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Assamese version of Dalai Lama�s second autobiography hits the stands

By The Assam Tribune - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

GUWAHATI, Nov 27 - The Assamese version of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama�s second autobiography Freedom in Exile hit bookstalls today, according to a press release issued here by Bhaskar Dutta Baruah of Lawyer�s Book Stall, publisher of the book. Titled Prabasat Mukta Jiwan and translated into Assamese by noted writer Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, the book was first published from the United States in 1991. In its introduction, the Dalai Lama explains that he wrote the book to counter Chinese claims and misinformation about the history of Tibet. The title Freedom in Exile refers to the freedom that India offers him, he says.

The autobiography starts with the Dalai Lama�s birth, his selection and elevation as Dalai Lama at the age of four, his tumultuous relationship with the People�s Republic of China and his subsequent life in India following a suspected plan by the Chinese to assassinate him. The book acknowledges the cultural gaps between traditional Tibetan Buddhism and the scientific approaches of the West and also elucidates the points of similarity between the two.

The autobiography also criticises the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for supporting the Tibetan independence movement not because they cared about Tibetan independence, but as part of their worldwide efforts to destabilise communist governments. This candid acknowledgement and criticism preceded the declassification of the relevant files by the US government.

The Dalai Lama writes about his relationships with the Indian establishment including with premiers Nehru and Indira Gandhi, revealing details of India�s support towards the Tibetan diaspora and the many dilemmas they faced in the process. The book is an interesting document of a window in Indian politics from the unique and candid perspective of a person who calls himself India�s longest staying guest.

In his foreword the Dalai Lama states that it is his sincere hope that the ably done translation by Sahitya Akademi winner Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi will help Assamese speaking people to understand better, not only the tragedy that has befallen Tibet, but also the significance of the non-violent and peaceful struggle of the Tibetans for freedom and dignity.