The Opening of the Wisdom-Eye.

HIS HOLINESS TENZIN GYATSHO: THE XIVTH DALAI LAMA OF TIBET,.

$7,500.00

Item Number: 4545

Bangkok: The Social Science Association Press of Thailand, 1968.

First edition in English of the Dalai Lama’s first book on Buddhist philosophy. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by the Dalai Lama on the title page in Tibetan “with prayers.” A near fine copy in an excellent dust jacket that is lightly rubbed. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. Rare, especially signed.

The Opening the Eye of the Western Eye is a succinct, thorough overview of the doctrines of Buddhism as they have been practiced for a thousand years in Tibet. The Dalai Lama here discusses the need for religious practice and the importance of kindness and compassion. Originally written for Tibetan lay people, this was the Dalai Lama's first book on Buddhist philosophy to appear in English. Written for both Tibetan and Western readers, Opening the Eye of New Awareness is the Dalai Lama's first religious work. It is not an edited transcript of public lectures, but is His Holliness' own summation of Buddhist doctrine and practice. Completed in 1963, just four years after his escape from Tibet and four years after completing his religious education, it is a work of consummate scholarship by a twenty-seven year-old geshe, wise beyond his years.