​

Zumu Prepares to Catch the Divine Horse

After a long period of rest, Zumu finally recovered. She carefully thought about Joru’s request:

 

“If I don’t capture that horse, there seems to be no other way. Joru is a man of extraordinary abilities, and if he says such a horse exists, it might actually be real. As the saying goes, ‘If you don’t have treasures of your own, how can you find them in the mountains?’ But if it really does exist, it must be an extraordinary divine horse. What does it look like? If I don’t ask clearly and search blindly, wouldn’t that be a wasted effort?”

 

So, Zumu composed a song to ask for the features of the wild horse:

 

"Joru, the divine son, has given me this task,

To capture a divine horse from the wild.

But animals belong to their owners,

And Guomu would never steal a horse.

 

Wild mules cannot be ridden,

Wild oxen cannot be tamed.

How could I take another’s horse home,

And feel shame riding it afterward?

 

This horse is no mountain mule,

This horse is not among the usual herds.

It resembles a mule but is not a mule,

Wandering freely in the wild lands.

 

If it is a gift from the gods,

It will naturally come to Joru’s hands.

If it is a treasure of the dragon king,

It will surely come to Guomu’s home.

 

To find something, you need its name,

To retrieve something lost, you need its features.

What are the characteristics of this horse?

What is its color and how can it be recognized?

Please, Joru, tell me clearly,

So I can fulfill your command."

 

Joru replied with a smile, “Zumu, you’re right. Without knowing the horse’s features, you won’t be able to catch it.”

 

He then sang a song, describing the origins of the horse and its current location:

 

"My dear mother, who raised me,

Beautiful and wise, oh Zumu, listen well!

 

Fields, seeds, and rainwater,

Must all come together to grow crops.

Arrows, strong bows, and steady hands,

Are all needed to defeat enemies.

 

Joru, Guomu, and Zumu,

Only together can we capture the divine horse.

 

The horse’s homeland lies in the holy lands of Maza,

On the sacred peaks of Bangle Mountain.

It is my destined steed, born alongside me.

 

Its father is Garbo, the divine stallion,

Descended from the celestial horses of the east.

Its mother is Mada Jormo,

A mare born into the wild herds.

 

Its body is not light red but deep crimson,

Its fur glistens like polished gemstones,

Its ears are tipped with eagle feathers,

And its hooves have wind-like swirls.

 

It stands out from all other horses,

With nine unique features that you must remember:

Its forehead resembles a falcon’s,

Its neck looks like a weasel’s.

Its face is like a goat’s,

And its jaw is as delicate as a rabbit’s.

Its eyes are like a frog's,

And its pupils shine like a serpent’s.

 

Its nose is soft like silk,

And its ears are pointed, adorned with feathers.

It has eighteen powerful tendons,

And twenty strong joints.

 

This horse is no ordinary creature.

It can fly to the skies and speak human words.

Among thousands of horses, none are like it.

Only with the help of the gods and Guomu’s skills

Can this divine horse be captured."

 

Guomu and Zumu Capture the Divine Horse

After listening to Joru’s explanation, Guomu and Zumu set out to capture the divine horse, with the assistance of heavenly gods, dragon deities, and protective spirits. When they arrived at the Mulanmu mountain pass, they gazed upon the Bangle Mountain slopes. Some wild horses roamed freely on the mountain peaks, while others grazed on the valley's lush grasslands.

 

Looking closer, they spotted the extraordinary divine horse! It had a tail like jade, a mane as green as emeralds, and fur that shimmered like red rubies. Its coat sparkled with rainbow-like hues, and its hooves danced with an unceasing rhythm. From the front, it resembled a "Rigma," standing tall and proud. From behind, it looked like an eagle swooping down for its prey.

 

Its legs were as agile as a fox’s, with patterns on its skin resembling the flowing movement of fish. Its powerful thighs were well-defined, and its chest resembled the delicate build of a songbird. Each of its four legs had a unique swirl of hair, and its proportions were perfectly balanced. The horse had thirteen distinct abilities, hidden like a gathering of eagles.

 

Upon seeing the horse, Zumu turned to Guomu and sang:

 

"Oh masters, gods, and protectors,

I offer you my humble song.

This here is the sacred Mulanmu pass,

A place of great beauty and renown.

