To the northeast of Ling Gabu lies the land of the Hor people. The Heavenly Emperor of the Hor Kingdom was named Hor Saiqing, hence the Hor people were also called the Yellow Hor. K i n g G e s a r 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. CHAPTER 31 THE WHITE TENT KING SENDS FOUR BIRDS TO SEARCH FOR THE BEAUTY; THE BLACK CROW SPREADS SLANDER AND BRINGS CALAMITY The Northeast of Ling Gabu and the Search for a New Bride To the northeast of Ling Gabu lies the land of the Hor people. The Heavenly Emperor of the Hor Kingdom was named Hor Saiqing, hence the Hor people were also called the Yellow Hor. During the reign of King Jinei Haituo Du, the Yellow Hor Kingdom expanded even further, becoming wealthier and more prosperous. King Jinei Haituo Du had three sons. Because they lived in black, white, and yellow tents, they were called the Black Tent King, the White Tent King, and the Yellow Tent King. The three brothers grew up quickly and were all highly skilled in martial arts. Among them, the second son, the White Tent King, was the most talented. In the Year of the Fire Dragon, the third year of Gesar’s northern demon-slaying campaign, tragedy struck the White Tent King when his wife, Gana’s Gas, suddenly passed away. Unable to endure the loneliness, the White Tent King gathered his ministers to discuss finding a new bride—someone renowned as the most beautiful woman in the world. After deliberation, the ministers decided to send the talking birds raised in the palace—a dove, a peacock, a parrot, and a crow—to search the world for a woman who could become the new queen. The four birds flew out as instructed. When they reached a fork in the road, the parrot said, “We four birds may be sent out like arrows, but we’re merely following orders. To find a woman who can be the White Tent King’s bride, the stepmother to Prince Lawu, the mistress of the Hor Kingdom, and the mother of the people—how can such a woman be found? Even if we find her, she may not agree to marry him. If she refuses, the king will send troops to seize her, and countless lives may be lost. When that happens, it will all be blamed on us four birds. I say we shouldn’t take on this thankless task.” “But the king sent us. How will we explain ourselves if we return empty-handed?” said the always gentle dove, worried about failing the mission. “Exactly! What will we do?” asked the beautiful peacock, spreading its colorful tail feathers in anxiety. “I think we should all go back to our homelands,” the parrot suggested. “The dove can return to Gana, the peacock to the Yellow River, and I’ll go back to Menyu. As for the crow—it has no homeland, so it can settle wherever it likes.” The dove and peacock agreed, happily returning to their homes. But the crow refused to follow the parrot’s advice. Watching the other birds leave, the crow felt both anger and joy. It was angry because the more favored birds—the gentle dove, the beautiful peacock, and the clever parrot—had abandoned the king’s mission, despite being treated far better than the crow. While they were fed fine grains, the crow was given only dregs. Yet the crow was also pleased, for their departure gave it a chance to earn the king’s favor. Determined to find the most beautiful woman in the world, the crow set off with renewed resolve. The crow flew tirelessly, traveling from city to city, region to region, north to south, east to west. But no matter how hard it searched, it couldn’t find a woman who met its standards. One day, the crow arrived in the beautiful land of Ling. Tired and frustrated, it decided that if it couldn’t find the woman here, it wouldn’t return to the Hor Kingdom. Failure meant the crow would face punishment for the entire group of birds, and the White Tent King might even take its life. Ling was a stunning place, where heavenly dragons sang, cuckoos chirped melodiously, and larks filled the air with sweet songs. The crow, enchanted by this land, forgot its worries and flew freely. Without realizing it, it arrived at the Auspicious Victory Palace in the city of Dazi. Before the precious turquoise pavilion, the crow could no longer fly. It exclaimed in awe, “The most beautiful woman in the world is here!” This was the residence of Gesar’s queen, Zhumuo. The Lion King had left for the northern lands to slay demons three years ago and hadn’t returned. During these three years, Zhumuo had lost interest in dressing up. However, that day was an auspicious day in Ling. The stars in the sky, the time on earth, and the sun above were all exceptionally bright and beautiful. Zhumuo felt a rare sense of happiness. She recalled how Gesar had promised before leaving, “If I return early, it will be within two years; if I’m late, it won’t exceed three years. No matter what, I’ll return within three years.” Now, three years had passed. Zhumuo thought, Perhaps the king will return today. I should prepare myself to welcome him. She called her maids, Arongji and Lirongji, to help her wash her hair and dress up. Afterward, the three of them sat outside the pavilion, admiring the colorful clouds in the sky, the distant green mountains, the nearby trees, and the singing birds. Zhumuo’s rare good mood lifted the spirits of her maids, who happily shared cheerful stories to keep her entertained. At that moment, the crow arrived. It was stunned by Zhumuo’s beauty. Her radiant complexion outshone even the most vibrant lotus flower, and her elegance surpassed that of celestial maidens. Overwhelmed with joy, the crow sang: I spread my iron-black wings, Flying through heaven and earth. I’ve seen countless beautiful worlds, And countless lovely maidens, Yet not one compares To this woman’s unmatched beauty. The crow exclaimed, “Ah, Lady Zhumuo, your beauty is renowned, but seeing you today, I realize the truth exceeds the tales. You are Gesar’s queen, yet you sit alone in an empty room. What a pity, what a waste of your youth to live in sorrow. I am the envoy of the Hor White Tent King, searching for a bride for my king. A woman as beautiful as you would be the perfect match for him. Our king is young, strong, skilled in combat, and rules over twelve thousand households, with countless cattle and sheep. If you become his queen, you’ll enjoy wealth and luxury far beyond living here alone.” Zhumuo’s Anger and the Crow’s Success The crow spoke proudly, but Zhumuo, filled with anger, was furious. What bad luck to see this wretched bird on such a joyous day. She turned to her two companions and sang: Hey! Hey! My dear companions, We’ve herded lambs together since childhood, We’ve picked flowers together since we were young. On the land of Ling Gabu, Birds like this have never been seen. Why has this crow appeared today? Did you hear what it said? That vile demon bird said: “Zhumuo of the Galo family, Your husband is alive, yet you live as if widowed. Why stay in Ling Gabu? Why not go to the land of Hor? Would you like to be the bride of the White Tent King? Would you like to be the stepmother of Prince Lawu? Would you like to be the mistress of the Hor Kingdom? Would you like to be the mother of the Hor people? Across the roads of the world, Across Han and Tibetan lands, Compared to the prosperous Hor Kingdom, No place can match its splendor.” You wretched demon crow, Spreading bad omens by day, Bringing evil dreams by night, Spreading disasters wherever you go, Creating bad luck wherever you land! After singing, Zhumuo grabbed a handful of ashes and threw it at the crow. However, the ashes missed the crow and instead knocked her turquoise hair ornament to the ground. The crow quickly picked up the ornament and, flapping its wings, flew straight to the Hor Kingdom. Zhumuo and her two maids, Arongji and Lirongji, concealed the incident and didn’t tell anyone about it. Meanwhile, in the Hor Kingdom, the White Tent King grew increasingly anxious. It had been one hundred days since the four birds were sent out, yet none had returned. The king ordered his minister, Sinba Meruze, to go outside the city and investigate, hoping to hear good news about a beautiful woman. On this day, Sinba climbed to the highest point in Yaze City and looked in all directions. He saw no sign of the dove, peacock, or parrot, but noticed the crow perched on the top of a tall flagpole. Sinba asked the crow if it had brought good news for the king, but the clever crow, fearing Sinba might steal the credit, replied, “Sinba! I have nothing to say to you.” With that, the crow flew straight to the palace, landing beside the king’s throne. It placed Zhumuo’s turquoise hair ornament before the White Tent King. Seeing the sparkling, jade-green gem, the king knew the crow had found something significant and immediately asked, “Crow, you’ve worked hard. Quickly, tell me—where is the beautiful woman?” The black crow, feigning exhaustion, appeared hungry and thirsty. Before answering, it began to sing a song, criticizing the dove, peacock, and parrot: If you don’t know this place, It’s called the “City of a Thousand White Peaks,” Or the “City of Red Towers,” Or the “City of Ten Thousand Armor Bearers.” This is the capital of the White Tent King. Oh mighty king with the tiger hat, Hear my report as your loyal envoy: The dove, peacock, and parrot, Along with me, the crow, Were all raised by you as soul birds. The snow-white dove ate white rice, The blue peacock ate barley, The colorful parrot ate five grains, But I, the crow, was fed only dregs. Now the dove has returned to Gana, The peacock has flown back to the Yellow River, And the parrot has returned to Menyu. None of them fulfilled your mission, None repaid your kindness, They betrayed your trust and loyalty. I, the humble black crow, Never forgot the White Tent King. I traveled far and wide, To every land, to every region. Across the small kingdoms of the world, Across the mountains of Han and Tibet, Though languages and customs differ, And family names are not the same, While there are many beautiful women, None are fit to be your queen, None are fit to be the stepmother of the prince, None are fit to be the mistress of your kingdom, None are fit to be the mother of your people. Hearing the crow’s account, the White Tent King was furious at the other birds and felt an overwhelming urge to punish them. To reward the crow, he ordered his guards to slaughter a sacred white sheep as a feast for it. He then asked the crow again, “Where is the beautiful woman?” The crow shook its head and refused to answer. The king, desperate, ordered the sacrifice of a long-haired sacred bull. Still, the crow shook its head, dissatisfied with the offering. Finally, the king, determined to please the crow, had a golden horse sacrificed for it. Only then did the crow stop demanding more. The Crow’s Report Seeing the White Tent King’s furious expression and murderous gaze, the crow dared not bargain anymore. It immediately sang: I, the crow, flew to Ling Gabu, To that dragon-coiled, tiger-crouched land. Heavenly dragons soared and sang in the sky, Cuckoos chirped joyfully, Larks trilled melodiously. In the magnificent palace, On the square royal carpet, Beneath the nine-pillared turquoise canopy, Lives a woman named Zhumuo, Truly the most beautiful woman in the world. Her skin is like white silk, Her flesh as radiant as red satin, Her eyes are as sharp and bright as a hawk’s, Her eyebrows curve like crescent moons. A single step forward is worth a hundred horses, Like a celestial maiden dancing gracefully, Even a hundred horses could not compare. A single step back is worth a hundred purple mules, Like soaring clouds across the sky, Even a hundred mules could not compare. Her thick black hair is worth a hundred oxen, Each strand like a string of pearls, Even a hundred oxen could not compare. Her smile is worth a hundred sheep, Her tongue tip forms the sacred “Ah” shape, Even a hundred sheep could not compare. She is the pinnacle of earthly beauty, The ornament of all daughters of the land. Among the women of Ling, She is the finest of them all. In winter, she is warmer than the sun, In summer, she is cooler than the moon. Her scent surpasses flowers, Bees swarm around her in delight. Though there are countless beauties in this world, Only she is worthy of the king. She was once Gesar’s beloved queen, Known as the renowned Zhumuo. Gesar ventured north to slay demons, Leaving her behind to guard an empty room. Don’t miss this chance to take her, Her turquoise hair ornament is proof, And only I, the crow, am truly loyal. “Wonderful! The gods have granted me this opportunity. I’ll bring her here immediately!” exclaimed the White Tent King. He was so eager to have Zhumuo by his side that he didn’t want to listen to any more of the crow’s chatter. The White Tent King’s Ambition and Sinba’s Advice The White Tent King didn’t want to hear any more of the crow’s chatter. He was eager to bring Zhumuo to his side immediately. Minister Sinba Meruze, who overheard the conversation between the king and the crow, grew uneasy. He thought: Waging war against Ling Gabu without cause not only violates the heavens’ compassion but will also bring disaster to the people. Though Ling Gabu is small, the Lion King Gesar is incredibly powerful. How can we win an unjust war? Why can’t the king see this? Hoping to stop the king from making a mistake, Sinba advised, “My king, we have lived in peace with Ling Gabu for many years without conflict. Is it worth starting a war over one woman? Even if you capture Zhumuo, do you think the Lion King will let this go? Please reconsider your decision.” Sinba continued, “Perhaps we should send the disaster bird to investigate Ling Gabu before taking any action.” But the White Tent King dismissed Sinba’s advice. He was entirely focused on obtaining Zhumuo and said, “Our Yellow Hor Kingdom is stronger than Ling Gabu in every way—land, soldiers, and leadership. That poor boy Gesar has no real skills. If we strike first, we will surely win. We’ll wipe out the Ling people completely, and no misfortune will come upon us. However, sending the disaster bird to investigate is still a good idea.” The disaster bird was ordered to fly to Ling Gabu and scout its current condition. Zhumuo’s Unease and Nightmare Meanwhile, in Ling Gabu, Zhumuo had been feeling uneasy ever since her encounter with the crow and the loss of her turquoise hair ornament. Her maids, Arongji and Lirongji, were also anxious. They noticed that their queen, who had recently shown signs of joy, now looked even more worried. That night, Zhumuo had a terrible dream. She dreamed of mountains collapsing, floods engulfing Ling Gabu’s homes, and cattle and sheep being swept away. In her nightmare, she saw demonic hawks flying chaotically, wolves descending from the mountains, horses scattering, and livestock being taken away. Zhumuo woke up in terror, drenched in sweat. She remembered the dream that Meza had once told her about and how Meza had been captured by the black demon afterward. Zhumuo thought: Could a disaster be about to strike Ling Gabu? It must be! And this disaster may fall upon me. “Oh, my king, it’s been three years. Why haven’t you returned?” Overwhelmed by fear, Zhumuo missed Gesar more than ever. She woke her maids and told them about her dream. Her maids were horrified. “Queen, this is terrible! Meza had a nightmare before she was taken. A few days ago, the black crow came to propose for the Hor King. Could it be that the Hor Kingdom is planning to invade and take you?” The Disaster Bird and Ling Gabu’s Alarm The queen and her maids were filled with panic and unease. At that moment, the massive disaster bird from the Hor Kingdom arrived at the sacred grounds of Ling Gabu, where heavenly dragons roared. It landed on the top of the nine-pillared turquoise canopy. Suddenly, a sturdy golden pillar cracked, the strong ropes holding the canopy snapped, and the ruby pulley used to tighten the ropes broke apart. The entire canopy began to sway dangerously. Zhumuo rushed to the entrance and saw an incredibly hideous and ferocious bird perched on the canopy. She shouted, “Brave warrior Yuda! Come quickly! There’s an ugly bird on the roof of the canopy. Can you shoot it down?” Yuda fetched his bow and arrows, but the dazzling radiance of the disaster bird’s feathers intimidated him, and he didn’t dare to shoot. Instead, he went inside the tent and looked at the bird’s twelve tail feathers through the skylight. He shot an arrow, knocking the tail feathers to the ground, but the disaster bird flew away. Afterward, the disaster bird thoroughly scouted Ling Gabu, flying all over the land. Once its mission was complete, it returned to the Hor Kingdom. Zhumuo turned to her maid Lirongji and said, “First, the black crow came to propose, and now the disaster bird has come to spy on us. This can’t be a good sign. Go and report this to Chief Steward Rongchachagen immediately.” Having witnessed these ominous signs alongside her mistress, Lirongji was also deeply worried. She hurried to the steward’s tent and reported everything about the black crow and the disaster bird. However, the steward dismissed her concerns, saying, “How could such things happen in this dragon-coiled, tiger-crouched land? There’s an old saying: ‘Mules can’t run far, and women’s words can’t be trusted.’ The divine tribes of Ling are as calm as solidified yogurt. Why are you stirring up trouble like blood in water? What good will this do?” Lirongji replied, “There’s another saying: ‘The sun will rise because the heavens push it forward.’ I’m not stirring up trouble. The queen sent me to deliver this message. She’ll be here shortly. Let her decide what to do. In the meantime, please gather the divine tribes for a meeting.” Hearing this, the steward immediately ordered the drums to be beaten and the conch shells to be blown. Letters were sent out like snowflakes falling from the sky, and messengers flew like birds, summoning the people of Ling Gabu. They were instructed to gather at Datang Chamotan at sunrise the next day. Notes Saiqing : Means "big yellow"; Hor Saiqing refers to "Yellow Hor." Xinba : Originally means "butcher," but here it refers to a hero.

