“Walking on knives” led to the author’s friendship with the Dalai Lama. Mr. Harrer, finding several pairs of skates left in Lhasa by British diplomats, organized skating parties on a tributary of the Kyi River. The young king, hearing of the new sport, yearned to see his subjects in action, but Chagpori Hill (background) blocked his view from the Potala roof. He sent a motion-picture camera to the author, requesting him to film officials’ attempts to maneuver on ice. Here Lobsand Samten, brother of the Dalai Lama, seems headed for a fall. Wangdula, a monk officer and close friend of the author, glides beside him. A member of India’s mission in Lhasa wobbles at the right.