REVIEW: Freedom in Exile: the Autobiography of the Dalai Lama

I recently obtained and read a copy of the Dalai Lama's autobiography. I have picked up amass of information about his life story already, through reading many of his helpful books and also from much online knowledge of his Holiness's life and problems. However, until reading this book, there were many gaps and confusions. Many of my questions have now been answered - such as why the Dalai Lama had four strange marks upon his arm, many factual details of the Chinese invasion, and the connection between his family and self across the years.

I found the text very moving, and tears leaked on several occasions during my reading. I have followed the situation in Tibet due to my strong adherence to the Tibetan Buddhist traditions as one of my two main teaching focuses, but the full story in chronological order still moved me to tears. I simply cannot comprehend how the world can learn of the true happenings and not feel motivated to do something to assist:
- How hard hearted can these world governments truly be?
- What can the individual with a concern for the situation actually do?
- How can such awful occurrences continue to occur without the rest of the world stepping in and stopping them?

Admittedly, it has only been two or three years that the situation has touched me as a person - before this time, I really would not have looked twice or had any feeling upon such matters. My own change of heart from that of a fiery rage and slashing anger at injustice to that of dealing with matters more calmly and patiently has come about due to the Tibetan Buddhism I have studied. I have since learned the ability to feel and empathize with others upon the planet in desperate situations, rather than focus solely upon myself, my chosen partner, and my immediate family. However, I have yet to fully learn methods of assistance.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn the details of the Tibetan situation, or to locate a complete understanding of an oftentimes partially known picture. Whereas there is no given solution to offer a remedy to the reader that is surely to be touched, it can lead to a fuller understanding of the problem and this greater awareness may someday be of value.