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K i n g G e s a r of Tibet Shilong palace The Gesar King Shilong Palace is located in Golog county, Qinghai Province, about 18 kilometers from the county seat. According to legend, the Shilong Palace was the residence of King Gesar. place that Connected with King Gesar shilong(Lion-Dragon) palace The Gesar King Shilong Palace is located in Golog county, Qinghai Province, about 18 kilometers from the county seat. This palace showcases vivid and colorful sculptures of characters from the Gesar epic. The surrounding mountains are said to have over a thousand gullies pointing towards the palace from the east, west, south, and north. These are believed to form an auspicious "Eight Treasures" pattern, making it a unique and remarkable sight. The original Shilong Palace fell into ruins over time. Based on local legends, reconstruction began, and after more than a decade of effort, the palace was rebuilt on its original site in Dari County. The main structure was completed in September 2006, and the palace is now open to visitors, with additional buildings still under construction. The Gesar King Shilong Palace combines majestic and traditional Tibetan architectural styles. The entrance is built in a simple and dignified Tibetan style, with deep red walls.The main palace features luxurious Tibetan decorations.At the center of the palace is a giant statue of King Gesar, depicted riding a divine horse, radiating power and dominance over the three realms.There are also statues of Gesar’s 30 heroic brothers, each holding weapons, with unique and lifelike expressions that exude strength and determination. The 10th Panchen Lama personally composed a prayer for the Gesar King Shilong Palace titled A Prayer for Auspiciousness in the Land of Gesar. In this prayer, he called upon deities and protectors to bless the palace. According to legend, the Shilong Palace was the residence of King Gesar. It is said that the palace's walls were built using stones transported by countless small lions, while the roof was constructed by the divine tiger Nianqing Dala and the divine dragon, hence the name "Shilong Palace." Although its location was widely known in the Golog region of Qinghai, its exact site became obscure in modern times. After extensive research and verification of the descriptions of Shilong Palace in the Gesar epic, it was finally determined that the palace should be reconstructed at its current location. This means that the Shilong Palace we see today is a reconstruction on its original site, and its historical and cultural significance is beyond measure. The Dharma King, His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok, taught more than once with his vajra speech: “All the glorious deeds accomplished throughout the life of the Great Lion King Gesar can be understood through this Shilong Palace. Therefore, it is a truly sacred monastery with spiritual power. If sentient beings take refuge in and make offerings to it, they will be freed from disasters and misfortunes throughout their lives, rescued from fear, and the entire region will be liberated from the suffering of hunger, disease, and war. Ultimately, they will be guided onto the path of liberation.”

Zumu made up her mind. While her two maids, Azhongji and Lizhongji, prepared her horse, she enjoyed a hearty meal to regain her strength. Once the horse was ready, she left the palace without looking back, determined to catch up with Gesar. 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 26: DEVOTED ZUMU RIDES TO PURSUE THE GREAT KING; THE AFFECTIONATE DIVINE SON AIDS HIS WIFE IN RETURNING TO HER HOMETOWN Zumu Catches Up with Gesar Zumu made up her mind. While her two maids, Azhongji and Lizhongji, prepared her horse, she enjoyed a hearty meal to regain her strength. Once the horse was ready, she left the palace without looking back, determined to catch up with Gesar. Riding without rest, Zumu crossed countless mountains, hills, valleys, and plains. Finally, she caught up with Gesar at a northern grassland called Nacha Gong. The Lion King was resting there, his divine steed, Jiangga Peibu, grazing peacefully nearby. Gesar lay in a circular sleeping position, enjoying a deep and peaceful sleep. Zumu rushed to Gesar’s side, threw herself on him, and clung to his neck, crying and pleading with him. “My king, how could you be so heartless to leave me alone in Ling Gabu? Without support, without strength, who can I share my thoughts with? If you must go to the north, let me go with you! My beloved king, my dear husband, can you hear me? Please wake up!” Gesar was already awake and had heard Zumu’s cries. Her words stirred his emotions, and his heart ached. After all, they had been married for three