As a young man Norbu was retained as an aide by his powerful brother, then guardian and manager of Lobzang Gyatso, the young Fifth Dalai Lama who, in his autobiography, recounts Norbu's antics and failures over the years.
As a young man Norbu was retained as an aide by his elder powerful brother, Sonam Rapten, a top official who was guardian and manager of Lobzang Gyatso, the young Fifth Dalai Lama. The latter, in his autobiography,'Dukula', using his keen eye for detail, repeatedly recounts Norbu's antics and failures over the years.