Much is known about the current Dalai Lama, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and spiritual leader of Tibetans in exile, but the 600-year tradition to which he is heir is less familiar. Mullin offers here the life stories of all fourteen Dalai Lamas. He has selected characteristic excerpts from their teachings, poetry, and other writings that illuminate the principles of Tibetan Buddhism that they expressed in their lives. This book uniquely blends history, spiritual teachings, and the personal experience and accomplishments of those who preserved and developed this treasured lineage.