The Dalai Lama's Special Envoy: Memoirs of a Lifetime in Pursuit of a Reunited Tibet

Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, the former Dalai Lama's Special Envoy, has written a memoir detailing his decades of service to the Tibetan people and his efforts to resolve the Tibetan-Chinese conflict. He provides a personal account of the negotiations with China, including successes and failures, and offers recommendations for restarting the dialogue.

Format: Hardback
Length: 800 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, a dedicated advocate for the Tibetan people, dedicated decades to raising awareness about their plight and seeking a peaceful resolution to the Tibetan-Chinese conflict. He held the prestigious position of the Dalai Lama's Special Envoy and served as the primary negotiator with the People's Republic of China in the formal negotiations concerning the status of Tibet. In this captivating memoir, Gyari chronicles his lifelong commitment to serving the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause.

Gyari vividly recounts his involvement in formal dialogue with the Chinese leadership from 2002 to 2012, as well as the years of quiet diplomacy preceding these historic negotiations. He delves into the intricate dynamics of the parties' relationship, highlighting both successes and failures, as well as addressing misperceptions, missteps, and missed opportunities on both sides. Drawing from his extensive life experiences, Gyari provides a poignant account of the personal side of Tibet's struggles. He describes the courageous resistance of the Tibetan people against the Chinese invasion, the tumultuous early years of the Tibetan community in exile, and his family's history and spiritual lineage.

As a reincarnated Tibetan Buddhist lama forced to flee Tibet during the Chinese invasion, Gyari sheds light on how his political efforts align with his spiritual calling. His insights are informed by unparalleled experiences, making his recommendations for restarting the Tibetan-Chinese dialogue both feasible and thought-provoking. This book is a valuable resource for all readers interested in understanding the complex modern history of Tibet, offering an unparalleled inside look into the decades-long endeavor to achieve the Dalai Lama's vision of a reunited Tibet.

Weight: 1434g
Dimension: 234 x 244 x 62 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231206488