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Synopsis The Dalai Lama of Tibet are unique. A succession of fourteen have been guiding the spiritual life of the Tibetan people for nearly six centuries, and for three hundred years have held secular power as well. Revered as the human embodiment of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion, they choose, out of their great desire to benefit others, to reincarnate life after life as the Dalai Lama. Thubten Gyatso, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, was born to a peasant family in 1876. He was discovered, brought to Lhasa and enthroned at the age of three. Educated as a monk, he took over full power when he was eighteen and ruled until his death thirty seven years later. His rule would prove to be more strong, more radical and more complete than that of any Dalai Lama since the Great Fifth. His courage and energy were inexhaustible. He recoiled from nothing," writes Charles Bell, who as Political Officer in the Himalayas first met him in 1910. They developed a firm and affectionate friendship, politically and personally, that would last for twenty five years. Portrait of a Dalai Lama is packed full of history, stories, facts and figures, anecdotes and conversation and is compelling reading.