My Journey to Lhasa

"Alexandra David-Néel was an incredible human being. She combined a real interest in academia and eastern religious teachings. She was born in Paris in 1868 to some quite austere parents. By the age of 15 she was already following anarchist practices. She learned Sanskrit early on, and by 21 had already converted to Buddhism. This would all come together in this particular journey to Tibet when she was 53. She set off with her Tibetan adopted son. They were both dressed as pilgrims. He was allowed to be in Tibet, which had recently been granted independence from China. But absolutely no foreigners were allowed in whatsoever. She went incognito , undercover. So she was constantly under threat of being caught out. That is, in the narrative sense, what drives the story. She carries a pistol, a compass, and a few old spoons. The end point is her reaching Lhasa, where she spends two months. It’s the capital of Tibet, and she was among the first Europeans to ever set foot there. What really struck me was her nonchalance. Her actual physical journey is extraordinary, and she combines huge intelligence and academic passion with a sense of rebellion. She had a genuine interest. As a Buddhist, she really wanted to reach this place for a spiritual goal. And it was this enormous physical challenge. I found that combination—it being both an intellectual and spiritual goal—really compelling. Yes, I think so. I mean, there’s a particular occasion when there’s a massive wipeout. She and her adopted son, Yongden, have gone the wrong way. He’s sprained his ankle and she has to find help. It’s very precarious, because they are so remote, it’s so cold, and she can’t let her identity be discovered. All together, this definitely enriches the story. But what’s so funny about her style is that she doesn’t draw attention to that. It’s just about getting through every day, and having this wonderful relationship with her adopted son and her own spirituality. That’s what’s important to her, and what is so strong about the book."