years, and in those three years, they had shared deep love and never been apart. If he left now to subdue the demon in the north, it would take at least six months, or even a year. How could Zumu live alone during that time? Moved by her words, Gesar embraced Zumu and agreed to take her with him to the north. Overwhelmed with joy, Zumu, exhausted from her journey, soon fell asleep in Gesar’s arms. As Gesar watched Zumu’s tired but smiling face, he gently wiped her tears from her cheeks, kissed her forehead, and began to think about how to take her along on the dangerous journey. The Goddess’s Song and Gesar’s Dilemma After some time, celestial music filled the air, and the goddess Langman Gam appeared on a cloud. Accompanied by the beautiful melody, she sang to Gesar: “At the foot of the snowy mountains, there are two lions— One must go to the mountain’s edge to fight, The other must stay in the crystal cave to guard. In the vast sky, there are two small blue dragons— One must fly to the far horizon to summon thunder, The other must stay hidden in the dark clouds. On the towering peaks, there are two mighty yaks— One must roam the distant mountains, The other must guard the Yin Mountain and Yang Mountain. On the red cliffs, there are two white-breasted eagles— One must soar high into the blue sky, The other must guard the nest. In the dense forests, there are two striped tigers— One must hunt near the forest’s edge, The other must guard the cave. In the vast sea, there are two golden-eyed fish— One must swim to the shore, The other must guard the deep ocean. The King and Queen of Ling Gabu— The king must subdue the four demons at the edge of the world, The queen must stay behind to guard the homeland.” Hearing the goddess’s song, Gesar understood that it was not appropriate to take Zumu with him on this mission. But what could he do about her? The goddess, sensing Gesar’s inner conflict, gave him advice. “A true man cannot be too soft-hearted. Even if it pains you, you must act decisively. While Zumu sleeps, leave quickly and do not hesitate. I will ensure she returns safely to Ling Gabu.” Following the goddess’s advice, Gesar gently laid Zumu on a flat rock, steeled his heart, and rode away on his horse. Zumu’s Journey Back Zumu had fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep, feeling reassured by Gesar’s promise to take her with him. But no matter how restful a sleep is, one must eventually wake up. When Zumu woke, Gesar was already gone. Realizing that he had left her behind, she quickly mounted her horse, determined to catch up with him once again. However, a large river soon blocked her path. On the other side, a monk wearing ceremonial robes and a crown was leaning against a sandalwood tree, performing rituals. Zumu searched for a crossing point along the river but found none. Frustrated, she shouted to the monk, “Hey, you on the other side! Have you seen a man cross the river recently?” “What kind of man?” the monk replied. “A man with white teeth like conch shells and purple-tinted skin, wearing golden armor from Ling Gabu, riding a fiery red horse,” Zumu described. “Yes, I’ve seen him,” the monk said. “But he’s already far away. You won’t be able to catch up with him.” Zumu’s Plea and Gesar’s Hidden Help “No, he is my husband, my king, and I must catch up with him!” Zumu declared with determination. The monk on the other side of the river replied, “Young lady, this place is called the Black Demon Ravine, and this sea is the Soul Resting Sea of the ancient demon. This is an unclean place, not suitable for a woman like you to be near. Besides, you won’t be able to cross this river.” Hearing this, Zumu felt helpless but refused to give up. She called out to the monk, “Respected master, please help me with one thing—just deliver a message to my king.” Then she began to sing: “He once swore to me, That as long as he lived, he would never abandon me. His words were spoken to my face, Written down on paper, And carved into stone. I have loved my king with all my heart, But he has cruelly left me behind. If our fate in this life ends here, I vow to meet him in the heavens in the next life. Please don’t forget my plea— Tell my king everything I’ve said!” When her song ended, Zumu looked at the monk, then at the wide river in front of her, sighed deeply, and slowly turned back. Unbeknownst to her, the monk was actually Gesar in disguise. Hearing Zumu’s heartfelt song, Gesar’s heart sank with worry. The journey back to Ling Gabu was long and treacherous, and he began to fear for Zumu’s safety on the road. As Zumu traveled alone back to Ling Gabu, she entered a vast wasteland. At this moment, two black wolves—actually Gesar’s spiritual allies in disguise—appeared, running on either side