives a historical synopsis of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans who, in spite of being under Chinese rule, have remained loyal to their heritage and culture.
It sets an example to most African countries that have gone through colonialism and which despite attaining independence, have failed to preserve their heritage and culture which distinguishes them from other countries.
The book is a worthwhile read.