The well-preserved, rich cultural heritage of Tibet-the "roof of the world"- has haunted the discerning mind for centuries. Till about the beginning of the 20th century, very few foreigners could enter the 'Forbidden Land'. Although the institution of the Dalai Lama, around which the culture of Tibet revolves, came into existence only about 600 years ago, it has exercised such a powerful impact on he minds of the Tibetans that one feels as if there never was a Tibet without its Dalai Lama. The author comprehensively examines the various aspects of this unique institution and its abounding impact on the entire Tibetan society. Besides providing relevant descriptive details, the author answers a host of pertinent questions about this enigmatic society including: When did Buddhism enter Tibet? What role the Chinese played in the discovery of the new incarnations? Who are the Panchen Lamas? Will there be the 15th Dalai Lama? How did the Dalai Lama escape from the closely guarded Lhasa? "Although he slept with a woman every day, he never allowed a drop of his semen to emit. This control, the 6th reincarnation acquired in his previous births?" What is the justification for accepting the sixth as the genuine re-incarnation? An except from the Foreword given by His Holiness. "It is an earnest endeavour to study the institution of the Dalai Lamas... The significance of this book lies in its subject matter which is essentially historical and I have no doubt will be valuable to future historians." Inder Malik, a diplomat belonging to the Indian Foreign Service, has retired after a long career, both challenging and rewarding, which afforded him an opportunity to visit about 100 odd countries as widely separated as Laos and Brazil are geographically and Tibet and Norway socio-culturally. Born as he was near Harappa (West Pakistan), the cradle of the Indus civilization, he always nursed special interest in anthropological studies right from his school days. Though pursuit of this inner urge made him stay with the Laplanders in the 'Land of the Mid Night Sun' and also study the Inca civilization in Peru, but, as is evident from the present volume, his fascination for Tibet, finally overwhelmed him. This process was, of course, facilitated by closer personal contact with the present Dalai Lama, lasting nearly two decades which ensured easy access to valuable and authentic background material