 

Look toward the mountain ahead,

Like a king seated upon a throne.

The Chinese call it 'Dongqing Nian Nian,'

And the Tibetans name it 'Bangle Mountain.'

 

Clouds swirl around its peaks,

Green grass covers its slopes,

Flowers bloom brightly at its base,

Competing in beauty and fragrance.

 

This is where the divine horse resides,

Hiding among the wild white-mouthed horses.

It plays with hundreds of mares,

Frolics with countless foals.

 

Its tail and mane dance with the wind,

Its fur shines with rainbow colors.

Sometimes it appears, sometimes it vanishes,

Creating illusions and countless mirages.

 

Above, a majestic eagle spreads its wings,

Behind it, a lion roars with pride,

And in front, a tiger leaps fiercely.

 

Its eyes, heart, and legs,

Shoulders, cartilage, and ribs,

Are as strong as a gathering of hawks.

 

This is no ordinary horse;

It has the power to fly to the heavens,

And it understands human words.

Among thousands of horses,

None can compare to this divine creature.

 

Its unique traits are etched in my mind,

But capturing it will require the help of gods and protectors,

And the skill of Guomu, my dear mother."

 

Guomu Captures the Divine Horse

Following Zumu's guidance, Guomu spotted the divine horse and was filled with joy. She thought to herself:

 

"Capturing this divine horse will require more than just effort. Without the blessings of the gods, the power of the Three Jewels, and the karmic connections of past lives, it would be impossible for me to catch it. Since my son Joru said the horse is intelligent and can even speak human language, I should also sing about its connection to Joru while praying to the gods and the Three Jewels. Perhaps the horse will understand."

 

With this in mind, Guomu sang a prayer in the auspicious six-tone melody:

 

"At the crown chakra of supreme bliss,

Sits the master, Padmasambhava,

Along with the divine East Joro Garbo.

Please, come quickly to help me, Guomu,

And cast the celestial lasso to capture the divine horse.

 

At the throat chakra of enjoyment,

Sits the deity Hayagriva,

Guiding beings with true prophecies.

Please, come quickly to help me, Guomu,

And cast the celestial lasso to capture the divine horse.

 

At the heart chakra of Dharma,

Sits the divine protector Nagasri Vichu.

Please, come quickly to help me, Guomu,

And cast the celestial lasso to capture the divine horse.

 

At the navel chakra of transformation,

Sits the countless formless dakinis,

Along with the goddess Tara Viga.

Please, come quickly to help me, Guomu,

And cast the celestial lasso to capture the divine horse.

 

At the secret chakra of bliss,

Sit the many protective deities,

Along with my own son, Joru.

Please, come quickly to help me, Guomu,

And cast the celestial lasso to capture the divine horse.

 

Oh gods and protectors, lend me your strength.

Together, let us catch this divine horse,

And place the lasso's end in my hands."

 

Then, Guomu turned her attention to the horse and continued singing:

 

"Oh divine horse, listen carefully!

I have a few words for you:

A sharp arrow, sleek in its golden casing,

Is a hero's adornment.

But if it fails to strike the enemy,

Its sharpness matters not.

 

A brave and cherished son,

Is regarded as a treasure in the world.

But if he cannot protect his kin,

His existence matters not.

 

Lush green fields are adorned by crops,

Making the land more beautiful.

But if the harvest cannot be reaped,

Blossoms matter not.

 

A divine horse, like you,

Adorns the mighty Mount Meru.

But if you are not saddled and ridden,

Your speed matters not."

 

The Divine Horse's Song

After finishing her song, Guomu stepped forward. The other wild horses scattered in all directions, but the divine horse stayed behind. It showed affection toward Guomu, looking joyful, and neighed loudly as it sang:

 

"If you do not know this place,

It is the famous sacred Bangle Mountain.

If you do not know who I am,

I am the messenger sent by the gods.

The celestial spirits regard me as a treasure,

And I am the one who determines the fate of all horses.

 

I am the king of horses, Jang Gapeibu is my name.

Guomu, listen carefully,

I have a few words to say to you:

 

Without taming wild beasts,

They cannot become domestic animals.

Without hard work and ambition,

Dreams will vanish like bubbles.

 

Without good fortune, wealth is hard to gain.

Without karmic ties, children cannot grow.

