King Gesar
of Tibet
The Legend from ling
King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power.
King gesar's legend begins here
Gesar EPIC story ch 5 -
A Good Omen Appears, Chief Seeks Dream Interpretation, and the Great Sage Proclaims Prophecy
In the human world, within the southern continent of Jambudvipa, there was a fertile and prosperous region in the eastern part called Ling Gabu, located in the Dokham area of the Snow Land. Ling Gabu, meaning "the White and Auspicious Land," was divided into three parts: upper, middle, and lower Ling.
Upper Ling had vast, scenic landscapes with vibrant flowers and lush green grass covering its plains.Middle Ling was a region of rolling hills often draped in mist, resembling a fairy maiden wearing a translucent veil.Lower Ling was as flat as a frozen lake, gleaming like silver under the sun.
To the front of Ling Gabu stood towering mountains, and behind it stretched winding peaks. The tents of various clans dotted the land like stars in the sky, and the herds of cattle and sheep moved like drifting clouds. Ling Gabu was truly a vast, wealthy, and picturesque land.
The chief of Ling Gabu, Rongtsa Chagen, lived in a small house called "Lotus Sunrise" in Upper Ling. He was considered an incarnation of the great sage Gugu Ripa¹. Among the thirty heroes of Ling, he was the leader; among the thirty chiefs of Ling, he held the highest rank; and among the thirty rulers of Ling, he was the most prominent.
One night, Rongtsa Chagen went to bed early and slept deeply. In his dream, it seemed as though dawn had arrived. From the eastern peak of Mount Maje Bongri, a golden sun rose, illuminating the entirety of Tibet. At the center of this radiant sun was a golden vajra (a sacred thunderbolt-like symbol). Suddenly, the vajra descended and landed on the summit of Mount Jiji Daring, a sacred mountain in the middle of Ling.
While the sun still shone brightly in the sky, a moon also rose. This moon, unlike any he had seen before, appeared on the peak of Mount Manlan, surrounded by stars. Its light bathed the surrounding sacred mountains in brilliance.
In the dream, Rongtsa Chagen saw his younger brother, King Senlen, holding a grand parasol made of white silk, bordered with green silk, adorned with yellow tassels, and with a handle made of gold. King Senlen emerged from the horizon, and the parasol’s shadow extended over all the lands:
From Mount Banghe in the east of the Great Western Kingdom,To War Pavilion Mountain in Jiana to the west,From Riman in Jiega to the north,To Unchi Bay in Hor to the south.
In the southwest sky, a colorful cloud appeared. On it was a master wearing a lotus crown, riding a white lion. In his right hand, he held a vajra, and in his left, a trident. He was guided by a woman dressed in red, wearing ornaments made of bones.
The master approached Rongtsa Chagen and said: "Chief, wake up! Do not sleep. The sun is rising over Mount Potala. If you wish for its light to shine on Ling Gabu, listen to the song I will sing!"
The master then sang:"Today, the 8th day of the waxing moon,In early summer on the Fire Rooster year,A good omen will appear in Ling Gabu!
The eldest will be of noble phoenix lineage,The middle of the mighty dragon lineage,The youngest of eagle, hawk, and lion lineage,And the people of the clans will be like striped tigers.
On the 13th day, gather the people for an assembly.From high-ranking lamas to ordinary people,Before the 15th day, when sun and moon align,Recite prayers to the war gods.
Build thirteen prayer halls from the finest wood,Raise thirteen auspicious banners with the war god’s flag at the center.Establish thirteen rites for summoning blessings,Using the multicolored cloak of the Knowledge Holder as the symbol.
Before the great king of fortune,With noblewoman Lunju as the leader,Perform thirteen celebratory dances.
Before the fortunate women,With Gyalo Gapei as the leader,Sing thirteen songs of prayer.
Serve the most delicious sweets as offerings,Thirteen varieties of vegetarian dishes for the honored guests.
The omen will surely arrive in Tibet;Ling Gabu will be blessed with great fortune.
