Dreams of a White Snow Lion

A spiritual biography of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, based on traditional Tibetan sources, presenting his united roles as political and spiritual leader in a complex global landscape.

This comprehensive biography of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, presents the unique spiritual journey of an unprecedented spiritual and political leader at the intersection of myriad complex political and geographical realms. The profound prophecies and karmic connections that shaped his leadership are revealed through a multifaceted lens of compassion, resilience, and strategic vision. This narrative explores his philosophical approach, particularly the Middle Way strategy, which advocates for dialogue and nonviolent resistance, while providing unprecedented insights into the internal dynamics of Tibetan governance and Buddhist ideals.  

Beyond a mere historical account, this work draws from over fifty Tibetan sources on his life, along with the Dalai Lama’s own words, from public international speeches to intimate teachings to close students. Representing a significant contribution to understanding the Dalai Lama’s transformative leadership, this book offers profound reflections on resilience, cultural preservation, and the potential for compassionate action to transcend political boundaries.SHERAB DHARGYE completed his monastic education at Gomang College of Drepung Monastery in South India. He has published twenty-five books in Tibetan, including biographies, three volumes on modern Tibetan history, and a significant work on the Kalachakra Tantra in nine volumes. Sherab teaches Tibetan language to both Tibetans and Westerners and produces a Tibetan-medium Facebook account focused on the Dalai Lama’s views and teachings with tens of thousands of followers. 

MARIATERESA BIANCA has lived and worked in Dharamsala, India, since 1993, with a period of five years’ residence in the United States. She serves as a translator and interpreter of Tibetan language, notably for the Dalai Lama and senior Tibetan teachers.