What are roots? What impact do roots give us in our lives? I have always seen Tibet as one of the most spiritual cultures in the World, but the culture I've glimpsed before of Tibet is from records of outsiders and most of these outsiders have been focused on the monks, nuns and holy men or women rather than the common folk. Because of Tibet's strong affirmation in reincarnation, it is important to realize that the heads and Lamas of the monasteries are 'discovered' from among the common masses. Of course, the most known example is the Dali Lama.

       The book, 'Dali Lama, My Son; A Motheršs Story' is a book by Diki Tsering through the effort of her grand - daughter and grand - son, Yangzom Doma and Khedroob Thondup. It is a story told in frankness and a wonderful, clear simplicity.

      Reading this book in two sittings, I was deeply fascinated as I was drawn into an ancient culture through the eyes of an 'insider'. One quickly realizes that there are actually many cultures within Tibet and through this tantalizing portrait, I garnered glimpses of the rich variety of the peoples, wishing there could have been hundreds of other biographies of this diverse land. It can only be with deep sorrow that this shall never be, as this nation progresses to be severely eradicated by the Chinese Government.

      Yet, with this said, I had great difficulty in sitting myself down to write about this book. I have an immense respect for Tibet and Her natural spiritualism. This book hardly discounts that. However, though I have a inherent desire to extol Tibet, the book forced me to realize that as in many cultures, women are not treated with the fairness that could be hoped for. Yet, I must recognize that it is wrong to quickly and solely judge any culture based on my cultural prejudices. It is clear in Diki's story, that though she lived a hard and often thankless life, when she finally became 'Mother of the Dali Lama' she acknowledged that she had been happier/was happy as the wife of a peasant farmer. She remarks that the hard work gave her joy because she could Œseeš the fruits of her labor in both her and her husband's fine crops and children that she loved. It is also interesting to note that on attaining status as 'Grandmother,' a woman does achieve reverence and deference from her family. And it must be remembered that it is a hard life in general for both men and women, that for Diki was a life that built her strength, both in body and mind. Cultural roots that made her proud to be Tibetan.

    The other aspect of the book that gripped me was the precognition that runs normally in these people. It is not just a 'belief' in reincarnation, but a knowledge and recognition of its workings. Diki's own grandfather knew her to be special even before her birth. When His Holiness was still a young boy, he knew things only the Dali Lama could know about his previous life to a degree I found startling. It is much more than the simple picking of the right prayer beads or ritual utensils. His Holiness knew/remembered things even the previous Dali Lama's associates didn't know until he was able to show them. (An example is a tooth the previous Dali Lama had hidden before his death).

       The other aspect of the book that gripped me was the precognition that runs normally in these people. It is not just a 'belief' in reincarnation, but a knowledge and recognition of its workings. Diki's own grandfather knew her to be special even before her birth. When His Holiness was still a young boy, he knew things only the Dali Lama could know about his previous life to a degree I found startling. It is much more than the simple picking of the right prayer beads or ritual utensils. His Holiness knew/remembered things even the previous Dali Lama's associates didn't know until he was able to show them. (An example is a tooth the previous Dali Lama had hidden before his death).

      In the afterward there is a final paragraph that speaks of the honor the Dali Lama felt for his mother, that all of Tibet must have felt: "When his mother died, His Holiness announced her passing to a gathering of devotees under the bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. He described what a virtuous life she had led and how many manis (recitations of the mantra "Om mani padme hum") she had said in her final years. He was not sad, he said, because he was confident that she would have a good rebirth. I am sure she is back with us now, bringing comfort to everyone around her with her indomitable spirit."

     I, too can only believe that she is back, that the kindness and greatness of her spirit draws her back, for we are in sore need of such souls.