The people of the Ling tribe settled peacefully in the fertile Yellow River valley. The land was lush with grass and grain, and the livestock grew strong and healthy. It was indeed a wonderful place. Seeing the people living in peace and prosperity, Joru felt like he had completed an important mission. K i n g G e s a r 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. Chapter 14: Chao Tong’s Fury and Dansa’s Silent Resolve Joru's Prophecy The people of the Ling tribe settled peacefully in the fertile Yellow River valley. The land was lush with grass and grain, and the livestock grew strong and healthy. It was indeed a wonderful place. Seeing the people living in peace and prosperity, Joru felt like he had completed an important mission. However, Joru wanted to venture to Mamey Yulong Songduo, a wild and dangerous land full of demons and evil spirits, to transform it into a new and peaceful home. But he feared the people of Ling would not allow him to leave. So, just as he had done when he lived in Ling, he created many disturbances that caused annoyance and hatred among the people. Eventually, Joru and his mother were once again driven out of the Yellow River valley and sent to the perilous land of Mamey Yulong Songduo, where demons roamed freely, and malevolent deities wreaked havoc. Despite the adversity, Joru’s pure and noble intentions never wavered. During the day, he sang and joked with the people, while at night he played dice games with the gods and gambled with demons. Using his divine powers and miraculous transformations, he subdued the demons and evil spirits one by one. Gradually, Joru turned the once wild and desolate land of Mamey Yulong Songduo into a peaceful and auspicious place. Time passed quickly, and before he realized it, Joru had turned 12 years old. It was the Tibetan Iron Pig Year. On the 8th day of the first month, just before dawn, as Joru was still fast asleep, the goddess Mandanaze descended to his side. She was surrounded by a host of sky-dancing dakinis and rode on a majestic white lion. Leaning close to Joru’s ear, she sang him a gentle and prophetic song: “In fields as neat as a chessboard, The green crops grow tall and strong. But without heavy fruits to adorn them, Even the lushest growth becomes mere fodder, Leaving nothing but empty sorrow. In the vast blue sky above, Countless stars twinkle and shine. But without the bright moon to reflect, Even the stars lose their brilliance, Leaving the earth in darkness. In the beautiful land of Ling, Joru performs countless wonders. But if he does not take the throne to rule, And merely intimidates his uncles, His miracles will tarnish his name. A thousand-mile steed from Uddiyana Roams among the northern wild horses. Born on the same day, month, and year as you, If you don’t capture it this year, Like a rainbow, it will vanish forever. The gods have chosen your bride— Sangjang Zumu, the Jewel Maiden of Jara. If you do not marry her this year, The Darong family will claim her instead. Without her help, your great deeds will fail. At dawn tomorrow, You must transform into the wrathful Horse-Headed Deity, And deliver a prophecy to Chao Tong. Tell him to host a grand banquet for the Ling brothers, And let the Darong family prepare the feast. Tell him the throne, treasures, and the Jewel Maiden Will be wagered in a horse race. Assure him that his Jade Horse will win, And the Jewel Maiden will become his family’s.” The Goddess's Instructions to Joru Joru, in a half-asleep, half-awake state, heard the goddess Mandanaze continue speaking: “My child, tomorrow at this time, you must transform into the wrathful Horse-Headed Deity and deliver a prophecy to Chao Tong. Tell him that he must immediately organize a grand horse race. The stakes should include the throne, the seven treasures, and the most beautiful girl in Ling—Sangjang Zumu, the Jewel Maiden of the Jara family. Also, tell him that the final victory of the race will surely belong to his Jade Horse.” Joru woke up suddenly, opening his eyes to the pitch-black darkness around him. The goddess had already disappeared, but her instructions were deeply imprinted in his mind. He thought to himself: “The goddess is right. For the past twelve years, I have been like a lotus hidden in mud. Aside from my mother, Guomu, no one knows who I truly am. I have done so many good deeds, yet no one understands or recognizes my efforts, and instead, I am often misunderstood. Now the time has come for me to reveal my abilities, follow the goddess’s instructions, participate in the horse race, and claim the throne.” Joru Delivers the Prophecy to Chao Tong To take the throne, the first thing Joru needed to do was to get Chao Tong, the leader of Darong, to host the horse race. At that time, Chao Tong was diligently practicing the rituals for the protector deity, the Horse-Headed Deity. This was a divine opportunity. On the night of the 9th day, Joru transformed into a crow. While Chao Tong was half-asleep during his practice, Joru sang him a prophetic song: “This is the Darong region of Wiyu, I am the red-faced Horse-Headed Deity. Wake up, Chao Tong, and listen to my prophecy! There’s an old saying: In fields scattered like stars, Barley is sown, hoping for timely rain. If southern clouds don’t bring rain now, Snowfall in winter will come too late. Chao Tong, practicing the Horse-Headed Deity’s ritual, You hope for blessings in great matters. If the gods do not grant blessings now, Their help will come too late. Tomorrow, prepare yourself. Gather all the brothers of Ling. Invite everyone, rich and poor alike, And host the banquet in your home. The Jewel Maiden of the Jara family, The seven treasures from the treasury, And the throne of the Ling Kingdom Will be wagered in the horse race. The throne will belong to your family, The Jewel Maiden’s husband will be from your line. Among the thirty horses of the brothers, Your Jade Horse will surely win.” When Chao Tong opened his eyes, he saw the crow—Joru’s transformation—disappear into the statue of the Horse-Headed Deity that he worshipped. Believing in the prophecy without a doubt, Chao Tong immediately got up, bowed repeatedly to the deity, and told his wife, Dansa, about the Horse-Headed Deity’s prophecy. Chao Tong Relays the Prophecy to Dansa Chao Tong immediately explained the situation to his wife, Dansa, and urged her to prepare the feast for the upcoming horse race: “Dansa Setso, don’t sleep in late. Lazy sleepers find no peace. Stones gather dust when they sleep, Trees rot at the roots when they sleep. Masters lose discipline when they sleep, Officials neglect laws when they sleep. Women ruin households when they sleep, Warriors lose to enemies when they sleep. At dawn, the northern deity delivered a prophecy. He said all six clans must gather. The Ling brothers must all be invited, And the banquet must be hosted by our family. The Jewel Maiden of the Jara family, The throne and the treasures of Ling, Will be wagered in the horse race. He said the Jewel Maiden will be ours, The golden throne will be ours, And I will inherit the kingship of Ling. Noble power and treasures, Together they shine brighter and brighter. Dishonorable companions and worn boots, Together they sink lower and lower, Until they are thrown out, unwanted. Remember this: To take what you want, your hands must be steady. To win the race, your knees must not tremble. Great achievements shine like pure banners— Never let them be stained by dirt. Celebrations are like polished white copper— Never let them tarnish with resentment. Setso, get up quickly! Prepare the banquet to welcome our guests. Sweet butter cakes in abundance, Mountains of fresh and tender meat, Oceans of fragrant wine. Prepare the finest teas, Brewed in auspicious copper pots, With salt and calf milk. The tea must be rich and delicious. Let the banquet be grand and magnificent. Wealth increases when generously shared, But hoarded treasures bring no joy. Give freely to trusted friends!” Dansa Suspects the Prophecy Dansa thought for a moment. She had heard rumors in the past that the throne of Ling, the seven treasures, and the Jewel Maiden Sangjang Zumu had already been prophesied to belong to Joru. Knowing Joru’s talent for transformations, she suspected that this prophecy might have been fabricated by him. Feeling it was her duty to clarify things to Chao Tong, she said: “My king, do not believe the cries of a crow in the middle of the night. That is not a deity but an evil spirit; it is not a prophecy but a trick. My king, as the saying goes: ‘Darkness forces people to rest at night; Deep in the night, one must sleep. Rising depends on the call of daylight; The bright day urges people to plow the fields.’ Everyone follows these four natural arrangements, so why is this 'Wrathful Deity' acting against them? Forcing you to wake up in the middle of the night is not a good omen! I urge you to sleep soundly tonight and discuss this matter with others tomorrow. It’s not too late to decide then…” Chao Tong Rejects Dansa's Plea Before Dansa could finish speaking, Chao Tong recalled the prophecy of the Horse-Headed Deity: “Superior men dedicate their hearts to the gods; Their hearts are bright like the sun. Mediocre men dedicate their hearts to their kings; They remain free and unconfused. Inferior men dedicate their hearts to their wives; And their fates are destined for misfortune.” Chao Tong thought to himself: “Only inferior men listen to their wives. I, Chao Tong, the leader of Darong, am a superior man. Naturally, I must listen to the prophecy of the gods. Besides, the seven treasures, the throne of Ling, and especially the unforgettable Jewel Maiden Sangjang Zumu—if I can bring her into my home, I would be completely satisfied, even if I gain nothing else!” The more Chao Tong thought about it, the happier he became. The prophecy of the Horse-Headed Deity seemed to align perfectly with his desires. He was particularly confident in his Jade Horse, the finest steed in Ling, and was certain it would win the race. However, one thing worried him: would Sangjang Zumu agree to be a wager in the horse race? If she agreed, there would be no doubt that she would become his wife. But Chao Tong also began to consider the possible conflicts between Zumu and Dansa once Zumu entered the household. He thought to himself: “How could I let Sangjang Zumu be mistreated? Even if she experienced the slightest unhappiness, I, Chao Tong, would also feel uneasy. This wretched Dansa could cause trouble in the future. It’s better to get rid of her now to avoid future problems.” Chao Tong Rebukes Dansa Thinking about all of this, Chao Tong turned to Dansa with fury and said: “Poison-tongued Dansa with lips like a sheep, Open your ears and listen well. If the gods did not pity and enlighten you, Your mind would remain muddled, your thoughts dim. The Horse-Headed Deity personally delivered the prophecy, And yet, you claim it brings disaster and misfortune. Challenging a good omen deserves punishment, But considering you’ve borne children for me, I’ll spare you this time out of kindness. The mistress of Darong Castle, When Sangjang Zumu arrives, will be her. The treasure vaults, golden chests, and royal chambers— All will be entrusted to her hands. As for you, wretched Dansa, Your hands will fetch wooden bowls and ladles. If you wish to stay, then stay; If not, you are free to leave! Spring brings warmth to the earth, Forcing ice to melt away. Autumn frost urges the harvest, Forcing ripe crops to be gathered. Dansa, you are like withering leaves, Destined to fall and fade from favor. When Sangjang Zumu rises like the morning sun, Your owl-like eyes will surely go blind. Zumu is a radiant, pure flower, Blooming on the shores of Darong Lake. All who see her regard her as sacred nectar, And the Wrathful King is enchanted by her beauty. You, Dansa, are just an ordinary prairie flower, Once vibrant in youth, now withered by time. Now, like an old rug underfoot, You are trampled and forgotten. The fate of past lives determines the suffering of this one— You cannot escape it. My household is abundant with food and drink, If you refuse to work, then sit aside. The princess, Chao Mu Cuo, Clever and capable, can assist Zumu. The grand banquet will surely be well-prepared. Chao Tong Gives Orders for the Banquet After speaking to Dansa, Chao Tong turned to his trusted servant Akui Tabasolang and gave him the following orders: “Akui Tabasolang! Waste no time and set out immediately! At the upper banks of Matiyada, Beat the ritual drum and blow the conch horn. Deliver this message to Gyacha and Xiega, Whisper the news to Siping in secret. Summon all the heroes of Ling, And announce this decree publicly: The beautiful lotus is about to be struck by hail; The brothers of Ling must act quickly, Or the stunning Sangjang Zumu Will be married off to another tribe. Therefore, a national horse race is to be held. Sangjang Zumu, along with her servants, And the seven treasures from the treasury, Will be the stakes for the horse race. Our Darong family will host the event, With a grand banquet to discuss important matters. Invite all the brothers to the feast. On the 10th day of the month, decisions will be made, And on the 15th, the horse race will take place.” Dansa's Silent Resolve Dansa was so angered by Chao Tong’s words that she trembled. As the saying goes: “The mountain lord cannot avoid debt collectors, And an old forehead cannot escape wrinkles.” Back when she was young and beautiful, like a vibrant flower of the grasslands, Chao Tong had married her into his home. Over the years, she had borne him children and managed the household. Now that she was old, Chao Tong had grown tired of her. He dismissed her good advice as malicious words and was ready to cast her aside after half a lifetime together. Dansa wanted to argue back but feared that Chao Tong would say even harsher things, disturbing the family’s harmony. She thought to herself: “The gods are always fair. I shall wait and see what becomes of this petty man.” With this thought, Dansa said nothing further. She continued to manage the household as she always had, silently and diligently preparing the banquet for Chao Tong. Notes : Seven Treasures: A Buddhist term. In the Lotus Sutra, the Seven Treasures are listed as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, agate, pearl, and ruby. However, the description of the Seven Treasures varies in different Buddhist scriptures.

