​

Joru’s Homecoming and Chao Tong’s Scheme

The people of Ling Gabu were thrilled to see Joru return. "Joru and Guomu are back!" they shouted. "Zumu has brought Joru home!" To the people, especially those from Qiongjü, Joru’s return was a major event, as they had pinned their hopes for the horse race on him.

​

Crowds gathered around Joru and Guomu, greeting them warmly and asking countless questions about their journey. However, all eyes were drawn to the divine horse that Guomu was leading. This was no ordinary steed, and its magnificence left everyone in awe.

​

Among the welcoming crowd, one person was missing—King Chao Tong of Darong. Joru searched for his uncle with his eyes, eager to see him for many reasons. After settling his mother, Joru wasted no time and led the divine horse straight to Chao Tong’s home. Standing outside the door, Joru called out loudly, "Uncle! Joru has come to visit you. Please prepare a feast for me and feed my horse!"

​

Hearing Joru’s voice, Chao Tong came out. However, his eyes were immediately drawn to the divine horse. He stared at the horse with admiration and greed, captivated by its beauty and rarity. After a moment, he turned his attention to Joru and greeted him warmly.

​

"My dear nephew!" Chao Tong exclaimed. "I heard you were back, and I was about to come greet you, but something came up and delayed me. A few days ago, we were discussing the horse race, and even though you weren’t here, I didn’t forget about you! I even saved a feast for you!"

​

Joru noticed the greedy glint in Chao Tong’s eyes as he stared at the horse. He chuckled to himself, knowing that his uncle was already scheming to take the horse. Chao Tong was the type of man who wouldn’t let go of even the smallest benefit, let alone a horse as extraordinary as this one.

​

Sure enough, Chao Tong asked, "My dear nephew, whose horse is this? Where did you get it? I’ve never seen such a horse before!"

 

Joru’s Clever Response to Chao Tong

Joru sneered slightly and replied, "When I was exiled, this horse was still in its mother’s belly. How could you have seen it, Uncle? After the old mare gave birth to it, I didn’t have the resources to raise it properly, so I let it roam freely in the mountains. It’s never been trained and looks like a wild horse now. Whether I can even ride it, we’ll have to find out at the horse race."

​

Hearing Joru’s first few words, Chao Tong grew nervous. After all, he had been the one behind Joru’s exile. But when Joru didn’t press the issue and instead talked about the horse as if it were untrained, Chao Tong felt relieved.

​

"Oh, Joru, my good nephew," Chao Tong said, "for the horse race, a steed needs to be strong, fast, tall, well-behaved, and good-looking. From what I see, your horse doesn’t seem to have these qualities, which might put you at a disadvantage. Why don’t we make a deal?"

​

"A deal?" Joru asked, pretending to be curious.

​

"Yes, a trade!" Chao Tong said eagerly. "I have a green-maned white horse, carefully chosen from the best of my herd. It would be perfect for the race. Let’s trade horses, and I’ll even give you some extra compensation if you ask for it."

​

Joru laughed and said, "Trading is fine if both sides agree willingly. But this horse, though wild, is a rare treasure. If I don’t sell it, I can’t train it, but if I sell it, it would be such a waste. If you, Uncle, can cover my mother’s expenses for winter and summer, and give me thirteen bolts of silk, thirteen silver ingots shaped like horseshoes, and thirteen bags of gold, then I might consider it. But even then, your horse must suit me, and my horse must suit you."

 

Chao Tong’s Preparations and Joru’s Visit

Chao Tong was overjoyed when he heard Joru agree to trade horses. However, he failed to notice the subtle irony in Joru's words. The next day, Chao Tong prepared an extravagant feast with the finest tea, yak milk from a three-year-old calf, sweet pastries, rich meat and vegetable dishes, fresh fruit, and aged wine. The food filled the tent, piled high in an overwhelming display.

​

In addition, Chao Tong prepared the items Joru had demanded in exchange for the horse: thirteen bolts of silk, thirteen silver ingots shaped like horseshoes, and thirteen bags of gold. Just as Chao Tong was about to send someone to deliver these items, Joru arrived, leading the divine horse.

