Khyongla Rato

Khyongla Rato (1923-2022) was a prominent Tibetan Buddhist scholar, teacher and author who served as a spiritual advisor to both Tibetan monastics and Western students. He was recognized as the reincarnation of the previous Khyongla at age four and received extensive training in Buddhist philosophy and practice at major Gelugpa monasteries. After fleeing Tibet in 1959 following the Chinese occupation, Khyongla Rato settled in India before eventually moving to the United States in 1968. He established The Tibet Center in New York City in 1975, which became an important institution for teaching Buddhism to Western students. His autobiography "My Life and Lives" (1977) provides valuable firsthand accounts of traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastic education and life in Tibet before the Chinese invasion. The book details his early recognition as a tulku, his rigorous training, and his eventual journey into exile. Beyond his teaching and writing, Khyongla Rato was known for maintaining strict monastic discipline while successfully bridging Eastern and Western approaches to Buddhist study. He continued teaching well into his 90s, providing guidance to students worldwide until his death at age 98.

Limited reader reviews exist online for Khyongla Rato's "My Life and Lives," but readers emphasize its value as a firsthand account of pre-1959 Tibetan Buddhist monastic life. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex Buddhist concepts and practices - Personal details about traditional tulku training - Historical documentation of Tibetan monastery routines and customs - Matter-of-fact writing style without embellishment Common criticisms: - Some sections on Buddhist philosophy can be dense for newcomers - Limited personal reflection on emotional experiences - Readers wanted more detail about his later life in America Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (based on 22 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (based on 8 reviews) One reader noted: "Provides rare insights into authentic Tibetan Buddhist training, though requires patience with philosophical sections." Another commented: "Important historical record, but maintains emotional distance typical of monastic writing."

My Life and Lives (1977) An autobiographical account detailing the author's recognition as a tulku at age four, his Buddhist education in Tibet's monasteries, and his journey into exile following the Chinese invasion.

Thubten Jigme Norbu wrote firsthand accounts of Tibetan Buddhist life and exile experiences as the elder brother of the 14th Dalai Lama. His books provide detailed insights into traditional Tibetan monastic education and the impact of Chinese occupation.

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