On the day of the grand feast,Keep everything in perfect order—do not panic!When tea and wine are offered,Let the young women serve gracefully, without trembling.When guests arrive at your home,Be composed and welcoming.
On the day the omen manifests,Let the men remain calm.If you understand this is a joyous event,You will know it is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.May all auspicious wishes come true!"
Rongtsa Chagen was about to ask for further explanation when the master and the woman vanished, along with the sun and moon. Startled, he awoke and realized it had all been a dream.
Awaking from the dream, Rongtsa Chagen felt refreshed, joyful, and unusually clear-headed. He remembered every detail of the dream vividly. He immediately called for his servant, Gaden Darlu, but his tone lacked its usual calmness.
When Gaden Darlu hurried into the room, he found the chief already dressed neatly, sitting upright on his throne. This was highly unusual, as the chief typically started his day with elaborate rituals, including reciting 50,000 mantras, 21 prayers, and performing water offerings and incense burning.
As Gaden wondered what had happened, the chief spoke: "Listen! I just had a dream—a dream that none of our ancestors ever spoke of. It is something that neither heaven nor earth could fully contain. I don’t know if we, the black-haired Tibetans, are ready to handle it.
What could this dream mean? I must invite the great sage Töndön Jepo to interpret it. But will he come?"
Gaden replied confidently, "Yes, Töndön Jepo will surely come."
The chief then said, "Good! Along with inviting Töndön Jepo, write to Lunju and Gyalo Dunpa Kyenzen, asking them to come to Ling Gabu to help interpret the dream. Now, go and prepare tea."
Gaden went to the kitchen and prepared tea in the "Great Fortune Kettle," with the help of the firekeeper, Sonam Yabei. Singing a tea-offering song, he returned to the chief’s room:
"This tea vessel of gold,Symbolizes the eight clans of Upper Ling.This butter-filled brew,Symbolizes the six families of Middle Ling.This flame that burns bright,Symbolizes the four clans of Lower Ling.The first offering of tea goes to the Buddhas,Higher than the heavens.The second offering goes to the local deities,Bringing harmony and fame to all directions.The third offering goes to the Dragon King,Whose wealth pours like rain.The fourth offering goes to the chief,Who subdues all enemies.May happiness and prosperity arise,May good fortune and longevity endure.May life be as firm as a vajra rock,May authority be as steady as Mount Meru,May blessings flow like a wish-fulfilling tree,And may destiny be as vast as the earth."
The chief, pleased by the song, instructed his attendant Sherab Gyatso to write letters to Lunju and Gyalo Dunpa Kyenzen, inviting them to help interpret the dream. Messengers, swift as sparrows, were dispatched to the eight clans of Upper Ling, the six tribes of Middle Ling, and the four families of Lower Ling, as well as other nearby regions, summoning everyone to gather for a grand assembly on the 15th day of the month.
Everyone who could be invited has already been invited, except for the great sage Töndön Jepo. He is a wandering ascetic with no fixed home, living a life of travel and seclusion. Who knows where he is right now? Where should we send someone to find him?
Rongtsa Chagen was anxious about how to find Töndön Jepo, a wandering ascetic with no fixed residence. But Pema Tötreng, knowing all, sent a beam of light to Töndön Jepo, commanding him: "Go quickly to Ling Gabu! The people there have an important matter that requires your help. Go now!"
Following Pema Tötreng’s guidance, Töndön Jepo arrived at Upper Ling on the 10th day of the month. At the city gates, he sang:
"Hear me, generous chief!Being born in Jambudvipa is full of challenges.Without cultivating the Dharma for eternal happiness,It is like going to a treasure mountainAnd returning empty-handed.A miserly rich man,Is like a demon guarding a warehouse,Lacking the courage to enjoy his wealth—how pitiful!If one does not give,Wealth is like rotten wood—Lifeless and meaningless.Generosity is the path to fortune,Generosity increases wealth and fame,Generosity eliminates disasters and misfortune.Thus, practice generosity often!To this wandering ascetic,Offer food to create a karmic connection.I will pray for you and perform rituals.May the world be filled with auspicious Buddhas,May high positions bring perfect blessings.May the Dharma spread across the land,May power grow with perfect blessings.May the Sangha flourish on the earth,May great fortune arise with perfect blessings.I sing this song of celebration,May Ling Gabu be perfectly blessed!"
