Before the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, a few scholars and travellers knew the Tibetan brand of Vajrayana Buddhism only. One of the consequences of this invasion - ironic for the Chinese - was the diffusion of Tibetan Buddhism throughout the world, especially in the West. The Dalai Lama has become a world-renowned figure. Every summer Tibetan monks teach in France to an audience of devotees, some of who come from long distances.