I met Yongzhu Tashi Rinpoche in 2006 while working alone in Shanghai. From our perspective, he dedicated each day to contributing to the Dharma, as if he were racing against time. As his disciple, we witnessed his greatness firsthand. He not only helped countless children with their education but was also fervently committed to the propagation of King Gesar's culture. In Loving Memory of Yongzhu Tashi Rinpoche of Shechen Monastery To Yongzhu tashi Rinpoche I met Yongzhu Tashi Rinpoche in 2006 while working alone in Shanghai. From our perspective, he dedicated each day to contributing to the Dharma, as if he were racing against time. As his disciple, we witnessed his greatness firsthand. He not only helped countless children with their education but was also fervently committed to the propagation of King Gesar's culture. Because our master was younger than me, I mistakenly believed there would always be opportunities to follow him. His passing in 2024 left me heartbroken. Yet, we have not forgotten his teachings. we determined to continue following in our master's footsteps for the rest of our life. This website is a tribute to his legacy and a platform for sharing the teachings and values he embodied. Through this site, we hope to inspire others and keep his spirit alive in our community. This is a way for us to ensuring that his impact continues to resonate. Your Disciple 2024/12/21 Year of Wood Dragon Your presence has illuminated our life, guiding us to find direction and purpose 2020-2024 2015-2019 2010-2015 Shechen Monastery Situated in Dege County, emerged as a central hub for a vast network encompassing nearly 160 monasteries. Its establishment dates back to 1695, initiated by Rabjam Tenpai Gyaltsen under the directive of the Fifth Dalai Lama. The primary mission was to establish a foundation for the Nyingma tradition in the region of Kham. This sect, known as the "ancient" tradition, is one of the oldest schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery quickly ascended to prominence, becoming one of the six key monasteries of the Nyingma tradition. In the 20th century, the monastery continued to play a critical role in the Buddhist spiritual landscape, with figures such as Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa receiving teachings there. Their contributions to Buddhism, particularly in the West, have helped to cement Shechen Monastery's legacy as a pivotal institution in the global Buddhist community.

Under King Gesar’s rule, the people of Ling lived a peaceful and happy life, as smooth and calm as milk and cheese. One day, Gesar left the palace to inspect the lands and arrived at the Bangjiongqium grassland, located at the junction of rocky mountains and snow-covered peaks. The snowy mountain shone brilliantly white, the grassland was lush and green, and between the two stretched a barren patch of reddish-brown rocks. K i n g G e s a r 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. Chapter 23: The Heavenly Mother Commands the King to Practice the True Dharma; The Black Demon Causes Havoc, and Mesa is Captured. Gesar’s Journey to Practice and the Omen Under King Gesar’s rule, the people of Ling lived a peaceful and happy life, as smooth and calm as milk and cheese. One day, Gesar left the palace to inspect the lands and arrived at the Bangjiongqium grassland, located at the junction of rocky mountains and snow-covered peaks. The snowy mountain shone brilliantly white, the grassland was lush and green, and between the two stretched a barren patch of reddish-brown rocks. This strip of red-brown stones separated the grassland from the snowy peaks, yet also connected them, creating a simple but beautiful natural painting. On the grassland, the people of Ling Gabu grazed their animals. Horses roamed on the right side, cattle on the left, and sheep in the center. The plump and snow-white sheep looked like pieces of snow rolling down from the snowy mountains or pearls drifting across a green meadow. Seeing such peaceful beauty, King Gesar felt content. A wave of drowsiness overcame him. He took off his robe, tucked his head into one sleeve and his feet into the other, and fell asleep beside Lake Zhuocuo on the grassland. While Gesar was sound asleep, the goddess Langmangam descended from the pure heavenly realm of the Thirty-Three Skies, riding on colorful clouds. A delightful fragrance filled the air. The scent made Gesar sleep even more soundly. The goddess leaned close to Gesar’s ear and gently called out, “Thubpa Gawa, my dear child, do not oversleep. Quickly, go to the Cham Monastery in the east to practice the Great Wrathful Demon-Subduing Mantra. You have only twenty-one days—this is the order of White Brahma King. And remember, take Queen Meza with you when you go.” After delivering her message, the goddess disappeared into a rainbow, leaving behind the soothing fragrance and her inspiring prophecy. Gesar wasted no time. He immediately returned to Upper Ling Gabu, thinking as he walked, “To defeat all demons and destroy their armies, I must practice the Great Wrathful Mantra, just as Buddha Shakyamuni inspired the Wrathful King to subdue evil with five divine powers. The time has come. I must follow the goddess’s instructions and take Queen Meza to Cham Monastery for retreat.” Queen Zumu’s Scheme to Join Gesar When Gesar returned to Upper Ling Gabu and shared his plan to take Meza with him to the retreat, Queen Zumu was displeased. “Oh, my king, what are you saying? If you’re going into retreat to practice, it should be me who serves you. Why should Meza go instead?” “Zumu, this is the heavenly order. I think it’s better for you to stay home and take care of Mother,” Gesar explained, trying to calm her. Zumu, unwilling to let Gesar take Meza with him, came up with a plan. She approached Meza and said, “To subdue the demons, the king is going to Cham Monastery to practice the Great Wrathful Mantra. He has ordered me to accompany him as his attendant. You can stay at home with Mother. Once the retreat is over, we’ll meet again.” Meza, though suspicious of Zumu’s motives, reluctantly agreed. She knew Zumu’s competitive nature and suspected this was a ploy to go with the king. But Meza chose to yield and nodded in agreement. Zumu, overjoyed, ran back to Gesar and said, “My king, it’s not that I don’t want Meza to accompany you, but her health hasn’t been good lately. Retreat is a tough ordeal, so I think it’s better for her to rest at home while I accompany you.” Gesar, who already favored Zumu slightly more than Meza, agreed without much hesitation. Although he knew the goddess had instructed him to bring Meza, he trusted Zumu’s words and was happy to have her company for the retreat. Meza’s Ominous Dream Comes True Seven days had passed since King Gesar began his retreat to practice the Great Wrathful Mantra. One night, back in Ling Gabu, Queen Meza had a terrifying nightmare. She dreamed of a red wind blowing from the upper valley and a black wind blowing from the lower valley. The two winds caught her and swept her away. Meza woke up startled and frightened, unable to make sense of the dream. The next morning, unable to shake her fear, Meza prepared some sweets she had made herself and set off for Cham Monastery to see King Gesar. She was desperate to tell him about her dream and ask for its meaning. She believed that Gesar, with his supernatural wisdom, could interpret the dream and protect her from any danger. When Meza reached a spring near the monastery, she saw Zumu fetching water. Zumu’s face darkened as she spotted Meza, her displeasure showing in her tone. “Meza, what brings you here?” Meza ignored her fatigue and Zumu’s sour expression. She hurriedly said, “Sister Zumu, I had a terrible nightmare last night! I’ve come to tell the king about it. Please let him know I’m here.” Zumu pretended to agree and left with the water, but she had no intention of telling Gesar about Meza’s dream. After some time, Zumu returned with an empty bucket and told Meza, “Sister Meza, I told the king about your dream. He said dreams are illusions born of confusion, especially women’s dreams, which are even less trustworthy. He asked you to go back home and wait. In two weeks, we’ll all return.” Hearing this, Meza felt tears well up in her eyes. Her nose stung as she looked pitifully at Zumu. “Alright then, Sister Zumu. Please at least give the sweets I brought to the king and tell him my dream again. Make sure to ask him about its meaning.” With that, her tears streamed down her cheeks, and she turned to leave. Zumu felt a pang of guilt but convinced herself that it was better not to disturb the king’s practice for something trivial. She decided not to tell Gesar about Meza’s visit but presented the sweets to him instead. “These sweets… they seem like something Meza made. Did she come here? Is everything alright at home?” Gesar asked, startled. Zumu’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. “Why would you think that, my king? Did Meza’s sweets come with gold? Or jewels? Anything Meza can make, I can make just as well. Don’t overthink it, and focus on your practice.” Gesar said no more, but his heart was uneasy. He continued eating the sweets, unable to regain his earlier peace of mind. Meza’s Nightmare Comes True Although Gesar dismissed women’s dreams as insignificant, Meza’s unease only grew. She longed to see the king again, but Zumu’s interference left her with no choice but to wait. She sighed and focused on her daily tasks, hoping to endure until the king’s retreat was over. On the day Gesar completed his retreat, Meza was weaving cloth outside her tent. Suddenly, the exact scene from her nightmare unfolded before her eyes. A red wind blew from the upper valley, and a black wind came from the lower valley. Between the two winds appeared a tall, terrifying figure. His skin was pitch black, and his expression was cruel and menacing. Like an eagle snatching a lamb, he seized Queen Meza and carried her into the sky. Meza’s maid, Marlegui, panicked and didn’t know what to do. She rushed to Cham Monastery, banged on Gesar’s door, and cried out, “King Gesar! Something terrible has happened! Queen Meza has been taken by the Black Demon into the sky! Please hurry back to Ling Gabu!” Gesar immediately mounted his horse to chase the demon, but he was stopped by the goddess Langmangam’s voice: “Oh man of this land, Running around in panic is foolish! Though your head is large, You lack wisdom. Did I not warn you before, To take Meza with you to practice? I told you again and again, But you didn’t listen. You left Meza at home, Now the demon has taken her. Where are you going now? Blindly chasing is pointless; It is not yet time to defeat the Black Demon. The white lion on the snowy peak Grows its jade mane by staying in the mountains. The striped tiger of the forest Keeps its patterns by staying in its den. The golden-eyed fish of the deep sea Maintains its scales by staying in the ocean. I told you before, You must take Meza with you to practice. You ignored my words. If you want to defeat the demon, Your time will come, but it is not now. Return and prepare yourself— Only when wisdom and courage are ready can you act.” Hearing the goddess’s words, Gesar was filled with regret. He could neither chase the demon nor ignore the situation. Frustrated and uneasy, he resolved to intensify his practice and prepare for the day he could rescue Meza. Notes Retreat: A practice method in Vajrayana Buddhism. During a retreat, practitioners isolate themselves behind closed doors to focus on their spiritual practice, without any contact with the outside world. Hence, it is called "retreat."

Chao Tong rode his fine horse leisurely, feeling confident. The finish line at Hot Mountain was not far ahead, and he was secretly delighted. Originally, his only real competitor was Joru, but Joru was nowhere to be seen. This confirmed the prophecy of the Horsehead King: the throne, the seven treasures, and the peerless beauty Senjang Zumu would all belong to his family, the Darong clan. K i n g G e s a r 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. Chapter 22: Winning the Horse Racing Championship and Ascending the Golden Throne, The Lion King Grants Titles to Benefit the Mountain Region. Joru’s Final Victory Chao Tong rode his fine horse leisurely, feeling confident. The finish line at Hot Mountain was not far ahead, and he was secretly delighted. Originally, his only real competitor was Joru, but Joru was nowhere to be seen. This confirmed the prophecy of the Horsehead King: the throne, the seven treasures, and the peerless beauty Senjang Zumu would all belong to his family, the Darong clan. As Chao Tong indulged in his joy, he suddenly saw Joru riding up right in front of him. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on his burning excitement, extinguishing all his happiness. But Chao Tong, pretending to be calm, forced a smile and asked Joru: “Nephew, why have you only just caught up? Who do you think will win today’s prize?” Joru could see from Chao Tong’s calm exterior that he was actually very nervous inside. To toy with him, Joru replied, “Uncle, I’ve already passed the golden throne twice but didn’t dare sit on it. Now, all the racers are exhausted, their horses trembling with fatigue. Who knows if anyone will even reach the finish line to sit on the throne?” Hearing that Joru had already passed the golden throne twice, Chao Tong’s heart tightened. But when Joru said he hadn’t dared to sit down, Chao Tong relaxed. He decided to try convincing Joru to give up the race. Smiling warmly, he said, “Someone will surely reach the throne, but sitting on it isn’t necessarily a good thing. For the young and inexperienced, the prize is just a trap. Winning it will bring trouble to your family and misfortune to yourself. Haven’t you heard the song?” “The ‘radiant and glorious’ drum, Is but a wooden shell wrapped in hide. The ‘pure white, resounding’ conch, Is nothing more than an empty shell. The ‘thunderous, roaring’ cymbal, Is merely a bronze instrument. Slaughter it, and it gives no meat; Milk it, and it yields no cream. Wear it, and it brings no warmth; Eat it, and it will not fill your hunger. Flowers in a pile of dung, Though bright in color, Will defile the gods as offerings. A foolish woman from the Jialuo clan, Though beautiful in appearance, Will bring chaos to her family. A poisonous sweet fruit, Though tasty at first, Will kill you once swallowed. Becoming a ruler of many clans, Though it sounds glorious, Brings unbearable burdens and pain.” Chao Tong continued, “Nephew, I’m offering you kind advice. Don’t trouble yourself over this prize anymore.” Joru listened to Chao Tong’s long speech and sneered. “If the prize brings so much misfortune, then you shouldn’t want it either, Uncle. But I, Joru, fear nothing. I’ve always let others take the good, while taking the bad for myself. Let me be the one to bear the curse of this prize!” With that, Joru cracked his whip, leaving Chao Tong behind in a cloud of dust. Realizing he had been tricked, Chao Tong stood there stunned, ashamed and angry. “I tried to deceive him, but I ended up deceiving myself!” he thought bitterly. Filled with regret and frustration, Chao Tong whipped his horse and chased after Joru. Joru Tests His Brother Gacha and the Final Race In an instant, Joru caught up with his brother, Gacha Xiega. Seeing his brother’s back, Joru suddenly came up with an idea. Gacha was dressed in shining white armor, riding a horse called “White-Shouldered Phoenix,” with a hidden treasure blade at his waist. He was whipping his horse forward with all his strength. The white-backed horse was already exhausted—its mane was drenched in sweat, its legs trembling, and it didn’t even have the energy to whinny anymore. Suddenly, in front of Gacha appeared a black man riding a black horse, blocking his path. The black man said, “Hey, Gacha! I’ve heard the wealth of the Jialuo clan and the beautiful Senjang Zumu have been entrusted to you. Hand them over quickly, and I’ll spare your life. But if you dare say ‘no,’ I’ll make sure your blood flows through three valleys!” Hearing this, Gacha’s teeth clenched in fury, grinding audibly. “Black demon! Don’t dream of it. The seven treasures of Ling Gabu and the maiden Zumu can never be taken by you, and even I have no right to claim them. Only my brother Joru has the right to be king. If you know what’s good for you, step aside now, or I’ll send you straight to hell to meet the King of Death!” “And if I don’t step aside?” The black demon sneered, showing a row of bloodstained teeth. “Then so be it!” Gacha pulled out his hidden treasure blade and swung it fiercely at the black demon. However, the blade struck only empty air, and Gacha almost fell off his horse. The black man and his black horse had disappeared, and in their place sat Joru, calmly on his divine steed Jiangga Peibu. Smiling at Gacha, Joru said, “Brother Gacha, please don’t strike! Don’t be angry with me. I only wanted to test you. I was worried that if something happened in Ling Gabu, especially if infighting broke out among our brothers, you might not be able to handle it fairly or protect the throne.” Gacha instantly understood that it was