of her black mule. Zumu was terrified, and in her fear, she sang a prayer: “In the jade lands of the east, Compassionate White Tara, Long-life protector, Please guard me in this hidden land. Do not let me suffer fear and worry. You are the protector of Gesar, Today, I ask you to be my guide. At the crossroads, wild foxes howl. On the hills, owls screech. On my left and right, Black wolves run alongside me. Headless ghosts sing wild songs, Bodiless monsters stretch out their hands, Legless creatures screech and wail. This wasteland spreads like a cowhide, The mountains look like piles of organs. The river boils like a sea of blood, The old tree stretches like a corpse. Who has seen such a place? Truly, it can scare a person to death! Oh, goddess Langman Gam, hear my plea! I followed Gesar, my king, to this place. He has gone north to fight demons, Leaving me alone in this desolate land. Thinking of my king breaks my heart— How could he abandon me? In my father’s house in Gyalo, Many kings competed to marry me. From a hundred suitors, I chose Gesar, From thousands, I chose a poor boy. The people of Ling Gabu mocked and ridiculed me, My parents scolded and reproached me. Who didn’t look down on me? Who didn’t call me lowly? Now that I am queen, My love has gone north. He has left me in this ghostly wasteland, With no one but my horse for company. Oh, my loyal black mule, listen to me: If you can, take me to my king’s side. If not, take me to a monastery. If even that is impossible, Take me back to my father’s house in Gyalo. Oh, my black mule, run like the wind! I have both sorrow and hope. Let us not stop until we reach Ling Gabu, Where joy awaits us at home!” After Zumu finished singing, the sun had already set, and darkness covered the land. She began to worry about where she could rest for the night. Just then, a black crow flew down and landed on a black rock nearby. Curious, Zumu dismounted and investigated the area. Under the rock, she found enough food to fill her stomach, fodder to feed her mule, and a small pool of fresh water for them both to drink. These provisions had been secretly prepared for her by Gesar’s spiritual allies. Relieved and grateful, Zumu spent the night resting peacefully under the rock. The next morning, she mounted her black mule and continued her journey back to Ling Gabu.

The Epic of Gesar first attracted Western attention in the 1770s. At that time, the German zoologist and botanist Peter Simon Pallas (1741–1811) mentioned the Temple of Gesar in his travelogue Travels Through Various Provinces of the Russian Empire (1771–1776). 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 The Epic of Gesar first attracted Western attention in the 1770s. At that time, the German zoologist and botanist Peter Simon Pallas (1741–1811) mentioned the Temple of Gesar in his travelogue Travels Through Various Provinces of the Russian Empire (1771–1776). Later, French scholars Alexandra David-Néel (1868–1969) and Rolf Alfred Stein (1911–1999), as well as American scholar Robin Korman (1947–2007), successively translated and introduced this epic, bringing this long-buried ancient culture into the modern world. In China, Ren Naiqiang (1894–1989) published his article A Brief Introduction to the Tibetan Three Kingdoms in 1944, marking the first time Chinese readers could better understand this great epic through academic research. GESAR EPIC STORY This chapter is set on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and tells the story of how the beings of the snowy region fell into suffering due to rampant demons. To save all sentient beings, the gods decided to send the divine son, King Gesar, to be born in the human realm. The legend originates from three iron scorpions that were suppressed beneath a black boulder shaped like a yak. Out of compassion, Vajra released them, but due to their past sins, they were reborn as nine-headed snow pigs... Surrounded by snowy mountains, the Tibetan Plateau is the highest place on our planet. People call it the place closest to the sun. CHAPTER 1 THE PEOPLE OF THE SNOWY LAND SUFFER GREAT HARDSHIPS, PRAYING FOR THE GODS TO DESCEND AND SUBDUE THE DEMONS On this ancient and magical land, which lies so near the sun, a timeless legend has been passed down through generations. From the sources of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers to the Yarlung Tsangpo River basin; from the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nu River valleys to the Shiquan, Xiangquan, and Peacock Rivers; from the Animaqin, Tanggula, Kunlun, and Himalaya mountains to the surrounding regions; from the Gyarong area to the Ali Plateau; from the picturesque Zoige Grassland to the vast and boundless grasslands of northern Tibet; from the endless Guoluo