His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet is revered by 6 million followers around the world. He describes himself as "a simple, smiling monk". But he is a theologian who can debate the intricacies of Buddhism, a philosopher whose thinking influences people around the world, a political and spiritual leader of the displaced Tibetan people, a best-selling author, a son and brother, and simply a friend to many.

This extraordinary collection of essays describe the different aspects of this remarkable man, who is universally recognised as the best hope for peace and unity in today's troubled world.

The contributors include Pico Lyer, who provides an insight into the personality of the disarming man with an infectious laugh, Robert Thurman, who describes his spiritual development, Matthieu Ricard, who describes a typical day in his life, and Daniel Goleman, who illustrates the high level of scientific understanding that his holiness displays.