The Autobiography of a Tibetan Monk

By: Palden Gyatso, Tsering Shakya - translator, His Holiness the Dalai Lama - foreword

Narrated by: P. J. Ochlan

Palden Gyatso was born in a Tibetan village in 1933 and became an ordained Buddhist monk at 18 just as Tibet was in the midst of political upheaval. When Communist China invaded Tibet in 1950, it embarked on a program of "reform" that would eventually affect all of Tibet's citizens and nearly decimate its ancient culture. In 1967, the Chinese destroyed monasteries across Tibet and forced thousands of monks into labor camps and prisons. Gyatso spent the next 25 years of his life enduring interrogation and torture simply for the strength of his beliefs.

Palden Gyatso's story bears witness to the resilience of the human spirit, and to the strength of Tibet's proud civilization, faced with cultural genocide.

©1997 Palden Gyatso. English translation copyright 1997 by Palden Gyatso and Tsering Shakya. Recorded by arrangement with Grove Atlantic, Inc. (P)2015 Audible Inc.

A MUST READ FOR ALL WHO CHERISH FREEDOM

This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read in my life. ( I am 83yrs.old and have been reading ever since I can remember).
I will not go into the contents of the the book, the summary speaks for itself.
What I will say though, that this is an absolute MUST READ.
Don’t be asleep at the wheel.
This can happen to our free world.
Ignorant people voting for liberal progressives, an other term for communism.
My heart felt thanks for the courage of Palden Gyatso for writing this book to share his experiences with us and thereby making us aware of our all important freedom.
The narrator P.J. Ochlan did an excellent job.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

Insight into Tibetan invasion by Communist China

Unbelievably moving account of suffering inflicted by Communist Chinese. Insight into government and military oppression

Highly recommended- a difficult story told with an amazing amount of clarity.

There is an undeniable ring of truth in this story- it was an education and a sharp painful reminder to be present and vigilant in our thoughts and actions as human beings - I could not stop listening and have immeasurable respect. I’m very grateful to this man for the courage to have survived to share this story with the world and grateful to have access to a very real and vivid account of a reality so many endure- and not just in Tibet. In so many parts of our world today not only is this brutal existence a reality but this book would not be an option either. The narrator did an exceptional job.

Thukjeche

It is because of stories such as Palden Gyatso and Kelsang Namtso that I am a member of ICT (International Campaign for Tibet). Not as a good quality of mine, but as a testimony that I Stand With Tibetans.

An important read, especially for today’s world in 2020

Palden Gyatso’s “The Autobiography of a Tibetan Monk” is a recount of his life and experience from the time before Tibet’s Chinese Communist takeover, through the mid/late 1990s. Even though very personal, Palden’s story holds as a testimony and reminder of what many have experienced around the globe, when experiencing a socialist revolution. Since many countries, including the United States of America, are seeing significant Socialist influence today (especially from the CCP), this book offers insights and warnings so that we can all avoid the slippery slope of such undue influence and brutality, before it’s too late. Get informed, and, stay free, my friends! 🙏🏼

eye opening account of the state of Tibet

beautiful story that sheds light on the hardship some of these monks have had to endure.

Free Tibet

I cried so many times listening to this book I had to put in down and come back to listening once I regained my composure. The pain and suffering of Palden Gyatso and so many Tibetans should not be ignored and yet, that is exactly what is happening. Free Tibet is not a slogan but a plea for restoring Peace and Freedom back to a country that never asked for anything from any country, EVER! Until the invasion of China. Now they just ask to be set free. The Chinese government should be held accountable for their continued oppression and lies against these beautiful people. How can we as humans continue to accept the oppression of the Chinese government and more sadly do business with them. I stand for freedom, I stand with the Dalia Lama and in loving memory of Palden Gyatso "Om Mani Padme Hum."

good story very brutal

Eye opening tale of a Tibetan monk living through Chinese occupation. Communism is not very tolerant.