I, the king of horses,

Spent three years in Nama Xiong,

Three years in Kuruja,

Three years in Yuzhi’e,

And three years grazing on Bangle Mountain.

 

For twelve springs, I have endured hardship.

In summer, I had no shelter from rain.

In winter, I had no blanket to keep warm,

The howling winds pierced my bones.

 

In spring, I had no food to fill my belly,

I was hungry and miserable.

Twelve long years I have waited,

Longing for a saddle and bridle that never came.

 

Twelve years have passed like flowing water,

And no master has come to seek me.

I have never been adorned with a fine saddle,

Nor have I ever rested in a warm stable.

My mouth has never tasted exquisite food,

And all my hopes remain unfulfilled.

 

I have never heard Joru’s name,

Nor have I seen Guomu’s face.

Now, I am old and weary,

Unable to be trained or fulfill my destiny.

 

If seeds are not sown in spring,

How can crops be harvested in autumn?

If cows are not fed in winter,

How can butter be churned in spring?

If horses are not trained in times of peace,

Where will steeds be found in times of war?

 

I cannot stay here to suffer,

Nor will I roam the world to help mortals.

If Joru does not regret losing me,

I would rather return to the heavens.

 

If you understand my song, it will sweeten your ears.

If you do not, I have no regrets."

 

After finishing its song, the divine horse prepared to take flight, spreading its wings like an eagle soaring into the sky. Realizing the urgency, Guomu focused all her attention on praying to the gods and spirits.

 

From the clouds above, countless gods, dragon deities, and celestial spirits descended, as numerous as dust illuminated by sunlight. Leading them were Joru’s divine siblings—East Joro Garbo, Naga Vichu, and Tara Viga. They cast a celestial lasso around the horse’s neck and handed the other end to Guomu.

 

The gods scattered auspicious flowers, created rainbows in the sky, and revealed countless miraculous signs. Guomu successfully captured the divine horse. Slowly, she descended the mountain, thinking:

"This divine horse is truly extraordinary.

It understands human emotions,

Speaks human words,

And has wings to soar through the heavens.

No other horse in the Ling Kingdom can compare."

 

Turning to Zumu, Guomu asked:

"Oh Zumu, from the wealthy Jara family,

Your family has thousands of fine horses,

And every noble in Ling owns an exceptional steed.

Have you ever seen a horse like this?"

 

The Divine Horse's Escape and Song

After Guomu finished her question, she was about to sing a song praising the divine horse. However, the horse's abilities had yet to be fully demonstrated, and it was not yet the right time for Zumu to offer her praise.

 

Suddenly, the divine horse became frightened by the thought of being captured. With a powerful leap, it soared into the sky like an eagle spreading its wings. Guomu clung tightly to the horse’s neck, hanging on like an ornament.

 

As the horse ascended higher into the air, the lands of Jara, Jaga, Persia, Tibet, Jiang, and the Demon Kingdom clearly appeared beneath their feet. At that moment, the divine horse neighed loudly and sang:

 

"Oh gods of bliss residing within my body,

Oh dakinis flowing through my veins,

Oh Buddhas who guide my soul,

Please watch over me,

And help me fulfill my mission to benefit all beings!

 

If you do not know this place,

It is the celestial realm where birds soar freely.

Look below at the beautiful lands!

 

There lies the sacred Jaga Eagle Mountain,

Like an eagle resting on the ground.

There lies the holy Mount Emei of Jara,

Like a great reclining elephant.

There lies the sacred Wutai Mountain,

Like the crown of five Buddhas.

And there lies Mount Kailash,

Like a crystal vase of enlightenment.

 

These are the four sacred mountains of the southern continent,

Majestic and revered by all.

 

That place, where clouds shroud the peaks,

Where day becomes as dark as night,

Is the Muba Chuchu Mountain in the north.

That mountain, where black braids sway like dancers,

Is Jowo Langri Mountain in the far north.

That fortress, sharp as a black iron stake,

Is the Demon Stronghold of Sharulangmu City.

 

It is also called Bangnaka Ruogu Jiao.

It is where Joru will subdue demons,

And where I, the divine horse, will benefit all beings.

Please, Guomu, remember it well!

 

If no one in Ling praises me,

If Guomu does not sing my virtues,

Then I cannot stay in the Ling Kingdom.

