While this unusual collaboration between a Tibetan lama and an American Wilderness photographer was underway, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. His Holiness was recognized as “the religious and polical leader of the Tibetan people” and praised for his philosophy of peace based on “reverance for all things living and upon the concept of universal responsibility embracing all mankind as well as nature.”

In this book, the Dalai Lama supplies quotations to go with each of 108 photographs by Galen Rowell of the land he hasn’t seen since he left Tibet in 1959 to flee the Chinese Communist regime. In six essays the Dalai Lama elaborates his views on how world peace, happiness, and environmental responsibility are inextricably linked. He explains the meaning of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists and gives an engaging account of his early life in Lhasa, revealing many sides to his nature–compassion, faith, common sense, and a playful sense of humor.