Joru in disguise. He straightened his posture and said solemnly, “Beloved Joru, my dear brother, you don’t need to test me. The heavens have already foretold your destiny—to subdue the four demons, to be invincible in heaven and on earth. I, Gacha, have no other wish but to serve my younger brother. Please, Joru, whip your horse and ride swiftly to claim the throne.” “What? Brother, you don’t want the throne or Ling Gabu? If you don’t want them, then what use are they to a beggar like me?” Joru said, dismounting his horse and taking off his calfskin coat. He sat on the ground, relaxed and unmoving. Seeing this, Gacha hurriedly dismounted as well. “Brother Joru, the importance of the throne is not in the power it brings, but in the good you can do for the people. For the sake of the people, we must do everything we can. If you delay now, not only will you lose the throne, but the people will suffer. Think about it—if Chao Tong takes the throne in front of everyone, what good will your divine powers do afterward? Joru, for the people of Ling Gabu, get on your horse and ride as fast as you can!” Hearing Gacha’s words, Joru realized his brother was absolutely right. Looking at the sky, he saw that time was running out. Chao Tong was already far ahead, nearing the golden throne. There was no time to waste—any further delay would lead to lifelong regret and failure to fulfill his mission on earth. Joru leapt onto his horse and galloped toward the finish line. Joru Ascends the Throne as King Chao Tong was overjoyed. The golden throne was just within reach. As long as his prized steed, Yuja Horse, leapt forward one more time, he would sit firmly on the golden throne and announce to Ling Gabu that he was the victor. The race's prize, the throne, and the peerless beauty Senjang Zumu would all belong to the Darong clan. Let those who doubted him stew in jealousy! With that, Chao Tong squeezed the horse’s sides and urged it forward. But the Yuja Horse did not charge ahead as Chao Tong had hoped. Instead, it reared back and leapt several strides in reverse. Chao Tong watched in horror as the golden throne grew farther and farther away. He screamed in panic. After a moment, he remembered to pull the reins, but no matter how hard he tugged, the Yuja Horse refused to stop and continued retreating. “Could there be some kind of demon guarding the golden throne?” Chao Tong thought. Regardless, he jumped off the horse, desperate to reach the throne on foot. The Yuja Horse collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily and letting out pitiful cries. Chao Tong turned back, unable to leave his loyal steed behind. He stroked the horse’s mane gently, and it stopped crying but continued gasping for air. Chao Tong tried to pull the reins to help the horse stand, but the Yuja Horse only closed its eyes and gave a faint whimper. Chao Tong realized that the horse could no longer continue. Seeing other racers catching up, Chao Tong steeled his resolve, abandoned the Yuja Horse, and sprinted toward the throne. However, his legs felt like they were running on a treadmill, moving but going nowhere. No matter how hard he pushed, he couldn’t get closer to the golden throne. Exhausted, drenched in sweat, and gasping for breath, Chao Tong turned around and saw his Yuja Horse lying at his feet, staring at him with sorrowful eyes, as if pleading, “Master, save me, please.” Chao Tong’s heart softened. He stopped running and knelt beside his horse, trying to comfort it. At that moment, Joru arrived, riding his divine steed Jiangga Peibu like a gust of wind. Chao Tong’s muscles tensed in fear. Forgetting about his horse, he dashed madly toward the throne. Watching him, Joru let out a mocking laugh. Hearing Joru’s laughter, Chao Tong burned with anger. “You wretched beggar! Are you laughing at me?” “Honorable uncle, are you speaking to me?” Joru replied calmly. Chao Tong stopped running altogether. He turned to Joru and demanded, “Why are you opposing me? Why must you take the golden throne from the Darong family?” “Is the golden throne yours, Uncle?” Joru asked. “Of course! The Horsehead King prophesied this long ago. Everyone in Ling Gabu knows it!” Chao Tong shouted. “Well then, I’ll stand here and not move. Go ahead and claim it,” Joru said casually. “Stop playing tricks on me, Joru! As long as you’re here, I can’t get near the throne!” Chao Tong roared. “Why not? I wasn’t even near you earlier,” Joru said with a smirk. Chao Tong paused, his mind reeling. “That’s true. Joru wasn’t near me earlier. Could the Horsehead King’s prophecy have been wrong? Could the golden throne not belong to the Darong family? Could the prize of this race not be mine after all?” He turned his gaze to the Yuja Horse, its sorrowful eyes brimming with despair. Overwhelmed, Chao Tong collapsed to his knees, wrapped his arms around the horse’s neck, and sobbed uncontrollably. “Uncle, do you still want the race’s prize?” Joru asked. “No! No! I don’t want anything anymore. I only care about my Yuja Horse! Please, save my Yuja Horse!” Chao Tong cried out, his voice hoarse. “If I can heal your Yuja Horse, will you lend it to me for a task?” Joru asked. Chao Tong’s sobs stopped abruptly. Nodding repeatedly, he said, “Anything, Joru! Just make my Yuja Horse as good as it was before!” “I need it to carry tea to Jiana. Does that sound fair?” Joru asked with a sly grin. “Yes, yes! Whatever you need!” Chao Tong exclaimed, having completely forgotten about the throne. His only concern was saving his horse. Joru gently waved his whip, and the Yuja Horse leapt to its feet. He whispered a few words into the horse’s ear, and its exhausted demeanor vanished instantly. It stood tall and spirited, just as it had been before the race. Seeing his horse restored, Chao Tong’s desire for the golden throne surged once more. He grabbed the reins and prepared to mount the horse. But Joru stopped him. “Uncle, the Yuja Horse can only go back now. If you try to claim the throne again, it will never rise again.” Chao Tong saw the determination in Joru’s eyes and felt his intimidating aura. Though unwilling, he dared not challenge Joru further. Realizing the throne was beyond his reach, he reluctantly decided to prioritize his horse’s safety over his ambitions. Joru Ascends the Throne and Becomes King Gesar Joru stood before the golden throne, but he wasn’t in a hurry to sit down. Instead, he carefully observed the dazzling throne in front of him. How many people had gone mad over this throne? How many horses had bled and collapsed for it? Chao Tong had spent a fortune to host the horse race for it, and even his own divine steed was not unaffected by the struggle to reach it. Was it just a golden chair? No—it was a symbol of power, a symbol of wealth. Joru looked around: the sky was a clear blue, the grass was vibrant green, the snowy mountains sparkled like silver, and the rocks stood tall and majestic. Everything around him would belong to the person who sat on this throne. With this thought, Joru climbed onto the golden throne calmly. At that moment, the sky filled with auspicious clouds, and the Five Goddesses of Longevity appeared, riding a rainbow of brilliant colors. They held arrows adorned with jewels and a treasure vase. Queen Mandanaze carried a quiver and a divine mirror, while her sister-in-law, Guo Jia Guomu, held a treasure bottle. They led their attendants and many celestial beings, who all appeared together. Jiangga Peibu, Joru’s divine steed, stood proudly next to the throne and let out three long, resounding neighs. Instantly, the earth trembled, mountains cracked, and the gates to the treasure troves of crystal mountains swung open. Gods such as Machen Pomra, the fierce deity Getro, and the Dragon King Zounarenqing came to offer gifts. The gods presented victory items: a white helmet, bronze armor, a red vine shield, a tiger-skin quiver, and a leopard-skin bow case. They also brought a crystal spear, a divine longbow, and the indestructible robes of longevity. Joru stood tall as the gods bestowed upon him these treasures, dressing him in majestic armor and robes, transforming him into a magnificent and imposing king. The people who had come to watch the race were stunned by what they saw. It was the first time they had ever witnessed the gods perform such beautiful dances and play celestial music. They stood in awe, not knowing how to react, as if they were in a dream. From the moment he was born, Joru had been like a sun hidden behind clouds, like a lotus trapped in mud. Though he had done countless good deeds for the world, he had been misunderstood, rejected, and forced to wander far and wide, enduring immense hardships. Perhaps this was Heaven’s way of tempering him, making him endure human suffering before becoming a king, so he could truly understand the people and bring them prosperity. Finally, Joru ascended the throne and was officially named the World Lion King, Gesar Lobsang Dradul. After a spectacular celestial celebration, the gods slowly disappeared. The people of Ling Gabu, as if suddenly awakened, surged toward the throne and cheered for King Gesar. Their heartfelt cries of joy shook the mountains and the earth, with the clouds in the sky and the waves in the sea dancing in harmony. The people shouted, “The sun has finally emerged from behind the clouds! The lotus has finally broken free from the mud! Ling Gabu finally has its own king! Peace and prosperity are here at last!” Everyone fell silent, waiting for their new king to speak. King Gesar rose from the golden throne. He looked at the ecstatic crowd of people and paused for a moment. Then he spoke: “My brothers who raced, the people of Ling Gabu, I am the son of the gods, the grandson of the Dragon King. Today, I proclaim myself King Gesar Lobsang Dradul, the Lion King. Twelve years I have walked among you, enduring hardships and overcoming trials. Today, I finally sit on the golden throne, fulfilling Heaven’s will. But I must ask—do you sincerely accept me as your king?” The people of Ling Gabu immediately prostrated themselves. They had already witnessed the gods showering Gesar with flowers, rainbows, and celestial music when he ascended the throne. How could they not be convinced? Not only were they sincerely convinced, but they also felt this was the result of their prayers. Heaven had answered their devotion by sending a divine child to become their king. Gesar, seeing their sincerity, began to appoint officials and generals: “Since you have accepted me as king, I hereby appoint: Gacha Xiega as General of the East, to guard against the Sadan King of the Ginger Kingdom. Senda Adong as General of the South, to defend against the southern demon king, Sinchi. Chaxiang Danma as General of the West, to resist the Yellow Hor people. Rongcha Adan as General of the North, to guard against the enemies of Rong and the land of demons. Other than the public enemies of Ling Gabu, I, Gesar, have no personal enemies. Other than the public laws of the Tibetan people, I have no private laws. From this day forward, the people of Ling Gabu will embrace the ten virtues and abandon the ten evils. If we work together, peace will surely reign.” The crowd roared with approval, their voices echoing across the land. Everyone sincerely accepted Gesar as their king. Gifts and Celebrations Amid the thunderous cheers, the overseer Wang Rongchachagen presented the genealogy of the noble Mubudong family and five ceremonial flags to the Lion King: On the golden throne sits the Lion King of the World, With a face as radiant as a red date and teeth as white as snow. Gesar’s abilities are unmatched under Heaven. Above, adorned banners and rare flags flutter; In the middle, people sing joyfully; Below, the dragon clans offer treasures, And gentle rain nourishes blooming flowers. The gods above smile with joy, The people on earth sing and dance, The dragons below spread auspicious clouds, And the demons in hell mourn their defeat. This white flag is a symbol of the sun’s brilliance. This yellow flag sings the praises of power. This red flag represents auspiciousness. This green flag is a tribute to the Mother of the Earth. This blue flag is a ceremonial gift from the Dragon King Zounar. We present this genealogy to you, May you and your people never part. We present these flags to you, May you bring prosperity to all beings. After the overseer’s blessings, the brothers of Ling Gabu stepped forward with their own gifts. Gacha Xiega presented a white victory helmet adorned with silk plumes symbolizing the “Radiance of the Sun,” a victory banner with “Nine Layers of Fortune,” and eagle feathers symbolizing “The Sentinel of the Gods.” Gacha, overwhelmed with emotion at seeing his brother finally ascend the throne, sincerely wished that King Gesar’s helmet would remain steady and his power reach the skies. Danma offered bronze armor and a red vine shield. The armor was decorated with flags and symbols of longevity, while the shield shone with rainbows and clouds. The Seven Heroes presented seven indestructible robes of longevity. The Eight Warriors offered boots that symbolized dominion over the eight realms. The brothers of the Qijiu clan gifted a divine quiver, a leopard-skin bow case, and a finely crafted ceremonial bow. The brothers of the Zhenju clan presented an incredibly sharp treasure blade, a spear that could conquer three realms, and a nine-fathom-long frog-skin rope imbued with magical powers. Lastly, the brothers of the Qiongjue clan offered a crystal knife forged from thunderbolts, which shimmered with violet lightning. All the brothers collectively wished their powerful Lion King, Gesar: May you crush the Black Demon King, Defeat King Sinchi, Overcome the Hor King, Subdue King Sadan, Conquer the Four Great Evils, And sweep away all darkness from the four directions! Even Chao Tong stepped forward to bow and offer his congratulations. However, the once-arrogant Chao Tong was no longer the same. He had lost his pride and joy. While the people of Ling Gabu celebrated, Chao Tong was consumed by shame and sorrow. He stood among the brothers who were congratulating Joru, but inwardly, he wished he could devour Joru whole. Hatred buried itself deep in Chao Tong’s heart. One day, he vowed, he would take revenge and ease his burning hatred. For now, however, Chao Tong dared not show his true feelings. He maintained a façade of happiness and congratulated Joru. King Gesar, pretending not to notice, accepted Chao Tong’s ceremonial scarf and even gave him the items he had promised earlier—a staff used during his ascetic practices and a treasure pouch from the God of Wealth. Gesar also said, “These are my sacred items. I give them to you today, but when the time comes to slay the Demon King Luzan, I will need to borrow them again.” Chao Tong repeatedly bowed and said, “Your Majesty, rest assured. I will take good care of them and return them whenever you need.” At this moment, the gods showered flower petals like rain. The people of Ling Gabu struck the “Radiant and Glorious” ceremonial drums, blew the “Snow-White Resounding” conchs, and clashed the “Thunderous Dragon Roar” cymbals. The maidens danced and sang: Rejoice, Lion King! Be glad, people of Ling Gabu! Senjang Zumu, the peerless beauty, stepped gracefully out from the group of singing and dancing maidens. She carried a long ceremonial scarf draped over a treasure bowl from the God of Wealth. The bowl contained the Longevity Mother’s sacred wine and nectar of immortality. Smiling, she presented the offering to King Gesar and sang a beautiful blessing: Honorable Lion King Gesar, I am Senjang Zumu of the Jialuo clan. I offer thirteen ceremonial scarves, And the divine wine held in this treasure bowl. Wear these scarves for long life, Drink this wine to accomplish great deeds. Around your body that shines like a golden mountain, Let radiant clouds embrace you. May the brilliance of your weapons and your power Forever shine brightly! On your majestic body, Precious light radiates endlessly. May the blessings of nourishing rain Always accompany you and all beings, Lion King! On my delicate body, My youthful face like a lotus flower, Sparkling eyes full of life Are devoted to you, Lion King. On winding paths And in handling the affairs of your people, I will follow you like a shadow, Never leaving your side, Lion King. As Zumu sang, her sisters danced with even more grace. Zumu’s eyes shone with joy, making her even more beautiful and enchanting than usual. Gesar, deeply moved, left his throne, took Zumu’s hand, and together they danced among the people, celebrating in the midst of the joyous music and singing. From the moment Gesar officially became king after the horse race, the people of Ling Gabu lived in peace and happiness. They smiled from their hearts, and the Lion King Gesar ensured that their days were filled with prosperity. Gesar married Senjang Zumu as his queen, and their love was as harmonious as fish swimming in water. Zumu cherished the king’s bravery and handsomeness, while Gesar admired his queen’s beauty and diligence. Later, following tradition, Gesar married twelve more maidens, including Meisabungji, making Zumu and her twelve sisters the famous “Thirteen Queens of Ling Gabu.”