​

Seeing Joru and the horse, Chao Tong was delighted. He became even more convinced of the prophecy of the Horse-Headed King, believing it to be absolutely true and infallible. Now he was certain: once he acquired Joru’s horse, he could secure victory at the horse race and claim the throne.

​

Chao Tong greeted Joru with a wide smile and said, "My dear nephew, everything is ready for you, and I guarantee you’ll be satisfied. In the past, we didn’t have much time to talk, so today we must make up for it and have a good chat."

​

Joru looked around the tent, filled with food and gifts, and kept his expression neutral. He said, "Uncle, since you’ve prepared all this, I’ll accept it. But there’s so much—how will I carry it all by myself?"

​

Chao Tong quickly reassured him, "You don’t need to worry about that, nephew. I’ll have my steward deliver it to your mother’s tent." He then ordered his steward to take all the gifts to Guomu’s tent immediately.

​

Once everything was taken care of, Joru sat down. "Uncle, if you have anything to say, please go ahead," he said.

​

Chao Tong smiled and replied, "It’s not a command, nephew, but some life wisdom I’d like to share with you as we talk." With that, Chao Tong began to sing:

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Childhood, youth, and old age

Are the three ornaments of life.

In youth, with kind and loving parents,

Happiness lasts into old age without end.

​

Teachers, disciples, and benefactors

Are the three ornaments of spiritual practice.

When the teacher instructs and the student practices,

Both rejoice in achieving enlightenment.

​

Leaders, ministers, and citizens

Are the three ornaments of governance.

Virtuous policies inspire loyalty in subjects,

And gratitude brings harmony and joy to all.

​

Fathers, uncles, and nephews

Are the three ornaments of the tribe's honor.

By using wisdom to subdue enemies,

Kinship and love bring lasting happiness.

​

Mothers-in-law, daughters, and daughters-in-law

Are the three ornaments of a thriving household.

When their hearts align, both sides find joy,

And peace endures through the years.

​

Relatives, friends, and acquaintances

Are the three ornaments of worldly happiness.

Mutual benefit brings shared joy,

And sincerity leads to endless harmony.

​

The sun, moon, and stars

Are the three ornaments of the vast heavens.

Their warmth and light bless the world,

Together, they remain inseparable in the sky.

​

Clouds, thunder, and rain

Are the three ornaments of the great expanse.

Together, they nurture and depend on each other,

Bringing blessings to the earth below.

​

Seeds, crops, and fruit

Are the three ornaments of fertile land.

They bring abundance to livestock and humans alike,

Flourishing together in beauty and harmony.

​

Fathers, uncles, and nephews

Together are the three ornaments of Ling Gabu.

By devising wise strategies to subdue four enemies,

They enjoy peace and happiness without separation.
 

When Chao Tong finished his song, he looked at Joru warmly. His gaze carried a sense of pride, as though he believed Joru would be deeply moved and grateful for his words of wisdom.

​

Joru’s Sharp Retort

Joru raised his eyebrows and said, "Uncle, since you’ve finished speaking, I’ll say a few words myself." He then began to sing:

 

"Children are ignorant and lack understanding,

Youth is reckless and without wisdom;

Old age brings blindness and shamelessness—

Living long with such foolishness is worse than death.

 

Prideful monks seek nothing but power,

Disciples break rules and create chaos;

Stingy benefactors cling to selfishness,

Upholding the Dharma becomes deceitful self-interest.

 

Leaders bury their hearts in money bags,

Ministers deceive both their leaders and the people;

Innocent citizens are punished unfairly—

How can there be joy or gratitude in governance?

 

Fathers and uncles are more cunning than mountains,

Brothers’ scheming hearts rot like corpses;

Nephews, powerless, are exiled to the outskirts,

Subduing enemies or protecting kin proves pointless.

 

Mothers-in-law’s hearts are darker than the void,

Daughters-in-law behave wilder than mountain goats;

Daughters’ minds are filled with greed,

Long-lasting harmony is impossible to achieve.

