Tibet: My story - Jetsun Pema

A marvellous and moving homage to the enduring power of Tibet.

The Chinese Communist invasion of Tibet in 1949 is one of the most tragic episodes of postwar history. Thousands have been killed or imprisoned and many more have fled their beautiful homeland. And yet the exiled Dalai Lama remains an inspiration and beacon of hope to those who wait for a free Tibet.

Jetsun Pema is the younger sister of the Dalai Lama and this is her story of a once-hidden world which can never be the same again, whatever the future brings. She begins by describing the finding of the new Dalai Lama with old lamas arriving to see if her brother had knowledge of the sacred texts from a previous incarnation and continues with her memories of old Tibet and the events that overtook it.

This is a remarkable journey through the real Tibet of yesteryear, focusing on ordinary as well as monastic life, its popular traditions, culture and Buddhist wisdom – passionately written with a feeling of love for the writer’s native country it is a testimony of hope for Tibet’s future.

Written from the heart with love and devotion, this is a rare and remarkable personal account of Tibet before the Chinese invasion.