and Yushu grasslands to the warm and humid Menyu region; from the colorful Derge and Seda to the spring-like warmth of Bomi and Nyingchi; from Qinghai Lake at the source of the Three Rivers to the magical and beautiful Yamdrok Lake; from the Dadu River and Jinsha River valleys to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon—the deepest canyon in the world—Tibetan ancestors have, for generations, told and retold an epic poem. This poem, passed down through the ages, is called Gesar. A long, long time ago, between the northern polar region and the heavenly lake, the land was lush with plants and filled with fierce beasts. In the middle of a canyon, there was a giant black boulder shaped like a yak. Under the boulder were three iron scorpions, tightly coiled together, each biting the tail of the other. They were trapped, unable to free themselves, and suffered greatly. One day, a Vajra (a divine being) came from Mount Wutai in the east. Seeing the three scorpions trapped under the boulder, he felt compassion for them. He threw his iron staff at the boulder, shattering it into pieces. The three scorpions were freed and felt immense joy. They prayed to the heavens for salvation and hoped to be liberated from their suffering forever.However, due to the heavy sins they had committed in their past lives, they were reincarnated as a nine-headed snow boar. Their new form was ugly, clumsy, and pitiful to behold, adding to their misery. In the realm of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods, the Brahma King witnessed this scene and saw it as an ominous sign. He immediately swung his crystal sword and cut off all nine heads of the snow boar in one strike. The heads transformed instantly into four black heads, three red heads, one multicolored head, and one white head.As the four black heads rolled down the hill, they prayed to the heavens, saying: "We are the spirits of demons. May we, in our next lives, become enemies of virtuous deeds and good karma, and rulers of the world." True to their wish, these four black heads were reborn as the four demon kings: King Lutsan of the Northern Demon Kingdoms, the White Tent King of the Hor Kingdom, King Sadan of the Jiang Kingdom, and King Xinchi of the Men Kingdom. Thus, they became the Four Great Demon Kings, who brought chaos to the world and caused endless suffering to living beings. The three red heads rolled down the hill. The first red head rolled into the hilly region and was later reborn as Sinba Meruze. The second red head rolled up a mountain and was reborn as the Zen Master Sangye Gyatso. The third red head was eventually reborn as Tangze Yuzhou of the Hor Kingdom. The multicolored head rolled far away, praying as it went: "May I be reborn in a land where good karma and virtuous deeds flourish." Later, it was born in the Ling Kingdom as Chexi Guru, but it was unable to achieve great deeds. The last white head threw a yellow flower into the sky and prayed sincerely: "May I be reborn as a warrior who defeats the black demons, a teacher who saves all beings, and a king who rules the world." His compassion moved the heavens, and he was reborn as the great hero Gesar, a name known far and wide for his bravery and greatness. At that time, the sky above the snowy land was suddenly shrouded in mist. A gray and murky haze spread across the once-clear, tranquil blue sky. Strange flashes of black, white, purple, and red light appeared intermittently, scattering in all directions around Lingkarbu, only to vanish as quickly as they came. Wherever these lights touched, they left deep, black marks. Anything they struck turned to ash or charred remains. Soon after, chaos spread across the land. Wild animals fled in panic, crops withered, grass and trees dried up, livestock grew weak and sick, and harvests failed. These ominous signs plunged the people into great fear and despair. Amitabha Buddha, while turning his prayer beads, realized that this was an omen of the reincarnation of the four black heads. They were destined to become the Four Great Demon Kings: the Northern Demon King Lutsan, the White Tent King of the Hor Kingdom, King Sadan of the Jiang Kingdom, and King Xinchi of the Men Kingdom. These demon kings would destroy virtuous deeds and good karma, bringing immense harm to the common people. The black-haired Tibetan people of the Snowy Land would fall into a deep abyss of suffering. Reciting a mantra, Amitabha Buddha sent a beam of divine light down to the Palace of Infinite Light on the Gomeda Continent. Seeing this, Pema Tochin, the ancestral master, clasped his hands together in reverence and welcomed the divine light. He saw a Vajra placed on an eight-petaled lotus, radiating five-colored light. He memorized the teachings of Amitabha