 

Relatives often end up harboring hatred,

Acquaintances turn their faces away in the end;

Friends and kin eventually take each other to court—

True sincerity is almost impossible to find.

 

The sun sets behind the western mountains,

Clouds cover the moon, plunging the night into darkness;

Stars are chased away by the dawn,

The beautiful decorations of the sky are torn apart.

 

Thick clouds scatter in the wind,

The dragon hides, nowhere to be seen;

Rain vanishes far away in the sky,

Unable to bless the earth with its grace.

 

Grass seeds are eaten by wild cattle,

Crops are locked away in storage,

Ripe fruits rot on the ground,

Flowers bloom brightly but only for a short while.

 

My father, Senlen, is naive and foolish,

My uncle, Chao Tong, is full of schemes;

I, Joru, have endured great suffering,

How could we ever remain together in unity?"

 

When Joru finished singing, he looked at Chao Tong with a mocking gaze, as if to say: Didn’t I answer perfectly? Isn’t this exactly what’s in your heart?

​

Chao Tong’s Frustration and Joru’s Ultimatum

Chao Tong realized that Joru was too clever and sharp-tongued, and he knew he couldn’t outmatch him in their exchange. He wanted to scold Joru, but he feared escalating the situation. Instead, he forced a smile and said, "Life is full of joys and sorrows—it all depends on how you look at it. Let’s not dwell on this. Nephew, let’s take a look at the horse instead."

 

Joru replied, "There’s no need to look at the horse. If Uncle is willing to trade it for the Yuja horse, then we’ll talk. If not, there’s nothing more to discuss."

 

"You?!" Chao Tong exclaimed, shocked at Joru’s boldness. How could he possibly give up the Yuja horse?

 

"Uncle, are you unwilling?" Joru asked, deliberately provoking him.

 

"Nephew, don’t joke," Chao Tong replied. "The Yuja horse is a rare treasure of our Darong family. How could I easily give it away to someone else?"

 

"Your Yuja horse is your treasure, and my Jiangga Peibu is not my treasure? Why should I easily give it to you?"

 

"Fine," Joru continued, "trade is a matter of mutual agreement. Since you’re unwilling, take back the gifts you’ve offered."

 

"Taking back what’s already been given? That’s unheard of in this land. Surely, Uncle wouldn’t want to set such a precedent, would he?" After saying this, Joru led his divine steed, Jiangga Peibu, and left without looking back.

 

Chao Tong was so furious that he could barely catch his breath. He resolved to take his revenge at the upcoming horse race.

​

Joru Visits Jialuo's Family

Not long after, Joru chose an auspicious day and brought his divine horse to Jialuo’s home. Standing at the door, he shouted loudly, "Hey! Zumu! You said you would prepare a saddle for my horse, give me a whip, and bless the whip with prayers. Now is the time to fulfill your promise!"

 

Hearing Joru’s call, Jialuo Dunba Jianzhan, Zumu’s father, came out to greet him. He quickly prepared a grand seat, laid down silk cushions, and served fine food and delicacies to welcome Joru. He also presented a ceremonial white khata scarf as a gift and began to sing a song to Joru:

 

Inwardly, I am the accomplished Padma Totreng,

Secretly, I am the Bodhisattva Vajradhara,

Outwardly, I am the fierce Rahula King,

My palace lies in the land of Uddiyana.

Oh, master of wisdom, Padma Totreng, please observe!

 

If you wonder who I am,

In my past life, I was Kubera, the wealth deity.

I once offered treasures to Padma Totreng in Uddiyana.

 

I am the father of Zumu,

Jialuo Dunba Jianzhan, a man of great wealth.

Jialuo, E’luo, and Zhuoluo—

Three brothers, all equally rich.

One day, the three of us were on the mountain,

When a great master appeared out of nowhere.

 

His virtue was as vast as the heavens,

His teachings led to liberation.

Upon seeing him, I immediately bowed at his feet,

And all my worldly thoughts disappeared.