K i n g G e s a r The Great Person that Connected with King Gesar YangthANG rinpoche Yangthang Rinpoche on How to Practice a Yidam Yangthang Rinpoche, a great accomplished master of the Palyul lineage, discusses in this teaching the inseparable nature of the guru, yidam (deity), dakinis, and dharma protectors with our own essence. Whether we take Tara as our yidam or bring home a thangka of King Gesar for protection, these practices introduce us to our own mind’s nature through what appears to be an “external” and seemingly more elevated object. Attaining Buddhahood does not mean achieving something external or higher; instead, every sentient being already possesses Buddha-nature. The purpose of connecting with yidams and protectors is to help us recognize the innate abilities we already have. If we practice the yidam and offer praises to protectors with faith in our own complete and perfect Buddha-nature, then we are cultivating immense merit! Let’s take a look at what Yangthang Rinpoche has to say: King Gesar Some people say King Gesar is a yidam, others say he is a dharma protector. If you regard him as a protector, then he is a protector. If you regard him as a guardian, then he is a guardian. If you regard him as a yidam, then he is a yidam. If you regard him as a guru, then he is a guru. You can also regard him as a combination of guru, yidam, and protector all in one. Some people have received this empowerment multiple times. Based on faith in the guru and devotion to the yidam, receiving the empowerment more than once—five or six times, even—is perfectly fine. Some people attend many empowerments and receive many yidam practices but worry about not being able to practice all of them, and therefore hesitate to attend empowerments. There’s no need to worry. It’s impossible to practice all the yidams one receives empowerments for. Practicing just one method is sufficient, and you can still attend other empowerments. A Brief Story of King Gesar Some people are unfamiliar with the origins of King Gesar, so here is a brief explanation:Over 1,300 years ago, when Guru Rinpoche’s time of benefiting sentient beings in the human realm was coming to an end, he prepared to travel to the land of the rakshasas to liberate beings there. His disciples came to see him off, and the son of King Trisong Detsen was so grief-stricken that he fainted, crying that he would not know how to carry on without Guru Rinpoche. Guru Rinpoche comforted him, saying, “Do not grieve. Many years from now, when the world is in need, I will appear in the human realm in flesh and blood.” Later, during the time of King Langdarma, who was influenced by Bon practices, there was a decline in respect for the Dharma. Many demonic forces manifested as kings in neighboring regions of Tibet, plotting to destroy the Dharma. At that time, Guru Rinpoche manifested as King Gesar, born into the human realm. Leading an army, King Gesar defeated the demonic armies of these neighboring kingdoms, transferred their consciousnesses to pure realms, and restored the Dharma. From the age of 13 to over 80, King Gesar spent his life in battle. His generals were emanations of Guru Rinpoche’s 25 main disciples and the 84 great mahasiddhas of India. King Gesar himself was an emanation of Manjushri’s body, Avalokiteshvara’s speech, and Vajrapani’s mind. Therefore, King Gesar and his generals are “transcendental deities” (beyond the worldly), not “worldly deities.” If you practice King Gesar as your guru, you can visualize him as Guru Rinpoche. Practice him as guru yoga, imagining that Guru Rinpoche is King Gesar, and recite Guru Rinpoche’s mantra. Guru Rinpoche embodies the essence of guru, yidam, and protector, so practicing Guru Rinpoche is equivalent to practicing all three. Alternatively, you can practice King Gesar in this way. Some people like to practice the Three Roots (guru, yidam, dakini) separately. For guru yoga, visualize Guru Rinpoche. For the yidam, you can choose Avalokiteshvara, Vajrakilaya, or Wrathful Guru Rinpoche. For the dakini, you can choose Vajrayogini, Green Tara, or Yeshe Tsogyal. How to Visualize a Yidam Visualizing a yidam clearly is very difficult. Many people are aware of the generation stage and the completion stage in tantric practice. When visualizing the yidam’s color, clothing, ornaments, and hand-held implements, we often focus on one detail, such as the face, and forget the others. If we focus on the clothing, we may forget the implements, and if we focus on the implements, we may forget the face. It’s hard to hold all the details at once. Even Tibetan scholars who have studied texts for years still struggle with yidam visualization when they enter retreat. True visualization is incredibly complex. To reach the level of the generation stage, one must visualize the yidam’s infinite palace, its intricate details, the yidam, and its retinue with the clarity of a reflection in a mirror, while simultaneously perceiving them as illusory appearances. Few can achieve this, so don’t worry if your visualization isn’t perfect. Simply visualize the yidam in the space in front of you and deeply believe that they are truly present. This is sufficient to achieve the generation stage. Then, recite the yidam’s mantra, conclude by imagining the yidam radiating light to purify you, and finally dissolve the yidam into light, merging it with yourself. This completes the completion stage. Faith and Trust in the Yidam Whether you are practicing guru yoga or a yidam, cultivate deep trust that wherever you are—heaven, hell, or anywhere—the yidam knows. Trust that in this life, at the moment of death, and in the next life, you will rely on them. Have unwavering faith. Offering to Protectors When offering to protectors, regard them as part of your own nature and an expression of your mind’s essence. If you treat protectors as merely external entities, they can help you, but you won’t be able to realize their qualities as part of yourself. Rely on transcendental deities. If you rely on worldly deities, such as mountain gods, earth gods, river gods, or local spirits, they may sometimes help you, but they may also harm you. At the time of death, they might even lead you into darkness. Do not regard worldly deities or demons as part of your mind’s nature. Doing so can lead to confusion, madness, and emotional instability. Many cases of mental instability are related to faith in worldly deities. Avoid relying on them or interacting with them. Balancing Practice and Daily Life Everyone is busy with work and earning a living. Wealth depends on karma—those with merit will naturally have wealth without much effort, while those without merit must work hard and still may not have much. Having enough food, clothing, and a vehicle for transportation is sufficient. Beyond this, consider spending more time on practice. Even if you are busy, you don’t need to recite many mantras while practicing. Recite a manageable amount, live joyfully, and remain free of worries. That is enough.

In order to deceive the Chawarong king, Nangla, and weaken his power, the divine son Jue Ru (King Gesar) transformed into a beautiful young woman with long black hair, a slender figure, and an alluring charm. She arrived at the Dongga Jinzhong castle, where Nangla, the King of Chawarong, resided. K i n g G e s a r 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 Chapter 11: Jue Ru Transforms into a Beautiful Woman Jue Ru Transforms into a Beautiful Woman In order to deceive the Chawarong king, Nangla, and weaken his power, the divine son Jue Ru transformed into a beautiful young woman with long black hair, a slender figure, and an alluring charm. She arrived at the Dongga Jinzhong castle, where Nangla, the King of Chawarong, resided. The king, seated majestically on his golden throne called “Renqin Wangjie,” was struck by the sudden appearance of this mysterious and beautiful woman after a shower of flower petals fell. The sight of her instantly stirred his lustful desires like a wind shaking the branches of a tree. Overcome with greed, he sang: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re, If you do not know this place, It is the Dongga Jinzhong castle. If you do not know who I am, I am Nangla, the king of men. Beautiful girl, listen to me: First, tell me where you are from. Next, tell me where you are going. Your body is as delicate as white vines, Your words flow like the melody of a ‘Zhisa’ pipa. Who is your father, and which noble family does he come from? Who is your mother, and which aristocratic house does she belong to? Where are your parents’ homes? Do you already have someone in your heart? Do not hide anything—speak clearly. In this Dongga Jinzhong castle, It would be best for you to stay as my companion. Teach me wisdom and combat skills, And stay with me for at least three years. You and I, the king and the maiden, Will make the perfect couple in this world. Even the gods would clap their hands in celebration. If you are willing, please remember this in your heart. If you are not, I still have more songs to sing.” The woman smiled seductively, swayed her body gracefully, and moved one step closer to the king. She bowed deeply, and in doing so, diminished one-third of the king’s virtue. Then, in a sweet and flattering voice, she sang: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re, If you do not know this place, It is the Dongga Jinzhong castle, The royal chamber of King Nangla. If you do not know who I am, I am Zedan, the princess of the Dragon King, From the crystal palace of the lower world. My father is a great noble from the Longmen lineage, And my mother, too, is from a renowned family. I am an intelligent and clever girl. And you, the savior of mankind, King Nangla, Are like Mount Meru in your majesty. Your voice thunders like a mighty storm, Your wisdom is as deep as the ocean. Surely, you must be a transformation of the Dragon King himself. You and I together, King, Would be the perfect couple in the human world, Even the gods would clap their hands in celebration. Only a princess of the Dragon King Is worthy to be your queen. But let me tell you something important: The iron sickles from outside Will cut down the main beams of this house. On the land of Chawarong, For eight generations, kings have failed to prosper. The magnetic iron fortress outside, With its ill-fated flags flying, Will bring harm to Chawarong And misfortune to King Nangla. It must be dismantled immediately. Also, Lusabenma, your brother, Is destined to face great calamity this year. He must sit quietly for a month to avoid harm. Until the signs from heaven change, He must not go to battle. Meditation will ensure his safety, And all your wishes will be fulfilled. If you understand, please remember my words. If not, I have more songs to sing.” After finishing her song, the king thought to himself, “This girl shares my thoughts exactly. Judging by her insights into karma and her predictions, she must have been sent by the Dragon King to help me. With her help, my kingdom will flourish, and my fame will spread across nations.” Satisfied with this thought, he smiled. That night, the woman stayed in Dongga Jinzhong castle. She shared an intimate night with the king, who became so infatuated with her that he felt as though his vital energy was completely drained. The King's Overconfidence and Ling's First Attack The next morning, as dawn broke, the ministers and generals of Chawarong gathered in the great hall to discuss matters. Meanwhile, Queen Yang Mintso was overcome with jealousy. She swayed her braid, shook her head in anger, her eyes flashed like lightning, and her nose flared with rage. She was so furious that she couldn’t even speak. The king and the woman felt a bit embarrassed. The woman said, “Your Majesty, please do not forget what I told you yesterday. The sooner you act, the greater your accomplishments will be. I don’t have time to accompany you today, but I will return soon to see you again.” With that, she disappeared without a trace. The ministers and generals of Chawarong didn’t believe that an enemy army would attack them, so they were completely unprepared. After some idle chatter, they all dispersed. Meanwhile, in Ling’s camp, the leaders were discussing who should lead the first attack and how to proceed. Steward Rongchacha said, “Today’s first battle will not be like the others. The enemy’s strength and skill are far greater. Therefore, it is best for Sebani Bendaya to go first.” Everyone nodded in agreement. The next morning, Sebani Bendaya mounted his pale yellow warhorse and led fifty heavily armored cavalry soldiers. Fully armed, with flags flying, their imposing presence was like a tiger descending a mountain. Those in the Ling camp praised the sight of such a mighty force. Sebani Bendaya's First Victory A few days later, the Ling army arrived at the Four Great Plains, from where they could see the Dongga Jinzhong castle of Chawarong in the distance. Inside the castle, the Chawarong king, Nangla, stood on the balcony and spotted the Ling forces approaching. He turned to his ministers and said, “Across the river, the yellow horsemen are galloping with dust billowing behind them. Their teeth grind like thunder, their banners and weapons rise like a storm. Brave warriors lead the charge. Yesterday, that woman said that the iron sickles from outside would destroy the beams of this house. Could she have meant these men? Are they friends or foes? Send someone to investigate immediately.” The brave and intelligent minister, Senge Kangtsun, volunteered for the task. Leading 100 iron-armored cavalrymen, he charged toward Sebani Bendaya like rolling logs and falling boulders. When the two sides were a bowshot apart, Senge Kangtsun pulled his reins and shouted: “Om Mani Padme Hum! Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you do not know this place, It is the slaughterhouse of the King of Hell. If you do not know who I am, I am the King of Hell himself. Let the heavenly god Dorje Drakpa And the Twelve Protector Deities stand behind me. Nangla’s status is like that of the heavens. This land of Chawarong, Ruled by the Nangla King, Is not a place for idle wanderers. Surrender, yellow horsemen! Tell me, where are you from? Where are you going? Who is your master? Speak clearly and truthfully. If you lie, I will show you no mercy!” Sebani Bendaya calmly drew a golden arrow, placed it on his bow, and responded: “Om Mani Padme Hum! Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you do not know this place, It is the territory of Chawarong. If you do not know who I am, I am Sebani Bendaya from the holy land of Ling. Known as the Iron Hammer of Ling, I strike down my enemies with righteous fury. Chawarong and Ling Have no reason to fight without cause. But long ago, Nima Leqintha of the Dong tribe Came to Chawarong to retrieve arrows. Eighteen mule-loads of feathered arrows Were stolen by your people. Today, I have come to settle this debt. Lost cattle and sheep will be recovered. Justice must be served. Ling’s rules are clear: One warrior versus one warrior. Let’s settle this like men. If you retreat even a step, You are no hero—only a cowardly woman. If I retreat even half a step, I am nothing but a mangy dog. There is no time for idle chatter!” As soon as Sebani finished speaking, he fired his golden arrow, but it missed. Senge Kangtsun retaliated with his own arrow, which also missed. The two warriors then drew their swords and engaged in a fierce duel. They fought for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, but neither could gain the upper hand. Sebani Bendaya, determined to win, thought to himself, “If I don’t kill this demon today and secure the first victory, it will be disastrous for the entire battle.” With this in mind, he leaned to the right from his horse, picked up a stone the size of a sheep’s stomach, and hurled it at Senge Kangtsun’s chest. The stone shattered Senge’s protective mirror armor, striking his vital spot. Senge Kangtsun fell from his horse, and Sebani quickly claimed his head. The Ling soldiers seized the opportunity to charge forward, slaughtering the enemy like hail pounding grass. The Chawarong troops were utterly defeated and scattered in all directions. Chawarong's Defeat and Ling's Celebration Inside the Dongga Jinzhong castle, the Chawarong king, Nangla, watched his soldiers retreat in defeat. He was furious. His anger boiled over—his hair seemed to emit blood-red steam, and sparks erupted from his face. From the top of the castle, he hurled a large stone, as big as a wild ox’s stomach, at Sebani Bendaya. The stone struck Sebani, knocking him off his horse and leaving him momentarily unconscious. The Ling soldiers rushed to rescue him. They gave Sebani a life-saving pill, and after a short while, he regained consciousness. Mounting his horse once again, Sebani’s fury drove him to slay over fifty enemy soldiers. On the battlefield, corpses littered the ground. However, Ling also suffered losses, with over twenty of their own soldiers killed. After this intense battle, Sebani led the Ling troops back to camp, carrying with them the severed heads and arms of their fallen enemies. The Ling soldiers were overjoyed at their victory. They placed the heads and arms in front of the camp gate, celebrated with dancing and offerings to the gods, and honored Sebani for his bravery in battle. He was awarded for his heroic achievements in defeating the enemy. Chawarong Prepares for Revenge Meanwhile, in Dongga Jinzhong castle, the Chawarong king, Nangla, was still furious over the loss. He lounged angrily on his golden throne, “Renqin Wangjie,” and sang: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re, If you do not know this place, It is Dongga Jinzhong castle. In this bright and sunny hall, If you do not know who I am, I am the radiant King Nangla. I pray to the boundless blue sky, To the Nine-Eyed Protector God, To Chawarong’s White Mule God, And to the Twelve Dragon Daughters, Come and aid me, King Nangla. This year, Ling has sent its army to Chawarong. Across the river at Xintangjiamu Plains, Their four divisions have set up camp. They chop down our young trees for firewood, Steal our water to brew their tea, Feed their horses with our green grass. Ling’s arrogance cannot go unpunished! Not just this—they have done much worse. In the past, Chawarong merchants Traveled to Gana to trade. A caravan of eight men with one hundred mules Was robbed by Ling’s young men. They slaughtered the innocent, staining their clothes with blood. And now, today, these yellow horsemen Have come to provoke us again. A small detachment of them, Led by someone called Sebani Bendaya, Dared to invade this land. They killed our general, Senge Kangtsun, And fifty of our finest soldiers— Like a dream, they all vanished. How can my ministers tolerate this? We cannot let this go! I command all three divisions of Chawarong To prepare for war. Send messengers to rally every soldier. Against these Ling invaders, We must strike back with blood for blood. Tomorrow at dawn, Lusabenma, my brother, And General Dorje Mima Will lead 300 elite cavalry soldiers To the Ling camp at Xintangjiamu Plains. Blood must repay blood; Property must be reclaimed. If blood is not avenged, We are no better than cowards. If stolen goods are not recovered, It is like a maiden losing her spindle.” The Chawarong king ordered his ministers and soldiers to prepare for battle. From now on, the entire kingdom was mobilized to defend their homeland. Lusabenma's Fury and Jue Ru's Warning As soon as King Nangla gave his order, Lusabenma and General Dorje Mima grew restless with anger. They couldn’t wait to storm out of their tent and head into battle. The next morning, just before dawn, Jue Ru appeared near the Ling camp and shouted three times, “Sipan! Sipan! ... The enemy is at the gates, and yet the Ling soldiers are all snoring and fast asleep. How can I, Jue Ru, tolerate such carelessness?” Some soldiers were startled awake by the shouting. When they opened their eyes, they saw Jue Ru standing naked in a corner of the tent. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared. The commander, Chao Tong, thought to himself, “Jue Ru, this troublemaker in human form, doesn’t sleep at night, doesn’t let others sleep either, and keeps showing off with nonsense. This war has nothing to do with him, yet he rushed here uninvited. What a strange and irritating being.” However, most of the Ling soldiers, except for Chao Tong, agreed with Jue Ru’s warning. They quickly got up, armed themselves, and prepared their horses, ready for any emergency. At dawn, Lusabenma appeared at the camp gate, moving mountains with his supernatural strength. He shifted a mountain from the left to the right, then moved one from the right to the left, standing like a terrifying pillar of strength. His imposing figure scared the cowardly Chao Tong and a few others into fleeing the camp. Without saying a word, Lusabenma bent his bow and fired an arrow into the Ling camp. The arrow flew like lightning and roared like thunder when it hit the ground. Over 100 Ling soldiers in iron armor fell dead instantly. Lusabenma’s arrows were poisonous, and the thick smoke they emitted was so terrifying that even the Ling gods dared not look directly at him. The Battle Begins Sebani Bendaya, Wenbu Alubasen, and Commander Sipan quickly launched an attack to block Lusabenma’s path. They swung their swords and fired arrows, but it was as ineffective as peas hitting a drum—Lusabenma was completely unharmed. The five Ling heroes charged at him again, trying to hold him down. They grabbed him tightly and dragged him backward with all their might, but it was like children trying to pull a wild ox—they couldn’t move him an inch. Lusabenma strode into the Ling camp’s middle section, while the five heroes followed closely behind. They attacked him again, slashing and stabbing, but they only managed to cut off three pieces of his armor. It was useless. At this moment, Tarchu Tola Tsampo rode forward, holding his reins in his left hand and a sword in his right. He struck Lusabenma several times, knocking off a few more pieces of armor and almost injuring him. Lusabenma thought, “This person, though young, is quite strong and skilled in combat. Judging by his appearance, he must be from a noble lineage.” He then drew his treasured sword, “Hala Dongjiao,” and swung it in the air before slashing downward. Tarchu Tola Tsampo was split in two and died on the spot. Sebani Bendaya, seeing his comrade killed, could no longer contain his rage. He chased after Lusabenma, attacking him relentlessly with arrows and blades, but it had no effect. At that moment, two Ling generals, Bemba Gyacha Xiega and General Danma, charged forward to block Lusabenma’s path. They fought fiercely, exchanging blows, but neither side could gain the upper hand. Eventually, both sides retreated to their respective camps. Dorje Mima's Death and Lusabenma's Retreat Shortly after Lusabenma retreated to his camp, Dorje Mima, one of Chawarong’s top generals, launched a surprise attack on the Ling camp from the left flank. He charged forward with great ferocity, killing Ling soldiers as he went. However, he was soon met by the powerful Ling general, Dapan, who confronted him head-on. Dapan thrust his long spear toward Dorje Mima’s chest, sending sparks flying. Then, with a sweeping motion, he swung his sword down, aiming directly at Dorje Mima’s head. Although the blow didn’t kill him, it managed to knock off eight pieces of his armor. Dorje Mima staggered backward, praying desperately to the heavens, earth, and dragon gods to protect him in this critical moment. After his prayers, he regained his composure and thrust his spear again with all his might, this time piercing Dapan’s chest straight through to his back. Dapan fell from his horse, mortally wounded. Dorje Mima approached him and took his head as a trophy. The Ling soldiers, enraged by the fall of their general, charged at Dorje Mima like wolves attacking sheep. The battlefield was soon covered in blood, and many of Chawarong’s soldiers were killed. Realizing the battle was turning against him, Lusabenma quickly regrouped the remaining Chawarong forces. He led the retreat and guarded the rear, ensuring the survival of his remaining soldiers. On the way back, he encountered five Ling commanders, led by Nima Lunzhu. In a fierce clash, Lusabenma killed all five of them, cutting his way through the Ling forces to escape. Before leaving the battlefield, Lusabenma stood atop his horse, placing his sword on his thumb as he sang: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you do not know this path, It leads directly to Chawarong. If you do not know who I am, I am Lusabenma, Younger brother of King Nangla. I am the son of the Dragon King, A force of nature no one can stop. From the boundless clouds in the sky, I call upon the Nine-Eyed God. Riding a tiger as my steed, Guarded by ten thousand deities, Today I’ve claimed my first victory. I trampled Ling soldiers like grass, Turning the battlefield into a river of blood. Are you satisfied, Ling warriors? You Ling soldiers, who dared to invade, Without reason or cause, Why do you bring hatred to our land? Do you think your feeble strength Can match the wild power of the plains? If you wish to challenge me, Ready your best warriors. Let us fight one-on-one, And see who is truly a hero!” Lusabenma's Intimidation at Ling's Camp After finishing his song, Lusabenma thought to himself, “Let’s see who dares to challenge my treasured sword. I will end their life!” At that moment, Bemba Gyacha Xiega, overwhelmed with grief over the death of Tarchu Tola Tsampo, burned with rage upon hearing Lusabenma’s arrogant words. His muscles twitched, his fingers itched to act, his jaw clenched, and his head felt like it was about to explode. “That demon Lusabenma has killed so many of our Ling comrades, and now he’s standing at our camp gate spewing insults. This is unbearable!” he yelled as he prepared to charge out. Several leaders tried to stop him, but he was too furious to listen. Then, the elder chief, Chao Tong, earnestly advised him, “Nephew, hold on! Let your uncle give you a word of advice. As the saying goes, envy what others have, but be content with what you possess. There’s no need to fight today. There will be no more glory to gain. Listen to me—don’t go.” Reluctantly, Bemba Gyacha Xiega calmed down and stayed in the camp. Lusabenma also thought there would be no more fighting that day. He turned his horse around and led his remaining forces back to Dongga Jinzhong Castle. There, he displayed the severed head and helmet flags of Tarchu Tola Tsampo as trophies. The gathered citizens remarked, “Judging by his appearance and attire, this man must have come from a noble and prestigious family.” Reinforcements Arrive in Chawarong Three days later, reinforcements arrived in Dongga Jinzhong Castle. Over 3,000 elite soldiers from the six southern valley tribes marched into the castle under the leadership of military strategist Xujie Tsampo, General Nangja Lunzhu, young commander Dama Dongdan, and the invincible warrior Senqiong Lagui. After settling into the castle, the military leaders gathered in the middle tower of the palace to discuss strategies for avenging the deaths of their two generals. Ling's Despair and Sebani's Determination Meanwhile, in the Ling camp, the loss of Tarchu Tola Tsampo and four other commanders, along with many soldiers, left everyone in despair. The soldiers murmured among themselves, “We’ve never seen anything like that demon Lusabenma before. Neither arrows nor weapons have any effect on him.” Sebani Bendaya, filled with grief and anger, declared, “How can I sit idle while my comrades lie dead? If I cannot avenge them, I will never forgive myself!” He prepared to charge out of the camp when General Danma stopped him. Danma said, “If every commander personally avenges their own losses, what will happen to the chain of command? This war is only beginning, and there will be plenty of opportunities for revenge. Stay calm and hold your position. Trust me—I will make sure that demon Lusabenma spills his blood on the battlefield.” The soldiers nodded in agreement. Sebani Bendaya, though unwilling, stayed in the camp, secretly vowing, “If I don’t teach Lusabenma a lesson tomorrow, I might as well be dead!” Jue Ru's Return to Chawarong At this moment, Jue Ru, calculating that the time to subdue Lusabenma had not yet arrived, decided to act. He knew that if Bemba Gyacha Xiega were to fight now, it would not only fail but also harm Gyacha. The only solution was to influence the decisions of King Nangla and his ministers in Chawarong. Jue Ru appeared again near Dongga Jinzhong Castle, transforming into the same beautiful woman as before. She hovered low in the sky just outside the castle. When King Nangla saw her, he exclaimed, “Oh, the enchanting Dragon Princess! Last time, you vanished like a rainbow. Seeing you again today brings me great joy! Please, come and speak with me to ease my troubled heart!” The woman, in her soft and alluring voice, replied, “Oh, great savior of the people! Last time, I shared my heartfelt advice with you, but you did not act upon it. If this continues, the brutal Ling demons will harm your brother Lusabenma, and your soldiers cannot hold out for more than seven days. Please, act quickly on my words and do not delay. I cannot stay long—I must return to the Dragon Palace to tend to the flowers. If you are sincere, I will return again to meet you.” With that, she disappeared. King Nangla, deeply moved, immediately ordered Lusabenma to retreat to the “Dawa Yichi” meditation chamber and observe strict meditation rules. He also commanded the complete dismantling of the castle walls. Bemba Gyacha Xiega's Revenge Four days later, just before dawn, Bemba Gyacha Xiega prepared for battle. He saddled his white phoenix warhorse, secured his weapons—a sword, arrows, and a spear—and donned his shining white armor. With his twenty loyal soldiers, he rode out in an unstoppable march toward Dongga Jinzhong Castle. The Chawarong leaders noticed his approach and immediately sent two of their most ferocious generals, Xujie Guobo and Mina Daoqin, along with fifty soldiers, to intercept him. Xujie Guobo charged ahead, leading the way. In his right hand, he hurled what seemed like a thunderbolt of hailstones, while in his left, he raised a massive mountain on the tip of his finger. His hair stood straight up, shining red like flames, and his black and blue face exuded murderous intent. He looked nothing like an ordinary human. Bemba Gyacha Xiega thought to himself, “Is this a man, or is it some kind of demon? I’ll sing a song to test him first.” He drew his sharp sword, “Yasi Gachen,” from its sheath and began to sing: “Om Mani Padme Hum, Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you do not know this place, This is the land of Chawarong. If you do not know who I am, I am Bemba Gyacha Xiega, A descendant of the gods above. Before I was born into this world, Among thirty heavenly sons, I was their leader. When I descended to Ling, I became Bemba Gyacha, Nephew of the King of Jiana. You wicked demon, Let me tell you this: The thirty-three heavens follow the law of righteousness, And evil magic will always fail. Good and evil always have their rewards, And today, justice will prevail. This sword in my hand, Was gifted by the King of Jiana. Forged from the iron of the White Brahma King’s soul, Tempered in the blood of Rakshasas, Sharpened with the venom of serpents, And polished with the tusks of the great Garuda bird. Its blade cuts through the densest clouds, Its handle shines like a lotus crown, Its guard reflects rainbows in the sky, And its edge gleams like winter frost. When I wield this sword, It can fell mountains with a single slash. Today, I will strike you down, And there’s no time for idle chatter. Remember these words, for they will be your last!” After the song, Bemba Gyacha Xiega waited for Xujie Guobo’s reply, ready to gauge his strength before attacking. Xujie Guobo's Reply and the Clash Xujie Guobo, unfazed by the song, placed his sword ring on his thumb and sang in return: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. Outside the gates of Dongga Jinzhong Castle, If you do not know who I am, I am Xujie Guobo, A great hero of Chawarong. My courage is like a tiger’s, My strength surpasses the speed of lightning. When I stand still, I am as gentle as silk, But when I charge at my enemies, I am as fierce as spiked iron. Who dares challenge me? They won’t survive three steps! Today, I greet you, noble Bemba Gyacha Xiega. I have long heard of your name, And now, it is my honor to meet you. Let my sword be the gift of my respect to you, And let us settle this matter here and now. Do not think your blade can match mine! My sword can cleave mountains, Pierce the heavens, And dry the seas within nine days. Today, it will take your head as my trophy!” After finishing his song, Xujie Guobo charged at Bemba Gyacha Xiega with his sword raised. Sparks flew as their blades clashed, but Xujie’s attack had no effect on Bemba. Bemba’s anger flared. “You insolent demon! You will regret crossing me!” The two warriors engaged in a fierce battle, their strikes echoing like thunder across the battlefield. The Death of Xujie Guobo and Mina Daoqin The fierce battle between Bemba Gyacha Xiega and Xujie Guobo lasted for a long time. Though Xujie Guobo fought with all his might, none of his strikes could harm Bemba. Bemba, realizing Xujie’s strength, decided it was time to end the fight. He put away his sword and leapt forward, grabbing Xujie by the head with one hand and his throat with the other. With a