Rating: 
Summary: Illuminating, horrific and far reaching
Review: Crikey! This is probably one of the most terrifying accounts of a life, that I have ever read. The story of a devout man whose only "crime" was to pursue his religion, something that most of us have the freedom of doing. This poor fellow tells us of his life, in a manner that is very easy to follow, and his eventual escape from those that wuld persecute him. It brings to mind some of the horrors perpetrated by religious types in the Inquisition. It will certainly make most of us realize just how fortunate we are, to live out our lives without fear of religious persecution. Shame on the PRC, the CCP and the "Cultural Revolution"....hopefully that kind of thinking will eventually languish and fade away. Free Tibet today.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring, Heartrending, Educational, Historical
Review: Having been blessed to have read this book and having met Palden-la, I can only say that he has something inside of him that is truly exceptional. He is one of the most compassionate, courageous, forgiving, strong, funny, and seriously dedicated human beings I have ever known. The book is amazing and I read it in one night. The first few chapters are written in a way that carries the reader into pre-invasion Tibet as well as Palden-la's family...it is breathtaking. As his story unfolds, it very clearly shows how ridiculous China's claims are, from their so-called "liberation" of Tibet, to their denials of torture practices, both physical and mental, to their claim that Tibet is part of China. Sadness, nausea, and shock swept through me as I read this book, coupled by a respect and awe for Palden-la's resilience and resistance.The re-education sessions and interrogations are enough to leave one speechless, such is the horror that goes on in Tibet's Chinese prisons--even today. One can see the serious string of grievous errors carried out by the communist regime over time in Tibet--errors which they are terrified of admitting to now and will not risk loss of face at any price. Palden-la's book is A MUST READ FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE. And, for anyone who is interested in Tibet's Independence Struggle and China's Communist regime, it is essential.
Rating:
Summary: The Autobiography of A Tibetan Monk
Review: I gave this book 5 stars because it truly gave the reader the feeling of the time period; he explained all the people and feelings and events with such heart and courage, because how could he even think of bringing himself back to remember the horrible things he experienced? The only thing that he didn't do so well is with his writing/language...it isn't exceptional(but that is compared to the greatest writers, like Steinbeck)...but still EXTREMELY GOOD for a very old man. Overall, i really do recommend this.
Rating:
Summary: Tibet's Agony
Review: I read this book shortly before travelling to Tibet and was profoundly moved by Palden Gyatso's incredible story of suffering and faith. Once in Tibet, I found his story to be of immeasurable help in my understanding of the Tibetans' ongoing struggle to retain their heritage and to not be swallowed up by a cruel and destructive regime.
Rating:
Summary: Tibet's Agony
Review: I read this book shortly before travelling to Tibet and was profoundly moved by Palden Gyatso's incredible story of suffering and faith. Once in Tibet, I found his story to be of immeasurable help in my understanding of the Tibetans' ongoing struggle to retain their heritage and to not be swallowed up by a cruel and destructive regime.
Rating:
Summary: The strength of a person
Review: I've read a few books about the sufferings of Tibetans by now, but still, this book managed to affect me and make me stop and think. Again and again. First of all, how has nothing changed since this book confirmed that China is continuing to do all it can to wipe out the culture, religion and spirit of Tibet? I know I have responsibility to speak up about this (and I will) but I still can't believe that higher powers up there did not stop China by now. Anyway, back to the book- Palden Gyatso is the image of courage, compassion and inner strength. I read passages of how he was tortured and bullied and then would flip to the inner photo of this tiny, frail man-astonishing! I see now that the determined and strong look on his face at the UK Independence rally co-exists with the gentle, loving portrait on the cover and it's a wonderful combination. This book reminded me that it takes deep courage to stand up for who you are and what you believe in but there is no greater purpose for each of us than to aim for that goal with all that we have. Read this book to better understand why Tibet needs our support but also to re-instill your own will to be a decent,kind and courageous human being.
Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Meeting of Palden Gyasto in San Francisco
Review: Palden Gyasto was the featured speaker at the Union Center Rally, March 20, 1999. Through an interpeter he gave his compasionate address. Just before his address he kindly signed my copy of his book and blessed my Khata that my son had brought me from Tibet. His story is a lesson is compassion which is created, I believe by his devotion to his Buddist Training. His book gives a rare first hand account of his trying experiences. This is another authentic record of the unchecked communist genocide and repression which exists today.
Rating:
Summary: About as powerful book as you will ever find.....
Review: This book is a testimony to the endurance of the human spirit, able to overcome the most nefarious system perhaps the world has ever known. The fact that Palden Gyatso is able to relay his story to you and me is nothing short of a miracle after what he had to endure for years inside China's prison system undergoing "reformation." The stories of torture, starvation and freezing nights will stay with you forever and make you question how strong your own beliefs are and whether you could do what Palden Gyatso did. I do not wish to reveal too much, but will say that calling the story compelling is a vast understatement.
This book is as important now as ever. China has the 2008 Olympic games and yet these brutalities continue to occur. Not to mention the fact that China is now relocating Chinese into the Tibetan region, threatening forever one of the world's great cultures through dilution of the society and culture.
Buy this book and see both the horrors of mankind and also his greatness in what he can overcome. If you like this book, I would also recommend Ama Adhe's book from a woman's perspective in the same system. We often hear the word hero, but rarely is it so appropriate as it is in describing these amazing individuals.
Rating:
Summary: Important, beautiful, saddening
Review: This book literally brought tears to my eyes. What else can be said? I am disgusted that in the name of advancement, a single neighbouring country can wipe out centuries of culture; attempt assimilate an entire country to fit the mold of another. Whats more, it was a country which practiced non violence and compassion, that had a definite cultural and religious indentity, far from in need of reform. I think books like this should be compulsory reading in schools. To often we dismiss our Western ways as the norm, and come to believe that the rest of the world basks in the same luxuries as we. Who could ever believe that in a modern Western world, which prides itself on it's liberal nature, we can turn our head to our Eastern neighbour, to their plight, to the years of jail so many suffer, for absolutely no reason. This book is not even available in Australia. I laughed at one former viewer's insightful comment, 'the only thing he didn't do well is write it. Compared to Steinbeck.' What an absurd comment. He is a simple Tibetan monk telling the tale of his fight against oppression, not writing a novel for you to marvel over his exceptional literary skills. You obviously missed the point, its shouldn't be how he wrote it, but what he wrote.
Rating:
Summary: Informative, interesting, inspiring
Review: This is a great book. I am an activist for Tibetan independence and knew much about the atrocities taking place in Tibet since 1949, but this book put a face to the facts. I highly recommend this book if you're interested in Tibet, Buddhism, or in learning about a remarkable man who went through horrible oppression and has emerged gracefully.
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