I would rather return to the celestial heavens.

 

If you understand my song, it brings sweetness to your ears.

If you do not, I have no regrets."

 

At that moment, the divine horse performed a miraculous act, transporting itself to the Five Peaks Mountain in the mainland, where Joru was already waiting.

 

Guomu and Zumu Deliver the Divine Horse to Joru

Joru lightly struck the divine horse three times with his whip. The horse swayed and dashed forward, ultimately flying back to the summit of Bangle Mountain. When Guomu landed on the ground, she was overjoyed to take hold of the horse and began leading it down the mountain.

 

Seeing this, Zumu quickly exclaimed, "Guomu! Since we’ve already captured the horse, let’s hurry and deliver it to Joru. Once the horse is handed over, our mission will be complete."

 

As they spoke, the two women led the horse toward Joru. However, before they could reach him, the horse broke free and ran directly toward Joru. Despite their efforts, neither Guomu nor Zumu could catch it again. Zumu, alarmed, shouted, "Joru! Joru! The horse is running away!"

 

Joru, calm and composed, said to Guomu, "Mother, let go of the rope. This thousand-mile steed is destined to be with me. Today is the day of our fated reunion—it will not run away again."

 

Guomu thought to herself, What my son says is true. Based on past experiences, I cannot capture this horse with my strength alone unless divine power intervenes. With this realization, she released the rope, letting it fall onto the horse’s back.

 

The divine horse, upon seeing Joru, ran toward him with affection, like a child reuniting with its mother. Joru gently stroked the horse for a long while, took hold of the celestial lasso, and then turned to Zumu, saying:

 

"Ah, Sister Sonam Zumu! Now the celestial thousand-mile horse is mine, and it’s time to head to the Ling Kingdom. In the past, my mother and I were unfamiliar with horses. But you, as a daughter of the wealthy Jara family and the owner of countless fine steeds, must be well-acquainted with the thirty steeds of the Ling brothers.

 

Please examine this horse and tell me: Does it rank as superior, average, or inferior? Can it stand alongside the brothers’ steeds? What are the advantages of ordinary horses, and what unique traits does this one possess? Please share your thoughts."

 

Zumu’s Song of Praise for the Divine Horse

Zumu, born into wealth and the owner of nine herds of fine horses, naturally knew how to distinguish the qualities of horses. From a young age, she had learned from her father about the traits of excellent steeds. Thus, she began to describe the characteristics of ordinary horses and the unique traits of the divine horse, singing in the Nine Lions Six Variations Melody:

​

"I pray sincerely to the Three Jewels,

May my words today come true.

Joru, son of Guomu,

I have a few things to tell you.

​

As Tibetans say:

"If one does not understand the guru’s virtues,

Worshiping is like smearing butter on a rock.

If one does not comprehend the teachings,

Chanting scriptures is no different from a parrot’s mimicry.

​

If one does not know their origins,

They are like a monkey lost in the forest.

If one cannot distinguish treasure from stone,

They are like a stranger lost on the road."

​

Without understanding the traits of fine horses,

One might mistakenly call an ordinary horse a steed.

Good horses are divided into four types:

Jining, Mukeng, Bodu, and Dowa.

Among them, Dowa horses are the best when long-bodied.

Bodu horses are excellent when sturdy.

Mukeng horses are praised for their strong build.

And Jining horses are admired for their lightness.

​

The best Dowa horse is like the rising sun,

Its four sides built as if perfectly aligned.

The middle Dowa horse resembles a drawn string,

Loose on the outside but tight within.

The lowest Dowa horse is like an iron ox,

Its body long but its skin thin.

​

The appearance of a horse falls into three categories:

A phoenix-shaped face is the finest,

A goat-shaped face is average,

And a deer-shaped face is inferior.

​

The legs of a horse fall into three categories:

Cow’s legs rank first,

Deer legs come second,

And goat legs are the least desirable.

​

The teeth of horses fall into seven categories:

First, like a wild mule’s teeth, wide and deep—this is the best.

Second, like a white-faced yak’s teeth, slightly crooked.

Third, like a sheep’s teeth, white and fine.

These three types of teeth belong to the best horses.

​

Fourth, like a tiger’s fangs, sharp and long.

