Catching the Tail of the Tiger: My Life from Tibet to Harvard Yard

The remarkable life story of Tulku Thondup (1939–2023), who traces his journey from a recognized reincarnate lama, or tulku, in Tibet to a renowned Buddhist scholar and teacher in America.

Through vivid storytelling, this beloved Tibetan lama, the late Tulku Thondup reveals intimate details of his early life in the Do Valley, his recognition as a tulku and his dramatic escape from Tibet while political upheaval threatened centuries of Buddhist tradition. His widow, Lydia Segal, contributes an in-depth personal introduction, expanding his story to the present day. 

The narrative weaves together personal revelations, historical events, and spiritual insights, offering readers unprecedented access to Tibetan Buddhist practices and philosophies. Tulku Thondup’s unique perspective as both an insider and cultural bridge-builder illuminates the depths of Buddhist wisdom, while making complex concepts accessible to Western readers. His account of establishing Buddhist teachings in America while maintaining connections to his homeland provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Tibetan Buddhism in the modern world.  

This remarkable memoir serves as both a historical document and a spiritual guide, offering readers profound insights into the nature of consciousness, death, and rebirth. Tulku Thondup’s teachings on unconditional love, combined with his personal experiences of loss and renewal, create an inspiring testament to the power of spiritual practice in transforming lives. His story will resonate with seekers of wisdom, students of Buddhist philosophy, and anyone interested in the intersection of Eastern spirituality with Western life.