Hearing this extraordinary song, Rongtsa Chagen felt his spirits lift. Looking out through the golden-patterned window, he saw a man with long hair and a flowing beard. He wore a brown vest adorned with a blue prayer cord, a white shawl draped over his shoulders, conch shell earrings, and carried a rattan staff.
Hearing this extraordinary song, Rongtsa Chagen felt his spirits lift. Looking out through the golden-patterned window, he saw a man with long hair and a flowing beard. He wore a brown vest adorned with a blue prayer cord, a white shawl draped over his shoulders, conch shell earrings, and carried a rattan staff.
At first glance, Rongtsa Chagen was filled with respect and admiration, realizing this must be Töndön Jepo. He thought:
"How incredible! Just as the saying goes:'With fortune, the path is smooth;With courage, weapons are sharp;With destiny, blessings abound.'
I was wondering how to find this great sage, and now he has arrived, guided by the Bodhisattvas themselves."
Still, to be cautious, Rongtsa Chagen decided to test the sage. He said:
"O great sage, you have traveled far. As they say:'If one cannot liberate oneself, it is hard to show compassion to others.'
Tell me, wandering ascetic, where have you come from? What is your purpose here?"
Rongtsa Chagen carefully observed the sage:
His earrings were white conch shells,His staff was white rattan,His robe was white.These "Three Whites" made him seem as if he had descended from heaven.His hair was blue-black,His beard was blue-black,His prayer cord was blue-black.These "Three Blues" made him seem as if he had emerged from the Dragon Palace.His skin was brown,His vest was brown,His drinking vessel was brown.These "Three Browns" made him seem as if he belonged to the Dong clan².Rongtsa Chagen waited to hear the sage’s reply.
Rongtsa Chagen saw that the sage did not answer his questions, so he asked again:
“Great Sage, what spiritual experiences have you gained? What precepts and rules do you follow? What wisdom do you have to teach others? What profound knowledge have you mastered? Do you have the power to subdue demons? Can you command authority over the four directions? Do you possess the prestige to rule the lands? Do you have supreme spiritual attainments? If you can answer me, I will offer you the food as your reward.”
No matter how much Rongtsa Chagen scrutinized him and how many questions he asked, Töndön Jepo remained calm, his steady expression as serene as an autumn lake. Finally, after being questioned at length, Töndön Jepo spoke:
“You, the powerful chief of a great clan, are trying to test me with your words and challenge me with your questions. But as the saying goes:‘If one does not have a sharp blade, one cannot cut meat for others to eat.If one does not have wealth, one cannot lend to others for profit.If one does not have knowledge, one cannot overpower others with teachings.’
People call me Töndön Jepo, the Great Sage.”
Then he began to sing:
“Om! May I see the true nature of Dharma!Ah! May the Buddha’s pure lands be revealed!Ye! May the deeds of the emanation body succeed!I save the weak and suffering beings from samsara,And thus the name Töndön Jepo is known.
My understanding is vast and unbiased,My practice is long and well-honed,My heart is free of deceit or hypocrisy.
Esteemed chief, your fame spreads far and wide,How could you not have heard of Töndön Jepo?If a benefactor does not offer with faith and devotion,Why should a sage resent them for withholding food?
I had no intention of coming here,But the great master Pema Tötreng instructed me to.So I have come to discuss important matters with you.
But if you doubt me,I should leave here at once!”
After finishing his song, Töndön Jepo turned and began to walk away.
After finishing his song, Töndön Jepo turned and began to walk away.