Buddha, waiting for the destined day to arrive. In the years that followed, the black-haired Tibetans of the Snowy Land lived as if in a bottomless abyss. Misfortune struck them at every moment, and resentment and anger filled the air. This gave rise to evil winds that swept through the land, bringing sin and demons with them. The once-clear skies turned dark, the lush green grasslands withered to yellow, and even kind-hearted people became cruel and wicked. Chaos erupted everywhere, with wars breaking out and smoke of conflict filling the air. The people of the land prayed to the heavens for help, pleading for the compassionate deities to save them from their suffering. The gods, moved by the people’s sincere prayers and filled with pity for their suffering, resolved to destroy the demons and bring peace to all beings. To this end, the gods performed three rituals to subdue the demons, hoping to bring happiness back to the people. However, wicked ministers in the royal court, burdened by their own sins, did everything they could to obstruct the rituals. As a result, the rituals to subdue the demons could not be completed. The missed opportunity to defeat the demons allowed them to grow even stronger. They invaded deeper into the heart of the Snowy Land from its borders. Groups of demons roamed unchecked, committing countless atrocities. They ate human flesh, drank human blood, devoured bones, and peeled off skin. The once-sunny, beautiful, and prosperous Snowy Land became a sea of suffering, and the once-peaceful people faced unprecedented destruction and despair. The compassionate and merciful Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin), seeing the beings of the Snowy Land suffering greatly, felt deep sorrow and could not bear it. Avalokitesvara humbly pleaded to Amitabha, the savior of the Western Pure Land: "Amitabha, Lord of the Western Pure Land, please look upon this impure realm of samsara! Your compassion knows no bounds or limits, please send a beam of Buddha's light to relieve the suffering of the beings in the Snowy Tibetan Land." The World-Honored Amitabha slightly turned his neck, and a golden light immediately shone forth, pointing the way to Avalokitesvara. Amitabha then said to Avalokitesvara: "In the celestial realm of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods, there is a king named Brahma Vidangkar and a queen named Mandanaze. They have a prince named Dechok Anya. This prince and his consort have a son named Tuibagawa, whose previous life was as the fifteenth divine son of White Brahma King, Bodokarbu. He will be reborn in the human realm of Jambudvipa in the southern continent. As the son of a celestial being, he will be born into the world as a great hero. He alone has the power to teach and guide beings, liberate the Snowy Land from evil paths, and bring peace and happiness to all beings. Please go to the Gomeda Continent and deliver my message to the ancestral master Pema Tochin. He will understand what to do." Receiving the World-Honored One's instructions, Avalokitesvara immediately set out for the Gomeda Continent. Notes: Good karma (referred to as “white karma” in Buddhist teachings) represents positive, beneficial actions that lead to good outcomes. The black heads’ desire to become enemies of good karma and virtuous deeds highlights their demonic nature and serves as a dramatic inversion of values in the story. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva: Also known as Guanyin Bodhisattva, one of the great figures in Buddhism. Typically depicted alongside Mahasthamaprapta as the attendants of Amitabha Buddha, collectively known as the "Three Saints of the Western Pure Land." Buddhist scriptures describe this bodhisattva as widely saving sentient beings, manifesting in various forms, referred to as "Universal Manifestations." Some accounts mention 33 manifestations, while others mention 32. In general representations or images, Avalokiteshvara is depicted in a female form, but in Tibetan regions, Avalokiteshvara is portrayed in a male form. Samsara: In Buddhism, the "Six Realms of Samsara" refer to the continuous cycle of existence in the six realms: Devas (heavenly beings), Asuras (demigods), Humans, Animals, Hungry Ghosts, and Hell beings. It signifies the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth within the three realms of existence. Among the six realms, the first three are known as the "Three Good Paths," while the latter three are called the "Three Evil Paths," also referred to as the "Three Poisons." Tuibagawa: The name means "One Who Brings Joy to All Who Hear. Gomeda Continent: Also known as "Camara Continent", it is described in Buddhist texts as a western sea island of Jambudvipa, one of the eight continents.

