Who Is ...? biography series for middle grade brings an incredible spiritual figure of Dalai Lama.
Dalai Lama is considered to be the political and religious leader of Tibet.
Siddhartha Gautama was a prince who founded Buddhism sometime between the sixth and fourth centuries BC in northern India. He gave up a royal life to search for enlightenment. He taught others how to find peace within themselves. After he died, his followers continued to practice his lessons. The first Dalai Lama was Gendun Druppa.
Lhamo Tsering was born on July 6, 1935 in Tibet. His father was often angry and harsh with his children. On the other hand, his mother was gentle and kind.
In December 1933, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama had died. So Tibet had been without a leader for two years. The search to find the next Dalai Lama has continued. The monks and government members looked for signs to guide them to the right person.
The first sign was to head northeast. The following signs took them to Lhamo’s family. The boy was presented with some items and he picked up only those that belonged to the last Dalai Lama. Thus, he was chosen as the next Tibetan leader.
When he was four, he was taken with his family to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. He lived in the Potala Palace, which stood high on a hill overlooking Lhasa.
At six, he began his training as a Buddhist monk.
At fifteen, he was forced to become a leader as Communist China invaded Tibet in 1950 and wanted to rule it.
Communist Chinese tried to eradicate the Tibetan culture, language, and religion. When things got violent Lhamo left Tibet for India. In March 1959 he arrived with about 350 Tibetan refugees in India where they were welcomed to stay.
He asked the United Nations for help to protect Tibetans from China. With time, more Tibetans escaped to India where he set up a government-in-exile.
Throughout his life he looked for peaceful solutions, advocating for respect for one another’s beliefs and traditions and work together peacefully. He continued to travel to Europe, US and Canada and spreading the message of peace and compassion.
He wrote over 100 books, won many awards from more than 30 countries. His message continues to be to look inward to find happiness and look outward to help others throughout the world.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama stepped down as the political leader of Tibet, ending 350-year old tradition. He continues to be the spiritual leader.
The story of this incredible spiritual figure shines with the dimensions of kindness, compassion, understanding, forgiving, and peaceful coexistence for which he’s been advocating his whole life.
This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.
Published in 2018 by Penguin Workshop
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