mighty pull, he dragged Xujie off his horse. Xujie tried to resist by grabbing onto Bemba’s arms, but Bemba tightened his grip, choking him harder and harder. Xujie’s eyes bulged, and with a final gasp, he fell lifeless to the ground. Seeing his comrade killed, Mina Daoqin charged at Bemba with a roar, swinging his sword furiously. He struck Bemba three times, but the blows were ineffective. Bemba, enraged, countered with one slash of his sword, slicing Mina in half. With both generals dead, Bemba Gyacha Xiega severed their heads and hands as trophies. He then charged into the remaining Chawarong soldiers, scattering and killing many of them before returning to the Ling camp victorious. The Pursuit of Bemba Gyacha Xiega After seeing the defeat of their two powerful generals, Xujie Guobo and Mina Daoqin, the Chawarong leaders sent Chuimi Nangjia Guobo to pursue Bemba Gyacha Xiega. He charged forward like a flash of lightning. Bemba, observing the immense strength of this new challenger, thought to himself, “This man seems incredibly powerful. I should test him first.” He turned his horse around, tightened the reins with his left hand, and gripped his sword, “Yasi Gachen,” with his right. Then he said, “You fool, you’re just a little extra fat on a big piece of meat! What kind of officer are you? Listen to me sing a song first!” Bemba began singing: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. I pray to the heavens above, To the middle realm’s guardians, And to the Dragon King below. Protectors of Ling, hear my call, Help me, Bemba, achieve success! If you don’t know where this is, This is the land of Chawarong. If you don’t know who I am, I am Bemba Gyacha Xiega, Nephew of the King of Jiana. Mighty heroes gather here, But none can rival me. My sword, ‘Yasi Gachen,’ Is the sharpest of all blades. You, red-faced demon, Have come to meet your doom. Tell me your name, your rank, And what skills you think you have! I’ve already slain Xujie Guobo, And split Mina Daoqin in two. Now, you’re here to add to my victories. Prepare to lose your head!” After finishing his song, Bemba waited to see how Chuimi Nangjia Guobo would respond. Chuimi Nangjia Guobo's Response Chuimi Nangjia Guobo, unshaken, drew his sword and replied: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you don’t know where this is, This is the highway of Chawarong. If you don’t know who I am, I am Chuimi Nangjia Guobo. The king’s military strategists wield illusions, They drink the heart’s blood of their enemies. Who could be more ruthless than me? My father is of the red mountain god’s lineage, My mother is of the cruel dragon clan. I’ve mastered the skill of riding dragons, My speed is as swift as lightning. When fighting face-to-face, I strike like thunder crashing against stone. But I have never harmed anyone without cause. On this Chawarong highway, From the Buddhist laws of Jiana above, To the justice of Jiana below, Be they bandits, merchants, or travelers, All can only bow and present offerings To our King of Chawarong, Nangla. Who dares to shout recklessly here? You lawless people of Ling, You brought your armies to Chawarong without cause, You slaughtered the innocent and spilled their blood. To not avenge this would be unworthy of a hero! Can a flower fox disturb a sleeping tiger’s den? Surely, it will meet a bad end. Can a mountain goat leap about a hungry wolf’s den? Surely, its blood will stain the ravine. Can a lark play tricks near an eagle’s nest? Surely, its feathers will scatter in the wind. Chawarong guards its own borders. How can we allow Ling to invade? Today, I will ensure that you, Bemba Gyacha, Meet your death here! Among the ranks of Chawarong generals, There are some with short lives, But defeating them is no great feat. Now, as for our King Nangla, His power rivals the heavens. His brother, Lusabenma, Is as powerful as a thunderstorm. With loyal ministers and soldiers at his side, His strength is as solid as diamond. Chawarong’s twelve clans Are as disciplined and fierce as a hailstorm. Your attempts to win are futile. Bemba Gyacha, you pitiful fool, You are ignorant and arrogant. And yet, you dare to ask That I, Chuimi Nangjia Guobo, Surrender to you? How ridiculous is your idea! Can a snow lion bow its head under a mangy dog? Can the mighty Garuda perch under the wings of an owl? Under the iron hooves of Ling’s demons, How could a true hero ever submit? If you release your horse, I will release mine. My horse also has four hooves. If you draw your blade, I will draw mine. My armor is no different from yours. If you wish to claim you’re a hero, Then prove it with actions instead of boasting. Let us compete and see who is stronger. Your empty words mean nothing. If you understand my song, Then take these words to heart. If not, I won’t bother explaining further. Remember these words well!” With that, Chuimi charged at Bemba. The two warriors clashed with tremendous force, their blades sparking as they struck. Bemba Gyacha Kills Chuimi Nangjia Guobo Bemba Gyacha Xiega, enraged, raised his sharp sword, “Yasi Gachen,” and spun it above his head. He shouted, “You ambitious fool who calls yourself Chuimi Nangjia Guobo! Perfect! You’re exactly who I wanted to kill. Today, I’ll start by spilling Chuimi’s blood and then take King Nangla’s head. If I fail, I’ll have no face to live in this world!” Bemba swung his sword at Chuimi, but due to the secret protection of Chuimi’s guardian deities, Zatsen and Dorje Zega, the blow did not harm him at all. Chuimi countered with a strike of his own, slicing off three pieces of Bemba’s armor. Bemba thought to himself, “In all my battles against countless heroes, no one has ever left so much as a scratch on me. This man has cut off three pieces of my armor—what a great insult!” Furious and unable to tolerate such humiliation, he silently prayed to the heavens, the earth, and the dragon gods for their blessing. Summoning all his strength, he swung his sword once more. Chuimi, his sins reaching their peak, was struck down with a single blow. With a loud “slash,” Bemba sliced him in half. He severed Chuimi’s head and arms as trophies and triumphantly returned to the Ling camp. Celebration in the Ling Camp When Bemba returned to the Ling camp with his soldiers, they gathered around him, cheering loudly. The shouts and whistles echoed like thunder, shaking the entire valley. Bemba placed Chuimi’s severed head and arms in the center of the camp for everyone to see. The camp’s elder, “Uncle Wang,” along with the chiefs and soldiers, praised him, saying, “Bemba Gyacha Xiega has proven himself to have unmatched courage and skill. He is truly invincible!” Meanwhile, in Chawarong, their leaders were deeply unsettled by losing so many skilled generals at the hands of one man. They murmured among themselves, “If we don’t avenge this, we cannot call ourselves men.” Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu's Vow for Revenge Among the Chawarong generals, Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu stood up and declared, “Fellow ministers and generals, these wretched Ling people have sent their army like a flood, slaughtering many of our soldiers and generals. We haven’t provoked them, and yet they’ve brought disaster to us. How can we sit back and endure this? That wretched Bemba Gyacha has killed Xujie Guobo and left our camp in ruins, with blood flowing like rivers. Our most talented commanders have fallen to him, and if I don’t avenge this, how can I call myself wise?” Tears filled his eyes as he spoke. He prepared to charge out for battle but was stopped by his younger brother, Yuqiong Guobo. “Brother, I beg you not to go today,” Yuqiong pleaded. “We can take our revenge later. If you must go, then take me with you. If something happens to you, how can I continue living in this world?” He clung to his brother, sobbing. Moved by his brother’s words, Chuimi Lunzhu chose not to fight that day. The Next Day's Battle At dawn the next day, Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu and his brother Yuqiong Guobo each led a force of 100 cavalry and set out for battle. In the Ling camp, the warrior Bala Senda Adong donned his armor and mounted his powerful steed, “Dongri Daga.” Like a streak of white light, he charged out of the camp to intercept Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu. Chuimi drew his sword and began to sing: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you don’t know where this is, It is at the foot of Chare Mountain in Lower Chawarong, Along the highway to Chawarong. If you don’t know who I am, I am the younger brother of the slain. My name is Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu. This year, on this day, The actions of the Ling forces— How could I fully describe them? We never provoked them, Yet they invaded us with loud cries. Their sinful armies fell like hailstones, Slaughtering countless brave men, Trampling the innocent and spreading disaster. This land of Chawarong, A treasure trove of fortune and prosperity. Its high mountains are rich with fruit trees, And flocks of sheep roam in herds. The mountain slopes are covered in vines and bamboo, The birthplace of fine arrows. The lowlands are filled with flowering trees, And the fields yield abundant grain. A peaceful and prosperous, happy land, Now unjustly plagued by demonic invaders. If I cannot repay evil with vengeance, Then I, Chuimi, am no better than a corpse. Today, I face this white-armored knight, He seems to be Bala Senda. Chuimi’s wish will soon be fulfilled! I pray to the heavens and celestial realms, To the deity Garlawangmu. May songs of joy and laughter ring out, And may millions of gods protect me. Today, help Chuimi achieve glory in battle, To avenge my brother’s death and sorrow. Bless me so that my wish may come true!” Bala Senda Adong's Response and Attack After listening to Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu’s song, Bala Senda Adong drew his “Leiqin” sword halfway from its scabbard and said, “Ah! Heroic Chuimi! If you are truly a brave man with a sharp blade, it should be easy for us to decide who is superior. But first, listen to my song!” He began to sing: “Rua Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you don’t know where this is, This is Chawarong’s land. The place where Chawarong’s generals Have been slaughtered—it’s your graveyard, Chuimi! If you don’t know who I am, I come from the blessed land of Dokham Ling. I, Bala Senda Adong, am the wolf among men, Undefeated, greater than the King of Hell himself. This sword, the ‘Leiqin’ killing blade, Is like the death token of the King of Hell. This steed, ‘Dongri Daga,’ Is powerful as the great Garuda bird. All of this is true, not a single lie. Listen, you little Chuimi boy! We, the heavenly warriors of Ling, Have every reason to come to Chawarong. What’s so hard to understand? Reflect for a moment, and it will be clear. Let’s start from the beginning. Long ago, you stole Ling’s sacred arrows, And the innocent people of Ling suffered. This was the first cause of conflict. If you want a second reason, Chawarong is a blessed land, With a treasury containing sacred arrows. Those treasures, from the Guru Pema’s teachings, Rightfully belong to Ling. Children inherit their father’s legacy; The people of Chawarong should not interfere. Now for the third reason, This beautiful land of Chawarong Is under the jurisdiction of the Buddhist King. Yet certain sinful individuals Have selfishly claimed it for themselves. Since the birth of King Nangla And his brother Lusabenma, These two bandits have seized power. Under their rule, Chawarong became a land of sin. Merchants traveling north were killed, Traders heading south were robbed, The trade routes between Tibet and China were blocked. You neither follow the Buddhist law of Jiana above, Nor accept the justice of Jiana below. Instead, your land has become a den of darkness. To subdue the evil demons of Chawarong And establish a city of compassion and Buddhist law, This is the sacred duty of us Ling warriors. Chawarong leaders, listen well! To destroy your demonic roots completely, To turn Chawarong into a land of Dharma, To open the treasury of sacred arrows— Unless these three goals are achieved, We will not return to Ling. Chawarong ministers and generals, Don’t be so eager to die. The soldiers of Ling Are coming to visit you soon. We will go to Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, To see what you have to offer. We’ll see King Nangla’s so-called powers, Test the wisdom and abilities of your ministers, And count the strength of your twelve clans— How many men and horses you actually have. We’ve already defeated Chawarong’s five great generals, Along with hundreds of soldiers. They disappeared like clouds swept by the wind. Today, arrogant Chuimi, you and your brother, Along with your small soldiers, If I don’t annihilate you completely, It will mean I, Bala, lack skill. When Bala Senda Adong is enraged, Even the King of Hell cannot escape. Where the ‘Leiqin’ blade strikes, Not even gods have time to defend. Where my steed, ‘Dongri,’ runs, Even the wind struggles to keep up. If I let you escape today, Then Bala Senda Adong might as well be dead. Remember these words well!” After finishing his song, Bala Senda Adong swung his “Leiqin” blade at Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu. Sparks flew as the sword struck, but it caused Chuimi no harm. The Fight Between Chuimi and Bala Intensifies Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu counterattacked Bala Senda Adong with his sword. Although he didn’t manage to wound Bala, he struck off five pieces of Bala’s armor. The blow hurt Bala so much that he almost fell off his horse. Enraged, Bala swung his “Leiqin” blade with all his might. With a loud “crack,” the sword struck Chuimi’s right arm, severing it completely. However, Chuimi, being a true demon, could not be killed instantly. With his left hand, Chuimi grabbed Bala by the chest, and the two began wrestling fiercely. They fought for a long time, but neither could overpower the other. Bala thought to himself, “Even after losing an arm, this man is so difficult to deal with. If this is the strength of Chuimi, who can possibly handle the demon Lusabenma? And how will we conquer the eighteen great kingdoms? If I don’t kill him now and let him return alive, how can I continue living in this world?” With that thought, Bala grabbed Chuimi by the chest with his left hand and pulled out his “Zhuina Rojie” dagger with his right. He stabbed Chuimi at the junction of his black and white hearts, striking his soul’s vital point. Chuimi fell from his horse and died instantly. Bala then decapitated him, removed his helmet, and took his battle flag. The Ling rear guard, like wolves rushing into a flock of sheep, slaughtered countless Chuimi soldiers. Chuimi's Brother Attacks At this moment, Chuimi’s younger brother, Yuqiong Guobo, charged into the Ling camp from the left side of the battlefield. He killed many Ling soldiers and horses, turning the ground into a river of blood. Among the Ling warriors, Gadru Chujiong Benna, who wore no helmet and whose hair was wild and unkempt, entered the fray. His body was covered in black armor that shone like oil, and his immense strength was unmatched. Like a mad elephant or an eagle grabbing a rabbit, he seized Yuqiong Guobo from his horse and lifted him high into the air. Gadru said, “Ah! You wretched Chuimi! I’ll throw you into the sky and let you see what the world of Jambudvipa looks like. Then, I’ll hurl you into a deep mountain gorge so that your brains splatter across the rocks. If you have parents, leave your last words now. If you have a guru or a deity, start praying!” With that, Gadru hurled him onto a massive boulder the size of a horse, smashing him into pieces. The Ling rear guard surged forward, chasing and slaughtering the remaining enemy soldiers. Their battle cries and whistles echoed through the mountains and shook the valleys. Chawarong's Defeat and Ling's Pause That night, Chawarong’s remaining soldiers retreated to the Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. When King Nangla of Chawarong heard the report of their defeat, he was furious. He said, “The Ling invaders have killed so many of our soldiers and generals. If we don’t avenge this, how can we endure? My younger brother, Lusabenma, will finish his training in seven days. If we don’t send him to battle, it seems unlikely that we will win this war.” He then addressed his ministers and generals, saying, “Take this time to rest for seven days. If the enemy attacks during this time, tell them we are temporarily ceasing hostilities. What we will do next will be decided after this period.” The ministers and generals dispersed to make preparations. Meanwhile, the Ling army also refrained from attacking and took the opportunity to rest their forces.