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 95 The Ling Scouts Fall to the Enemy, and the Heavenly Mother's Prophecy Prompts a Night Raid The Men Kingdom Minister Plots Revenge and Slays the Ling Scouts On that day, as the sun was about to disappear behind the western mountains in the Men region, Minister Gula Tuojie of the Interior paced through eighteen circuits of thought, unfolded twenty-five strategies, and opened ninety-nine doors of cunning, all while scheming within his tent. He burned with hatred over how two Ling heroes had charged side by side into the Men camp and turned the Men soldiers into a sea of blood. He resolved to launch a night raid on the Ling camp in retaliation. Summoning his four subordinate commanders, he sang the Song of the Night Raid on the Ling Camp: "Among the heroes of the Ling encampment, Two vicious warriors wrought their evil, Stirring our Men troops into a sea of blood, Slaying thirteen of our wise ministers. Gatekeeper Dawa Chacheng, Let the black rope ensnare him and cast him into prison! Yuzhu Dajie fell to enemy arrows, His flesh and blood splattered like molten rock, Boulders shattered into a rain of stone, Dust filled the heavens above, War cries shook the valleys. These wicked black warriors of Ling, With their murderous air and savage ferocity, Can only frighten cowards, Minister Gula does not fear them! The sun and moon travel through the high heavens, Thinking themselves supreme and unrivaled, But let them not boast in their pride, They too shall fall into Rahu's mouth! Wild yaks roam the rocky mountains, Relying on their horns, thinking themselves invincible, One day they shall be ambushed and slain! Deep in the forests, the striped tiger, Trusting in its six arts above all beasts, Shall one day be caught in the snare! The king and ministers of Ling, Gesar and the rest, May call themselves the strongest in Jambudvipa, But little do they know that beyond strength there is greater strength, They shall be trampled beneath Gula's feet! Before the Ling people know what's good for them, They flaunt their martial skills before the Men troops! Listen now! Dongde Yuega,One; Flower-Mouthed Keguo, one; The Strongman Alu Yuben, one; Zhongzanbu Dala Yueba, one; And myself, the mighty Gula, one, Tonight we raid the Ling camp! We'll scatter their bones across the fields, Fill the lowlands with their fresh blood, And victory shall surely be ours! Just watch, see what magic Gesar can conjure tonight! And see how fierce those arrogant Ling heroes truly are!" After the song, Zhongzanbu Dala Yueba, the Strongman Alu Yuben, Flower-Mouthed Keguo, Gatekeeper Dongde Yuega, and Gula, the five ministers of the Men Kingdom, ate and drank their fill. Then, mounting their warhorses, they rode directly toward the great Ling camp. From afar, Gula spotted smoke rising from the Abeng rocky mountain, and said, "There's cooking smoke rising from the Abeng rocky mountain, Ling scouts must surely be stationed there." They removed the bells from their horses' necks and continued forward. Before long, they saw the Ling scout leader Pachu Dajiebu, along with Jaga Mani Pala, Riba Puyi Agu, and Jiasi Dazi Minzhu, as well as forty scout soldiers, keeping watch from the summit of Abeng rocky mountain. At that moment, the Ling scouts spotted a red-crested white-feathered bird, the manifestation of the Nine-Top-Knot Protective Deity of the Men Kingdom, circling in the sky not far from the Ling lookout post. One scout remarked, "We've never seen such a bird in these parts before. How strange it is!" Jiasi Dazi Minzhu said, "This must surely be a demon bird." No sooner had he spoken than he shot an arrow and brought the bird down. Examining it closely, they confirmed it was indeed a demon bird. The scout leader Pachu Dajiebu said, "Seeing this bird is by no means a good omen. We must strengthen our watch and stay vigilant! That demon Gula of the Men could strike at any moment. The enemy is like a whirlwind, we cannot predict when it will blow. The enemy is like a thief in the night, we cannot predict when he will come to steal. Last night at midnight, horses neighed; at the hour of the tiger, we heard the gate dogs crying; at the hour of the boar, foxes howled. Many ill omens surround our lookout post. Tonight we must be on high guard. Jaga Mani Pala, one; Riba Puyi Agu, one; Jiasi Dazi Minzhu, one; and I, Pachu Dajiebu, we must hold our arrows, spears, and swords close, and stay alert, leaving nothing to chance." He added, "Judging by today's circumstances, none of these signs bode well. The enemy may launch a surprise attack at midnight. We better go to sleep early." So they gathered together and lay down to sleep. That night, Jiasi Dazi Minzhu felt different from usual, his heart pounded like a drum, his hair stood on end like a tangled thicket, and he awoke from a nightmare drenched in cold sweat. Before long, he heard the sound of hooves echoing between the rocky crags and shouted, "Hey! Scouts, get up quickly!" But before the words had even faded, Old Monkey Gula of the Men Kingdom came