In the 1880s, Westerners finally penetrated the borders of Tibet. From these early excursions emerged rare photographs which revealed the mysteries of the ancient monasteries, temples, Tibetan monks, warriors, pilgrims, nomads, holy walks, sacred dances and initiation rites. These photographs are reproduced in this book. Lobsang P.Lhalungpa shares his recollections as a Buddhist monk raised in Lhasa, the "Forbidden City". He chronicles his training by the Dalai Lama, and recounts the spiritual, political and historical influences affecting the Buddhist master during his years in exile.