Total number of reciting: - Make a wish for the world with king Gesar 1. Make a wish 2. Decide number of reciting for King Gesar Mantra 3. Set target and finish date * required 4. Display name Target set

KING Gesar connected by Person mipham rinpoche LEARN MORE The Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche, Thubten Chökyi Dorje LEARN MORE YangthANG rinpoche LEARN MORE

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K i n g G e s a r The Great 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. selected video from youtube - song, story, dance Ling Gesar of Tibet epic: World's Longest Story Ling Gesar of Tibet epic: World's Longest Story The Ling Gesar song was composed by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsog Original sacred dances of Ling Gesar sung by Ngodrub Dolma and Getse Purba Kyab, recorded in Tibet on 2016

K i n g G e s a r The Great Person that Connected with King Gesar mipham rinpoche Mipham Rinpoche (also translated as Mipon Rinpoche) (1846–1912) was a great modern-day practitioner of the Nyingma school who excelled in both realization and understanding. The name "Mipham" means "Victorious and Unconquerable," and thus Mipham Rinpoche is also referred to as the Unconquerable Master. From a young age, he demonstrated extraordinary faith in the Dharma, endowed with innate qualities such as renunciation, great compassion, and wisdom, which are the hallmarks of the Mahayana lineage. More than a thousand years ago, Guru Padmasambhava prophesied that he would become the "Sun of Dzogchen Enlightenment." Across the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism, the omniscient Mipham Rinpoche is widely revered as an emanation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Mipham Rinpoche was an extraordinary practitioner and a Khenpo (abbot) of Dzogchen Monastery. His realization and profound wisdom, as expressed through his extensive writings, influenced the entirety of Tibetan Buddhism. His works are regarded as authoritative not only within the Nyingma school and Dzogchen Monastery but also by other schools, establishing him as a shining jewel of Tibetan Buddhism. The great protector King Gesar, like a body and its shadow that are inseparable, constantly protects the master. This scene has been personally witnessed by many with karmic connections. He also once requested the Gade protector deity to guard the place where he resided. At that time, many yaks in the area had been stolen by bandits. After requesting the protector deity to safeguard the area, Gade Protector personally appeared before the bandits and reclaimed all the stolen yaks. (Source: 全知米滂仁波切略傳, Orignal in chinese, translated to english) Mipham Rinpoche is widely considered one of the greatest scholars and accomplished masters in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, and he is also one of the most influential teachers of the Nyingma school today. However, until recently, information about his life was limited to a few brief biographies, available in both Tibetan and English. Throughout his life, aside from his visions and miracles, Mipham Rinpoche lived a relatively uneventful life. He once wrote an autobiography documenting these visions, but out of humility, he chose to burn it. For a long time, the main sources of Mipham Rinpoche's life were Essential Hagiography by Khenpo Kunpel and a collection of stories compiled by Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok. In 2010, a biography of Mipham Rinpoche written by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche in 1939 was discovered and published in India in 2013. This biography was translated into English by the Padmakara Translation Group under the title Lion of Speech. Another booklet worth reading is Miracle Stories of Mipham Rinpoche by Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok. These biographies clearly demonstrate what makes Mipham Rinpoche so special and why his teachings are so valuable. Mipham Rinpoche is often referred to as a "polymath," with some even comparing him to "Tibet’s Leonardo da Vinci." While such descriptions may intrigue people about this great master, they still fall far short of capturing the true depth of his achievements. It has been said that Mipham Rinpoche was an emanation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, and he himself once remarked that he was a bodhisattva in his final life before enlightenment. While this may sound self-aggrandizing, the following story provides an explanation: H.H Jigme Phuntsok's collection of stories recounts an event where, the night before Mipham Rinpoche debated with the famous Mongolian scholar Lobsang Phuntsok, Manjushri appeared before him. The sword and book held by Manjushri transformed into five-colored spheres of light and dissolved into Mipham Rinpoche’s heart. From that moment on, he became fluent in all the Buddhist teachings in Tibet and gained a profound understanding of their meaning. This fact was witnessed by many of his contemporaries and is supported by his writings. Thus, Mipham Rinpoche was not merely a polymath but an individual with the realization to directly access the wisdom of the Buddhas, using it to teach, debate, and write on Buddhist doctrine. Mipham Rinpoche’s Contributions: In the West, Mipham Rinpoche is often regarded as a great philosopher. In fact, one of his significant contributions was writing the most influential textbooks for monastic colleges (shedra) in the thousand-year history of the Nyingma tradition. This aligns with the relatively recent establishment of shedra institutions in Nyingma monasteries over the past 200 years. He had a unique ability to present the most profound topics with clarity, always remaining faithful to the Buddha’s teachings, while also revealing the depth and harmony of different levels of the teachings. However, unlike philosophers, Mipham Rinpoche did not establish his own philosophical system. What he presented was the Buddha’s teachings, designed to help students understand and practice the path more easily while avoiding potential pitfalls. Therefore, describing him as a philosopher does not fully reflect his complete accomplishments. Above all, he was a great Vajrayana adept. Writing shastra commentaries was merely an incidental task given to him by his teacher, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. For most of his life, Mipham Rinpoche lived as a yogi in seclusion in the wilderness, accompanied only by his lifelong attendant, Lama Ösel. He spent only a few hours a day writing, yet he produced a vast collection of works on the nature of reality. These accomplishments might lead non-Buddhists to view him as a philosopher—someone attempting to propose new ideas or refine the theories of others. However, for Buddhists, especially practitioners of the Nyingma tradition, Mipham Rinpoche is regarded as a bodhisattva whose sole aim was to help others achieve enlightenment. This perspective is crucial for understanding the teachings he left behind. As Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche explains, Mipham Rinpoche’s profound realization meant that his writings were not the product of an ordinary mind but the direct expression of the dharmakaya wisdom of the Buddhas. For this reason, his works are considered equal in value to the great Indian Buddhist texts, such as the sutras, tantras, and shastras. Mipham Rinpoche’s Collected Works contain many treasures. Fortunately, an increasing number of excellent English translations are now available, allowing his teachings to reach a broader audience. These writings cover a wide range of topics, including (primarily) shastra commentaries, Vajrayana explanations, Dzogchen teachings, and even the art of governance. The unbroken lineage of realized masters has made Tibetan Buddhism one of the most relevant spiritual traditions in the world today. While other religions have often struggled with tensions between scholars and mystics, Tibetan Buddhism has always valued the authority of realized masters as supreme. Their wisdom, derived from direct realization, surpasses mere intellectual knowledge. This perspective contrasts with the culture prevalent in other traditions, such as academia or Western religions, where significant contributions to a field of knowledge are often recognized with titles like "Doctor of the Church." In Tibetan Buddhism, such recognition is unnecessary because the dualistic mind of an ordinary person, no matter how learned in spiritual matters, cannot fully grasp, let alone improve upon, the Buddha’s teachings. The contributions of Buddhist siddhas (accomplished masters) have preserved the authenticity of the Buddha’s teachings. From time to time, an enlightened being arises to correct humanity’s intellectual deviations from wisdom. Mipham Rinpoche was one such guide. Ju Mipham Rinpoche was born in 1846 to an aristocratic family in the Kingdom of Derge. His mother, Sing Chungma, was a descendant of the Mukpo Dong clan, the family lineage of King Gesar. Mipham began studying the Dharma at an early age, and at the age of 12, he took novice vows and joined Ju Mohor Sang Ngak Chöling Monastery, a branch of the renowned Shechen Monastery. According to records, he was a child prodigy, and his extraordinary talents were quickly recognized. Before long, he was known in the monastery as "the little scholar monk." Around 1861, the young Mipham Rinpoche undertook an 18-month retreat on Manjushri at Junyung Hermitage. He later told his close disciples that from that time onward, he no longer needed to study any subject in depth; he could fully comprehend any text or knowledge simply by receiving a brief transmission of explanation. Shortly after completing this retreat, Mipham Rinpoche went on a pilgrimage with his uncle to Central Tibet to escape the turmoil of the war in Nyarong, which had caused unrest in the Kham region. In 1863, Gompo Namgyal, the chieftain of Nyarong, invaded Derge. His defeat in 1865 brought an end to two years of war and famine in the region. During his pilgrimage, Mipham Rinpoche studied Gelug teachings for a month at the famous Ganden Monastery in Central Tibet. On his way back to Kham, he encountered the two most important teachers of his life: the great master and scholar Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and the renowned Dzogchen teacher Dza Patrul Rinpoche. Mipham Rinpoche regarded Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo as his root teacher, and during his lifetime, he offered all of his belongings to Khyentse Wangpo seven times. To be near his teacher, Mipham Rinpoche spent considerable time at Dzongsar Monastery. Soon after, Khyentse Wangpo requested him to write shedra textbooks for the study of the shastras (treatises) from the perspective of the Nyingma tradition. These textbooks later became the foundation of shedra studies in all Nyingma monasteries, and many of them are now available in English translations. Mipham Rinpoche's WritingsMipham Rinpoche's writings cover a wide range of subjects, including teachings on the Sutras, Vajrayana Dharma, Dzogchen instructions, detailed scholarly commentaries, as well as practical advice that is both precise and accessible. His works often summarize and clarify the essence of the Sutras and Tantras in a fresh and clear manner. In addition to spiritual teachings, he also wrote extensively on the traditional sciences, such as crafts, magic, medicine, divination, and astrology. Through these works, Mipham Rinpoche provided many methods for practitioners to skillfully utilize interdependence and create favorable conditions for the path of Dharma. Mipham Rinpoche also showed a strong interest in the literary sciences, writing authoritative texts on grammar, poetics, dramaturgy, and prosody. He even devised a grand lama dance centered on King Gesar, which would be performed over several days. His Final Years and PassingIn his later years, Mipham Rinpoche wrote about a severe illness that had afflicted him for the last decade of his life, bringing him immense suffering. At the end of his life, he stated that despite the pain, he had chosen to remain in the world for the benefit of sentient beings, but now there was no longer any reason to stay. On Friday, June 14, 1912, in the evening, he sat with his legs lightly crossed, one hand in the mudra of meditation and the other in the mudra of teaching. As the sun set, he entered the inner expanse of primordial luminosity and passed away at his hermitage in Ju. He remained in tukdam meditation, a state of meditative absorption, for approximately twelve days. Mipham Rinpoche and King GesarFrom an early age, King Gesar was Mipham Rinpoche's primary protector deity. As Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche wrote, "Unlike ordinary children, his mind was entirely focused on his yidam deity, Manjushri in both peaceful and wrathful forms, and on Gesar, his protector." In 1864 or 1865, during his return journey to Kham from Central Tibet, Mipham Rinpoche received the "entrustment of the life force" (tsé wang) of Gesar Sengchen Dorje Tsegyal. This transmission was based on the pure vision of Lharik Dechen Yeshe Rölpa Tsal and was given to him by Lap Kyapgön Gyerap Dorje. Lap Kyapgön (1832–1888) was the head of the Gelug monastery of Lapgön in Yushu, Kham. He was also one of the five chief disciples of Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje and the teacher of Loter Wangpo. During this time, the young Mipham Rinpoche met Loter Wangpo and became his disciple. After receiving the transmission from Lap Kyapgön, Mipham Rinpoche went to Loter Wangpo's hermitage, Pema Sangak Dechen Gakyil, where he completed the practices of White Manjushri and Hayagriva, displaying signs of accomplishment. He also began to propitiate King Gesar and took him as his chief protector. Mipham Rinpoche authored many profound and vast teachings related to King Gesar, which are included in his collected works. According to the colophons of these texts, Mipham Rinpoche wrote his first teaching on King Gesar in 1865, shortly after receiving the transmission of Lharik's terma. Source:( Gesar: Tantric Practices of the Tibetan Warrior King, Original in english adstracted and tranlated to chinese) THE ENCIPHERED MIRROR OF JEWELS The Extraordinary Story of the Horse Race (By Mipham Nampar Gyalwa) OM SVASTI Within the play that accomplishes welfare and well-being in Jambudvipa, Through the blazing glory of the garland of light rays of the wisdom jewel, The great and powerful sorcerer has subjugated the enemy demons of the dark side— Supreme being Great Lion King, grant auspiciousness! At the moment the lotus emerges from the mud, The garland of lightning dawns in the center of the red mirror. Thanks to the roar of the dragon, the heroes ride the swift mounts of the wind. I pray to the one who can bring everyone under his control! It is Hayagriva who appears as the Sorrel Steed, The four-legged miracle captured by the magical lasso. From the illusory treasury, you amassed the treasures of the three. I supplicate you who are respected by all the great ones. Racing like tigers, lions, dragons, garudas, and herds of elephants All seeming madly intoxicated by the strongest of liquors, The heroes appeared to be so splendid as they competed. But the one lagging behind hidden by disguise, it is to you that I supplicate. Just like the images projected by a flawless crystal, Sung to so many, your myriad songs of experience Have clarified the mind and desires of each individual— I supplicate to the magical spectacle that you display. In the presence of the hosts of beautiful youthful gods, Like the movements of the sun, moon, planets, and stars, The force of the mighty wind stirs The waving banner of fame, to which I supplicate. On the luminous shore of the brightly shining sun and moon of happiness and well-being, Under the royal banner of victory in all directions, The thunderous roar of your fame shakes the great earth— I supplicate the one who holds the great throne of the kingdom. Just as the sun appears from the clouds Or a youthful lotus emerges from its casing of mud, Your stainless, supreme body is favored by the gods and all who live— I supplicate you who now truly appears in front of us. No matter how arrogant they may have been made by their power, In your presence, as one they bow their topknots to the ground, And the great classes of maras bemoan their defeat— I pray to the victor of the forces of good. Then samsara and nirvana helplessly surrender their essence To this wish-fulfilling kaya, Who is permanent, stable, and naturally free from old age and decay— I supplicate the one who propagates the well-being and benefit of the teachings and all beings. By the karmic power of this prayer To the king of the dralas, the manifestation of the Lotus-Born and the three protectors, May you dwell in the center of the youthful utpala flower of my heart, And may you bestow the siddhi that accomplishes whatever mind desires! On the tenth day of the waning phase of the moon, the day the dakinis gather, The twenty-fifth of the eleventh month of the Wood Dog year of the fifteenth sixty-year cycle (1874), The yogi devoted to the Warrior of Ling, Mipham Nampar Gyalwa, wrote this excellent prayer. Source:( Gesar: Tantric Practices of the Tibetan Warrior King, Original in english adstracted and tranlated to chinese)