 

I couldn’t clearly see what he carried in front,

Nor could I see the treasures he bore on his back.

When we met, the master said to me:

“The saddle, reins, whip, and cushion—

These four treasures are gifts from the dragon king Zonarinchen.

They are entrusted to you, Jialuo, for safekeeping.

 

One day, when the son of the heavens descends,

A being of great power and wisdom will come to your home.

When that time comes, you must offer these four treasures to him.

 

My son, Zhujiyong, is useless—

He is certainly not the one destined to descend from the heavens.

 

My daughter, Zumu, is talented and capable,

But alas, she is only a woman.

 

I remember when your father chose his bride,

He chose the beautiful dragon maiden Guomu.

Her strength was as enduring as the mountains she upheld,

Her authority as vast as the sky that covers all.

 

It felt like a dream, yet it was real.

All the signs point to you, Joru, as the destined one."

 

The towering peaks that reach the sky—

They were not arranged for eagles,

The black vulture king came because of destiny.

 

The lush green cypress trees that grow tall—

They were not grown for cuckoos,

The divine bird perched because of fate.

 

The vast oceans that hide dragons and serpents—

They were not created for fish to gather,

The fish came to swim because of fortune.

 

Jialuo Dunba’s vast wealth,

Was not amassed for his own pleasure,

It exists because of Joru—it is his source.

 

Wealth is like a treasure, a perfect ring,

Blessings are like golden hooks, drawing fortune.

 

The mother’s womb one is born into cannot be chosen,

The throne cannot be won by speed alone.

A short life cannot be extended by skillful hands,

A wicked heart cannot be reforged by a blacksmith.

 

The karma of past lives cannot be contested with a horse,

The fate of this life cannot be stopped or changed.

 

If we use wisdom to observe,

The throne of Ling and the crown,

The husband of Zumu,

Are all destined to be Joru by the will of the heavens.

​

Zumu’s Blessings for the Divine Horse

When Jialuo Dunba Jianzhan finished his song, Zumu brought out a saddle and whip, presenting them to Joru. She then struck a sacred drum with a six-beat rhythm and sang a song to awaken the divine horse’s abilities:

 

In this sacred place,

I pray to the Supreme Saving Mother,

Grant me wisdom and clarity to sing this song.

​

This chestnut horse is extraordinary,

Its ears are tipped with tufts of eagle feathers,

It holds the power to hear in all directions.

Strike the divine whip near its ears three times—

Too hard, and its hair might break,

Too soft, and its true abilities won’t show.

Use just the right amount of force,

If it has power, let it reveal itself today!

​

This chestnut horse is truly remarkable,

Its fierce eyes burn like those of a serpent,

It holds the power to see in all directions.

Strike the divine whip in front of its eyes three times—

Too hard, and its hair might break,

Too soft, and its true abilities won’t show.

Use just the right amount of force,

If it has power, let it reveal itself today!

​

This chestnut horse is truly incredible,

Its nose is like the nose of a snow lion,

It holds the power to smell and distinguish all scents.

Strike the divine whip near its nose three times—

Too hard, and its hair might break,

Too soft, and its true abilities won’t show.

Use just the right amount of force,

If it has power, let it reveal itself today!

​

This chestnut horse is admired by everyone,

Its tongue is as strong as a tiger’s,

It holds the power to taste and discern all flavors.

Strike the divine whip near its mouth three times—

Too hard, and its hair might break,

Too soft, and its true abilities won’t show.

Use just the right amount of force,

If it has power, let it reveal itself today!

​

This chestnut horse is truly magnificent,

It runs like the wind that unfurls a red flag,

It holds the ability to sense everything around it.

Strike the divine whip at its sides three times—

Too hard, and its hair might break,

Too soft, and its true abilities won’t show.

Use just the right amount of force,

If it has power, let it reveal itself today!

​

This chestnut horse is a divine steed,

Its heart resembles the radiant palace of the gods,

It holds the wisdom of the Great Brahma.

