Dalai Lama reflects on decades of Tibetan struggle in new book

Voice for the Voiceless reveals the Dalai Lama's journey, negotiations with China, and his hopes for Tibet’s future.

The Dalai Lama attends a gathering with supporters at Hradčanské Square, in front of Prague Castle, on October 17, 2016, in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo by Matej Divizna/Getty Images

By Widya Putri and Hayu Andini

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, has shared profound insights on ethics, Buddhist philosophy, and science throughout his life in exile. Yet, his reflections on the political complexities of Tibet’s struggle for autonomy have rarely taken center stage—until now. His upcoming book, Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle With China for My Land and My People, set for release on March 11, offers a candid account of his decades-long efforts to protect Tibet’s culture, religion, and people under Chinese rule.

The book arrives at a critical moment. As the Dalai Lama nears his 90th birthday, he aims to document his life’s work and provide a roadmap for Tibet’s future. In a statement, he expressed hope that his reflections would “stimulate fresh thoughts and conversations” about Tibet’s plight and guide future generations.

Born in 1935 into a farming family in northeastern Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso was recognized at age two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. By 16, he assumed the role of Tibet’s political leader, guiding his people through a crisis sparked by the Chinese military’s occupation of Tibet in 1950. Nine years later, he fled to India following a failed uprising, beginning his life in exile.

“I had hoped that I would be able to go back at least once before I die,” he writes in Voice for the Voiceless. “This is looking increasingly unlikely.”

The book provides an unflinching look at the personal and political toll of his leadership. The Dalai Lama recounts his first meeting with Mao Zedong at age 19, when the Communist leader revealed his disdain for Tibet’s deeply spiritual culture. This meeting marked the beginning of a strained relationship with Chinese leaders, as he sought to protect Tibet’s autonomy while grappling with the political realities of Beijing’s growing power.

One of the book’s most striking revelations is the Dalai Lama’s decision to abandon the fight for full Tibetan independence. After years of fruitless negotiations, he began advocating for cultural autonomy within China—a stance that drew criticism from some Tibetans who viewed it as a betrayal of their aspirations.

The Dalai Lama acknowledges the frustrations of his people and the limited success of his approach. He also reflects on the harrowing protests of Tibetans who resorted to self-immolation, describing their actions as a profound expression of helplessness. While he disagrees with such methods, he underscores his unwavering commitment to nonviolence as the only morally defensible path to resistance.

In 2011, the Dalai Lama stepped down as Tibet’s political leader, allowing the Tibetan government in exile to elect its leaders. However, informal communication with Chinese officials continued until 2019. Since then, he has watched with concern as China ramps up efforts to assimilate Tibetans, including policies that place Tibetan children in boarding schools where they are taught in Mandarin and exposed to Chinese propaganda.

The Dalai Lama’s criticisms extend to China’s internal policies. In the book, he writes: “Judging by Xi’s last decade in office, when it comes to individual freedom and everyday life, China seems to be reverting to the oppressive policies of Mao’s time, but now enforced through state-of-the-art digital technologies of surveillance and control.”

The issue of his succession is another focal point in Voice for the Voiceless. As the 14th Dalai Lama, he is regarded by Tibetan Buddhists as the reincarnation of his predecessors. However, he warns that China may attempt to appoint his successor, as it did with the Panchen Lama, a high-ranking Tibetan spiritual leader. To counter this, the Dalai Lama has declared that he will reincarnate in the free world, outside Tibet or China. He also hints at consulting Tibetan religious leaders and citizens about whether to end the Dalai Lama institution altogether, ensuring its integrity remains intact.

The book does not shy away from difficult truths, including the Dalai Lama’s feelings of failure and hope. He reflects on the lessons learned from his decades of engagement with Beijing and offers guidance for the Tibetan cause after his death.

Thupten Jinpa, the Dalai Lama’s longtime translator, describes Voice for the Voiceless as a comprehensive account of the spiritual leader’s efforts. “This book is an attempt to present in a single volume all of his efforts, in not only reaching out to the Chinese for a negotiated settlement, but also rebuilding Tibetan civilization in exile,” Jinpa said.

The Dalai Lama’s reflections are both deeply personal and profoundly political. The book delves into the challenges of preserving Tibetan culture amid China’s oppressive policies, while also highlighting the enduring spirit of the Tibetan people. He writes with a sense of urgency, aware that his legacy will shape the future of Tibet’s struggle for autonomy.

Published by William Morrow in the United States and HarperNonFiction in Britain, Voice for the Voiceless will also be translated into Tibetan and Chinese, despite the likelihood of it being banned in China. Its global release underscores the Dalai Lama’s hope that his message will resonate beyond political borders and inspire dialogue about justice, freedom, and cultural preservation.

As the world grapples with shifting geopolitical dynamics, the Dalai Lama’s voice remains a beacon of hope and resilience. Voice for the Voiceless serves as both a historical testimony and a call to action, urging readers to consider the plight of Tibet and the importance of safeguarding its unique heritage.

For those who admire the Dalai Lama’s teachings or seek to understand Tibet’s ongoing struggle, this book offers an invaluable perspective. It is a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and the enduring fight for dignity, freedom, and cultural identity.

Share