DESCRIPTION

Namgyal Wangchuk Trichen Lhagyari (age 17) is the direct descendent of the great Kings of Tibet retains his traditional culture in the face of persecution. Namgyal is the only living descendent of Songtsen Gampo, the first Dharma King of Tibet (617-698 AD). Trichen represents his long lineage after being coronated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in exile in 2004. He is part of a generation of young Tibetans struggling to retain their traditional culture. The would-be King of Tibet, living in exile in Dharamsala in Northern India, is the 16-year-old Namgyal Wangchuk Trichen Lhagyari. As the only recognized descendent of the first Dharma King of Tibet (617-698 AD), Namgyal carries the unique responsibility of representing Tibet’s unbroken history and heritage. Yet, as a teenager, he also represents a new generation of young Tibetans who are caught today between the peaceful traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and a desperate desire to fight for the freedom of their people. These young Tibetans speak about the slow obliteration of their very identity – their livelihoods, their right to choose where they live, their ability to be educated in their languages – and the stark choice they face of either remaining in Tibetan areas under these constraints or seeking to flee to other countries.

MENTOR’S NOTE

“With his devotion to the principles of Tibetan Buddhism, his kindness and modesty, he touches the heart of everyone who meets him. Now we are back here to help him tell his story.” -Dirk Simon

DIRector’s note

“I, Lhagyari Trichen Namgyal Wangchuk feel honored and privileged as an individual and as a Tibetan to receive this opportunity to share my story with the world.”