Strike the divine whip near its chest three times—

Too hard, and its hair might break,

Too soft, and its true abilities won’t show.

Use just the right amount of force,

If it has power, let it reveal itself today!

​

This horse, made of the four great elements, was born to run,

But mountains and obstacles block its path,

Its ability to gallop has been hidden.

Zumu now uses sacred methods to awaken its strength.

​

This horse, with the wisdom of the Buddha, is divine,

But the five poisons have clouded its mind,

Its ability to discern has been concealed.

Zumu now uses sacred words to reveal its wisdom.

​

This horse, with immense compassion and divine power, is extraordinary,

But dualistic thoughts have stained its clarity,

Its ability to understand has been hidden.

Zumu now uses sacred chants to awaken its true potential.

​

The sound of drums echoes across the four directions,

Without striking the drum, no sound will come.

The divine whip awakens this steed,

Revealing its potential for great deeds and achievements.

This saddle, woven with the finest wool,

Is a treasure from the dragon king Zonarinchen.

The soul of the sheep resides in its center.

Today, it is offered to your divine steed,

Oh, noble Joru,

May you ascend to the golden throne,

And unite the world as its rightful king.

​

This golden and silver saddle, carved with intricate designs,

Was forged with gold at the front and silver at the back.

It is a treasure of the sky gods,

And holds the spirit of the horse within.

Today, it is offered to your divine steed,

Oh, noble Joru,

May you conquer all demons,

And bring blessings to the monks by spreading virtue.

​

This golden bridle is unparalleled,

Its gold is of the rarest quality.

It is a treasure of the heavenly gods,

And holds the spirit of the ox within.

Today, it is offered to your divine steed,

Oh, noble Joru,

May you protect the sinful beings,

And lead them out of the endless sea of suffering into paradise.

​

This white conch stirrup, paired with silk ribbons,

The dragon tendon girth, and the fine chest straps,

Are treasures of the earth gods.

Today, they are offered to your divine steed,

Oh, noble Joru,

May you achieve both martial and intellectual greatness,

And bring prosperity to the people, making the nation strong.

​

The bridle is as long as a black snake,

The saddle is layered with nine thick layers of brocade,

The felt pad is embroidered with eight auspicious symbols,

All treasures cherished by humanity.

Today, they are offered to your divine steed,

Oh, noble Joru,

May you protect the people and bring them peace,

And rule Ling as its rightful king.

This whip, made of fine rattan,

Has a handle inlaid with precious gems,

With silk ribbons from the sky goddess fluttering on its sheath.

It is a treasure of the Jialuo family.

Today, it is offered to your divine steed,

Oh, noble Joru,

May you abandon all ten evil deeds and uphold the law,

And spread the ten virtues of the Buddha’s teaching.

​

This long and pure white khata,

Symbolizes long life and prosperity,

It is a banner of power and a ribbon of fortune.

This auspicious khata is presented to you,

Oh, noble Joru,

May you live as long as the endless khata,

Remain untouched by disasters, pure and flawless,

And transform the world into a peaceful and prosperous land.

May your great achievements be celebrated far and wide.

​

This divine steed is no ordinary horse,

It was sent by the heavens to descend to the mortal realm,

Born on the peak of Mount Meru.

It was captured by Guomu and Zumu,

And now it is yours, Joru, to ride across the land.

Today, these treasures are offered to decorate your steed,

A horse that will surpass all others in the race.

Oh, noble Joru,

May you inherit the wealth of the Jialuo family,

And become the husband of Zumu.

​

May this divine horse’s hooves spin like the wind,

May it leave all other horses far behind,

May you achieve first place and fulfill your heart’s desire!

May your teachers and parents enjoy peace,

And may all your wishes come true!

This song is no ordinary blessing,

Joru, please keep it in your heart forever."

​

After Zhumu finished singing this hymn of praise for the horse, they equipped the fine steed with its saddle and tack, then presented a whip to Jue Ru with great respect. They also gave the whip a beautiful blessing before heading together to the horse racing field.

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