Phase One of the Official Biography Project was completed in 2009, with the publication of the first six volumes*. Volume 1 contains a brief recapitulation of the lives of all the previous Dalai Lamas. Volumes 2 to 6 cover the life of the 14th Dalai Lama from his birth to 1960. Each volume contains an average of 25-30 black and white photographs. Phase Two will cover the period from 1960 to 2000; publication is expected in 2014.
Phase One
Starting in 1984, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Private Office undertook the compilation of an Official Biography of the 14th Dalai Lama, in Tibetan; the project was entrusted to Kungo Ngawang Dondup Narkyid. In 2000, at His Holiness’ request, responsibility for the Official Biography project was transferred from the Private Office to the Norbulingka Institute. The team was enlarged to include six full-time historians, writers, and researchers under the guidance of Kasur Kalsang Yeshi, acting as Editor-in-chief.
The Official Biography is based on numerous interviews with His Holiness and the notes and diaries of his successive Secretaries, beginning with Kungo Tara. A total of 94 works were extensively researched to corroborate material and fill in historical background. From 2000 to 2009, the team was composed of the following scholars: Shiwo Lobsang Dhargye, Kasur Kalsang Yeshi, Ngawang Dondup Narkyid, Kasur Sonam Topgye, Drakpa Tendar, Namgyal Dorje, Pema Rinzin.
Phase Two
During Phase Two, Norbulingka Trust will continue to provide office space, equipment and materials free of charge, and Kasur Kalsang Yeshi will continue to offer his services pro bono as editor-in-chief. In order to compensate the six other members of the team in keeping with their qualifications and recent increases in the cost of living, Norbulingka Trust is seeking the sum of US $ 16,800 a year, for four years. The salary of the two senior scholars is $ 300 a month; that of the four junior scholars, $ 200 a month.
Sponsorship
Norbulingka Trust will be grateful for donations of any amount, whether recurrent or one-time only.
Sponsors willing to commit for the entire duration of Phase Two (2010-2014) will be greatly appreciated.
Donors contributing over $2000 will receive a complimentary copy of the first set of six volumes in the soft-cover edition.