Fifth, like a camel’s teeth, drooping outward.

Sixth, like a pig’s teeth, with rough bumps all over.

These three types of teeth belong to inferior horses.

​

Seventh, like a riding horse’s teeth, with narrow grooves—this is average.

​

The quality of a horse’s coat falls into five categories:

First, like a deer’s coat—coarse and long—this is the best.

Second, like a tiger’s coat—short and strong.

These two types of coats are ideal.

​

Third, like a fox’s coat—soft and long.

Fourth, like a bear’s coat—short and rough.

These two types of coats are the worst.

​

Fifth, like a donkey’s coat—neither soft nor strong.

This is considered average.

​

The hooves of horses fall into seven categories:

First, hooves shaped like wooden bowls.

Second, edges worn smooth like copper petals.

Third, short, upright hooves resembling iron pig hooves.

These three types of hooves belong to the best horses.

​

Fourth, curled edges with no indentation in the center.

Fifth, flat hooves with no heel.

Sixth, hooves that are round and smooth with no edges.

These three types of hooves are inferior.

​

Seventh, hooves that are four-curved and three-straight—these are average.

​

The structure of a horse’s bones and joints is critical:

The topmost joint is the neck.

A neck with round, evenly spaced vertebrae is excellent.

​

The middle joint is the spine.

A spine with three slightly curved segments is ideal.

​

The lowest joint is the hoof.

Short, thick hoof bones are considered superior.

​

Behind the ears is the skull.

A lower skull is better than a higher one.

​

Behind the tail is the rump.

A higher rump is better than a lower one.

​

The calf should resemble the udder of a pregnant mare.

A flatter shape is better than a protruding one.

​

The top of the head should be straight and thick.

A higher head is better than a lower one.

​

The mane should flow like white silk.

Longer is better than shorter.

​

Upright manes resemble pillars reaching to the sky.

Taller is better than shorter.

​

The throat and neck should be stretched taut like a ribbon.

A longer neck is more desirable than a shorter one.

​

The collarbone should house small lungs,

Smaller lungs are better than larger ones.

​

The outer ribs should house the kidneys.

Protruding ribs are better than sunken ones.

Rounded ribs gathered beneath the chest are ideal.

​

The abdomen should have symmetrical ribs.

The lungs should be wide and spacious.

The liver should be small and compact.

The intestines should be thick and strong.

The heart should be thin and light.

These internal organs define a fine horse.

​

A large head needs a crown.

Large ears resemble a hat on the head.

Small legs need shoes.

Hooves should look like sturdy, well-fitted footwear.

​

The first of the sixteen vertebrae

Should be able to hold a liter of barley.

​

The space between the eyes and ears should be hidden.

The top of the head and the nose should be narrow.

The mane should be neatly tucked between the shoulders.

​

The four limbs should appear as though carved,

Resembling four lambs standing apart.

​

Now let me describe five types of swift horses:

​

First, a hawk-chested, bull-shouldered horse,

Which can herd a group of horses with a whip.

​

Second, a horse with upright manes and a sharp snout,

Which can lasso wild oxen even at night.

​

Third, a horse with an arched waist and wide flanks,

Which can crack a deer’s skull with its bite.

​

Fourth, a rabbit-headed, round-nosed, buckwheat-eyed horse,

Which can snatch a rabbit from the mountains.

​

Fifth, a horse that leaps like a tiger or a rat,

Which can chase the clouds and catch the moon,

Racing faster than even the birds of the sky.

​

Next, I’ll describe four types of long-distance horses:

​

First, the ‘Jajang Wu Ba Paibo’ horse,

Which can gallop a hundred miles without sweating.

​

Second, the ‘Tongjang Zhu Gu Bai Xie’ horse,

Which can travel a thousand miles tirelessly.

​

Third, the ‘Chijang Ka Wa Gang Bo’ horse,

Which can gallop ten thousand miles without fatigue.

​

Fourth, the ‘Benza Chang Ba Ben Deng’ horse,

Which can cover a hundred thousand miles with ease.

This divine horse is unlike ordinary ones.

On its head are seven animal-like features:

​

First, the forehead of a yak.

Second, the eye sockets of a frog.

Third, the fierce eyes of a viper.

Fourth, the snow-white nostrils of a lion.