Rongtsa Chagen hurriedly picked up a silk scarf embroidered with a thousand lotus flowers, knelt before the sage, and kowtowed three times. He said: “Compassionate Great Sage Töndön Jepo, the realized and accomplished master, It is my ignorance that I failed to recognize your greatness. It is my rudeness that offended you with my words. Please show compassion for us beings. I offer you this scarf of a thousand lotus flowers, And humbly beg for your forgiveness.”
Seeing that Töndön Jepo did not respond, Rongtsa Chagen sang again:“The sun is an uninvited guest,But if it does not shine its warm light,What use is its journey across the four continents?
The rain is an uninvited guest,But if it does not nourish the vast fields,What use are the dark clouds that fill the sky?
You, O Master, are an uninvited guest,But if you do not teach and guide the people of Ling,What use is the realization you have attained?
Please stay in Ling Gabu,And teach the people for three full years.I beg your forgiveness,For saving all beings is the greatest cause.”
Hearing Rongtsa Chagen’s sincere words, Töndön Jepo realized it was indeed time to teach and guide the people. The prophecy of Pema Tötreng had come true. He agreed to stay in Ling Gabu for three years.
Before Rongtsa Chagen’s messengers arrived with letters, Jewel Lunju, living in Gawu Setrong, had a dream. In his dream, a man riding a yellow horse, wearing armor and a horned helmet, said to him: “The great task of the six tribes of Ling depends entirely on you. Whether it will succeed or fail, you must prepare quickly.”
After saying this, the man disappeared. Lunju awoke, puzzled by the dream. He quickly performed a divination to understand its meaning, and the result was extremely auspicious. Just as he was putting the divination tools away, a servant came to announce that messengers had arrived.
When the messengers entered, they presented Rongtsa Chagen’s letter and gifts to Lunju, explaining the prophecy and the invitation to discuss an important matter in Ling Gabu.
Lunju pondered for a moment and said:
“If I agree to go, it is like the saying: ‘A great man, a great ocean, and a great mountain are best kept stable and unmoved. If a leader becomes too busy, they may end up exiled to the borders. If Mount Meru shakes too much, houses across the land will collapse. If the great ocean stirs violently, the earth will flood.’
But if I refuse, the dream I had last night matches what the chief’s letter describes.And the chief rarely speaks lightly—this must be an important matter.Though I cannot predict the outcome, I should go.”
With this decision, Lunju mounted his white horse, known as Thousand-Mile Lantern, and rode toward Upper Ling with eight attendants.
Meanwhile, Dunpa Kyenzen, resting in his large tent called "Thönshyak Gongku," also had a dream. In it, he saw a sage dressed in white, wearing a silk turban, and carrying a golden wish-fulfilling bowl. The sage introduced himself as Gyalkyong Dongrao and rode a divine bull called Snow Mountain Lion. The sage said to him:
“Rich man Dunpa, wake up quickly! Go outside and see clearly.Messengers are outside your door, discussing the good omen of Ling Gabu.You will understand what needs to be done.”
Waking from the dream, Dunpa Kyenzen immediately went outside and found messengers from Upper Ling waiting for him. The messengers greeted him and explained Rongtsa Chagen’s dream and the prophecy.
After reading the chief’s letter and hearing the messengers’ account, Dunpa Kyenzen immediately mounted his horse, Nine-Horned Unicorn, and, with two attendants, rode toward Ling Gabu.
On the 13th day of the month, the leaders of Ling Gabu gathered in the Zashi Gole Assembly Hall. These included:
Töndön Jepo, the Great Sage with spiritual power,Jewel Lunju, the nobleman with authority,Dunpa Kyenzen, the wealthy benefactor,Rongtsa Chagen, the wise chief of Ling.
Rongtsa Chagen, the chief, presented three fine ceremonial scarves to honor the guests: “Daylight Peace,” “Auspicious Coiled Dragons,” and “Thousand Lotus Flowers.” He also offered them a golden bowl with dragon carvings, a magical ritual tool, and three bolts of golden silk embroidered with dragons.