Fifth, the lips of a tiger.

Sixth, a tuft of eagle feathers near the ears.

Seventh, the lower jaw of a stag.

​

These seven features make up the perfect steed.

​

Additionally, every fine horse has eighteen tendons,

Each unique and unlike those of ordinary horses.

The tendons resemble the following:

​

Like crows crossing necks,

They are found on the horse’s forehead.

Like a tiger’s embrace,

They are found on the back of the head.

Like a water-filled stomach,

They are found on the cheeks.

Like a fish swimming,

They are found along the ribs.

Like a jade dragon drilling through,

They are found in the horse’s armpits.

Like heaps of wool,

They are found on the top of the head.

Like a pig’s nest,

They are found on the horse’s thighs.

Like a bag of barley,

They are found on its shinbones.

Like a coiled thread,

They are found on the inner thighs.

Like a drum,

They are found on the belly.

Like thick fingers,

They are found along the tail.

​

This divine horse possesses every single one of these traits.

It is perfect in every way.

​

Its coat shines brighter than rubies.

It races like a shooting star.

It was born from the deity Hayagriva.

Those who ride it will not fall into hell,

But instead will ascend to the heavens.

This horse is the very embodiment of liberation."

 

Zumu's Continued Praise for the Divine Horse

At this point, Zumu paused for a moment, thought deeply, and then continued singing:

 

"To praise ordinary horses in such a way would not be right,

This divine steed truly deserves such admiration.

Oh, how happy I am!

A thousand-mile horse, how miraculous!

A divine steed from the heavens, praised by all.

 

Among the thirty fine horses of the Ling Kingdom,

There is Dongzan’s jade-hued Iron-Blue Horse,

Said to have the strength of a great roc bird.

But this ability is not so special,

For it is merely an animal’s natural instinct.

 

There is Chaxiang Danma’s ‘Divine Silver-Grey Steed,’

And Chaotong’s mount, the ‘Black-Tailed Jackal.’

These are said to understand human emotions and speak human language.

While all praise them as extraordinary,

It is not worth being amazed,

For clever animals can also mimic speech.

 

Yama Sendha’s ‘Thousand-Mountain Charger,’

Jiacha’s ‘White-Shouldered Phoenix Horse,’

And the Grand Chief’s ‘Mule-Headed Chestnut Steed’

Are all said to have the abilities of a thousand-mile horse.

Yet, there is no need for astonishment.

Their outward appearance and inner nature,

Are no more than what ordinary animals possess.

 

But your divine steed is truly exceptional.

Though it has the body of an animal,

Within it lies the heart of a Buddha.

It was born from the deity Hayagriva.

Seeing it ensures one will not fall into hell.

Riding it will carry you to the heavens.

 

Such an extraordinary divine steed,

To see it today is truly rare.

What I have witnessed firsthand is even more astonishing:

 

It was captured by heavenly gods, dragon deities, and celestial spirits.

The lasso used to capture it was a miraculous celestial rope.

In the sky, it has wings to fly,

On the ground, it has hooves to gallop.

It is as gentle as a domesticated horse,

Yet such a magnificent steed is hard to find in this world.

 

When it flies, it spreads its wings through the nine heavens,

Even a great roc cannot match its height.

When it runs, it races as fast as the wind,

No steed in the Ling Kingdom can compete with it.

 

 

Joru, your red rabbit-like divine steed,

Is truly a thousand-mile horse that chases the wind and rides the clouds.

 

Now that the divine horse is in your hands,

Joru, quickly return with me to the Ling Kingdom.

Winning the horse race will be as easy as turning your hand.

Your divine steed will certainly take first place.

 

With this horse, Joru will undoubtedly ascend to the throne,

And Zumu will always belong to you.

 

Oh, divine steed!

Every word of Zumu’s praise is true.

Ling Gabu needs you,

And my entire life depends on you!

 

If you understand my song, you are truly fortunate.

If you do not, I will not explain further.

Joru, please remember this in your heart."

 

The divine steed’s past karmic connection with Zumu made her praise perfectly fitting. After hearing her song, the divine steed felt deeply joyful. It stood obediently by Joru’s side, waiting for its master to mount its back. It was ready to carry Joru to victory in the horse race.

 

Notes

Lhagma: A type of giant sacred pillar.

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