The feast was lavish. Golden bowls were filled with butter tea and cream, while the tables were covered with three types of sweet treats, tender meat from three kinds of livestock, and pastries made from three types of grains.
Rongtsa Chagen spoke excitedly:“Today, we raised an eight-spoked ceremonial canopy to symbolize the auspicious signs in the heavens. We laid eight-petaled lotus cushions to show the blessings of the earth, and hung banners of the Eight Auspicious Symbols to celebrate the success of our religious and political endeavors.
On the morning of the 8th day, I had a dream unlike anything seen in heaven or on earth. If I share it, some might laugh, saying, ‘Spring dreams can be wild, and in summer, all kinds of things grow on the grasslands!’ But if I hide it, I fear the gods will punish me, and the six tribes of Ling will face calamities.
So, I have called upon the all-knowing master to interpret my dream, the wise leaders for guidance, and the blessed benefactors for advice. Please tell me what it means!”
Rongtsa Chagen then described in detail the dream he had on the 8th day.
Töndön Jepo smiled and sang:“Om! The nature of Dharma is beyond birth and death.Ah! Out of compassion for the endless suffering of beings,Ye! I will now explain this wondrous dream.
Chief, listen carefully!You are a descendant of divine beings,A rightful heir to the sacred lineage.You possess great intelligence and wisdom,And so, this dream is no delusion.
The sun rising from Mount Machen,Its light shining on Ling Gabu,Represents the compassionate light of the Buddhas,Symbolizing the flourishing of all endeavors in Ling.
The golden vajra flying downAnd landing on Mount Jiji,Represents a hero descending from the heavens,Who will be born in your land.
The gathering of local deities,Means they are preparing to welcome this savior.
The crescent moon on Mount Manlan,Represents the elder brother, an embodiment of wrathful Vajra.
The stars shining on the golden mountain,Represents the ministers destined to serve.
The rainbow over Mount Gertro,Represents your ancestors, born as gods.
The divine light over Lake Mapang,Represents the mother, born from the Dragon King’s palace.
The parasol held by Senlen,Represents the father, a protector of the land.Its white top symbolizes virtue,Its red sides symbolize authority over the three realms.The green edges symbolize powerful deeds,The golden tassels symbolize prosperity in all directions.
The parasol’s shadow covering the four lands,Represents the hero’s authority over the world.Ling Gabu, home to gods and men,Will be united under this blessing.
Do not miss this opportunity—Quickly organize the assembly in Ling Gabu!From this day forward,All your wishes will be fulfilled.”
Töndön Jepo’s words filled everyone with clarity and joy. Jewel Lunju said:
“Today’s events prove the old saying:‘Without faith, blessings cannot be received.Without fortune, wealth cannot be gained.Without farming, crops cannot grow.Without effort, success cannot be achieved.’
We must quickly gather the six tribes of Ling,Hold a grand assembly,Perform rituals to honor the war gods,Pray for blessings,And prepare for a great celebration!”
Everyone agreed enthusiastically.
汤东杰布大修士的一席话，顿使人们觉得心明眼亮。杰唯伦珠大人的心里 感到从未有过的欣慰。他说：“今天的事，正应了俗话所说的：如果没有信仰，就难得到加持；如果没有福气，就难得到财宝；如果不务农事，就难得到庄稼； 如果没有努力，就难得到成功。我们现在要赶快召集岭地六部落，举行大会 还要在玛噶里拉滩祭祀战神，修法召福，准备举行盛大的庆祝仪式。”嘉洛等人也忙连声附和：“是啊，我们要赶快准备。”
The preparations began. White tents were set up in countless numbers, like flowers blooming across the grasslands. Smoke from cooking fires rose like thick clouds. People dressed in their finest festival clothes, as colorful as a field of flowers. Horses moved in perfect unison, like ripened crops swaying in autumn.
The tents were arranged in a circle, with a massive ceremonial tent in the center. This grand tent, with its golden top shining like the rising sun, resembled a snow-capped mountain. Inside, the seats were covered with tiger and leopard skins, and the walls were decorated with vibrant silk banners, creating a magnificent sight.
The sound of conch shells signaled the start of the gathering.
- The Long Clan, led by Daruong Söpön, arrived like tigers emerging from the mountains.
- The Middle Clan, led by Serkye Aga, moved like dragons rising from the sea.
- The Young Clan, led by Bönpa Churu Darpön, rushed in like arrows flying through the air.
Everyone sat according to their rank and status:
The golden seat at the highest place was given to Töndön Jepo, the great master.The silver seat to the right was for Rongtsa Chagen, the chief.The conch-shaped seat to the left was for Jewel Lunju, the nobleman.The sandalwood seat in the front was for Serkye Aga.The tiger-skin seat was for Daruong Söpön.The leopard-skin seat was for Matsi Chöje.Other seats were assigned in descending order of rank:
Elders and respected leaders sat at the top.Youth and junior members sat at the bottom.Everything followed the principles of hierarchy and tradition, ensuring order was maintained.
Once everyone was seated, Rongtsa Chagen explained his dream and Töndön Jepo’s interpretation.
The crowd was filled with excitement. People began discussing:
“A divine hero is going to be born in Ling! What should we do to welcome this great hero? There is so much to prepare!”
Jewel Lunju gave instructions:
Dunpa Kyenzen, the wealthiest benefactor, was put in charge of organizing the grand feast.Leaders like Mitsen, Söpön, and Taba were tasked with gathering people and supplies.Resources such as food, incense, offerings, flags, and ceremonial items were to be collected.He also instructed the noblewomen—such as Gapei, Rönpei, and Drönpei—to prepare songs and dances for the celebration.
Finally, he reminded the heroes of Ling:“Remember your responsibilities! On the 15th day, under the full moon’s light, the Bodhisattva will send us the divine hero we have been waiting for.”
With great excitement, the people of Ling prepared to welcome the birth of the hero who would bring blessings to their land.
Annotation :
Gugu Ripa: A revered Tibetan sage.
Mount Meru (Sumeru) A mythical mountain from ancient Indian tradition, also called "Miaogao Mountain" in Chinese. It is believed to be at the center of the world, with the sun and moon circling around it. The three realms of existence (heaven, earth, and underworld) are layered around it. Surrounding Mount Meru are four continents:
- Purvavideha (East),
- Jambudvipa (South),
- Aparagodaniya (West),
- Uttarakuru (North).
Skull Cup: A ritual drinking vessel made from a human skull, often used in Tibetan spiritual practices.
Dong Clan: One of the six ancient Tibetan clans. They are traditionally associated with the color brown as their symbol.
Nine-Horned Horse: Horses do not naturally have horns, but in legend, one or two horned horses may appear in a herd. These are considered the best and rarest horses, similar to the concept of a "unicorn." The number "nine" is used to emphasize rarity and abundance.
Ganzi: A vessel used for holding sacred water.
Zaijinmu: A mythical magical object that is said to have the ability to transform itself.
Eight Auspicious Symbols: These are sacred symbols in Tibetan Buddhism, representing good fortune and spiritual blessings:
1.Parasol: Symbolizing protection from harm and obstacles.
2.Golden Fish: Representing freedom and liberation.
3.Treasure Vase: Symbolizing inexhaustible wealth and prosperity.
4.Lotus Flower: Representing purity and enlightenment.
5.Right-Turning Conch: Symbolizing the spread of Dharma (Buddhist teachings).
6.Endless Knot: Representing interdependence and harmony.
7.Victory Banner: Symbolizing triumph over ignorance and negativity.
8.Wheel of Dharma: Representing the teachings of the Buddha.
Colorful Arrows: In Tibetan weddings, these are symbolic arrows adorned with colorful silk scarves. They are given to the bride or placed on the roof as a blessing.