swinging his blade in continuous strokes, cutting down the Ling scouts until not a single one escaped alive. Gula inspected the bodies, then continued onward toward the main Ling camp. The Heavenly Mother's Prophecy Warns Gesar of the Night Raid At that moment, above the great lion king's divine tent, a rainbow canopy appeared in the sky, and flower petals rained down from above. Amidst the thunderous roar of a celestial dragon, the heavenly mother Langman Gam descended from the upper realms, riding bareback upon a lion. Her turquoise hair was adorned with a white conch top-piece, and her crown of the White Conch Buddha King sat perfectly upon her head. The silk ribbons on either side rustled in the wind, her robes swirled and drifted, and from her lips flowed a melodious song. On her right she bore the treasure emblem; on her left she offered the wish-fulfilling bowl. Her right hand held a golden vase of longevity, her left grasped auspicious conch powder. To her right stood the five-colored arrow, to her left the five-colored spear, and around her circled a hundred thousand dakinis. The heavenly mother sang this prophecy to the lion king Gesar: "King Gesar, listen well! Early yesterday morning, Yula Toju of the Jiang Kingdom and Bara Senda Adong, those two, Stirred the flowered Men camp into a sea of blood, Slaying thirteen of Aqiong's men, And countless common soldiers besides. Hero Yula used his lasso To capture gatekeeper Dawa Chacheng, Who now is tied at the entrance of the Ling camp, Those two are truly great heroes! But today, as the sun set, Gula Tuojie of the Men Kingdom, Leading four heroic commanders, Arrived at Abeng rocky mountain, And attacked Pachu Dajiebu and The forty-four scout officers and men, Not one escaped alive! Even now he inspects the bodies, And tonight he will come to raid the Ling camp! Lion King of Ling, Gesar, Quickly select your finest heroes And rush to face the wicked Gula! The hundred thousand dakinis' life-force, And the hair of a thousand Buddhas, I grant to your warriors for added strength! If you do not guard against this tonight, When Aqiong of the Men Kingdom raids your camp, You may lose even your Baturu warriors! O guardian deities of Ling, Aid the king in destroying the enemy! Tomorrow at the break of dawn, The thirteen kings and ministers of Ling, Shall march forth and journey onward To the deep ravine of Nyimu Ruochu, Where the three demon souls reside, Go quickly and subdue them, remove them! Upon the altar-like ground, There lies a great boulder like a box, Smash it into powder, Dig thirteen layers beneath the earth, And buried there you'll find a great meteorite, Treasured deep below like hidden wealth! Use the self-arising emptiness lasso To bind it fast in an instant, Then take the mountain-cleaving great axe And split it into two halves, Just like opening a golden amulet box! At the center of this meteorite Lives a nine-headed iron scorpion! The nine-headed scorpion has eighteen horns, Their tips glowing red like bonfires, Its eyes flashing like crimson lightning, Its eye sockets like bowls filled with blood! Warriors of Ling, join your strength, Do not let the scorpion escape! Pierce it together with arrows and spears, It is King Xinchi's very soul! Then continue a little higher up, There stands a red crag, Shaped like a bird of disaster in flight! The disaster bird has flesh-wings, And upon those wings are strange markings, Markings of dice, bone-tiles, and chess-pieces! The red crag is called Disaster Bird Rock, And upon it clings the soul of The one-footed master, Go quickly and destroy it! Not far from this Disaster Bird Rock Lives a nine-mouthed copper fox, With copper tail and iron fangs, savage beyond compare! When it howls its strange cries, Many men's souls are frightened away, This is Gula's very life-root! Among the heroes of the Ling camp, The steadfast Kamba Yuden, one; Adanam of the northern eight mountains, one; And Chaxiang Danma Jangcha of Ling, one, These three are master archers! You must first subdue the fox spirit! Upon this copper fox's forehead Grow seven white tufts of fur, If you do not remove them first, There is no way to slay it! If you destroy these three souls, You will have eliminated the three evils of Men! Nephew, listen well to what I say, Tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that, The third day from now is an auspicious day! Gula Tuojie, that demon minister of the South, Riding alone and flaunting his might, Shall charge into the Ling camp! When that time comes, among your heroes, Let Gade Chujiong Benna in his black cloak lead the vanguard! Let Red Sinba of the Hor tribe Ride to meet the enemy from the right flank! Send Jiang's prince Yula Toju To engage the enemy from the left flank! Dispatch Niben to strike like a hammer at the enemy's rear! When all four sides unite in battle, Bind Gula with the black iron chain! Beneath that drum-shaped ground, At the crossroads of three forest valleys, Dig a great pit nine layers deep! Set up eighteen sandalwood pillars, And nail Gula to the wooden frame, Skin that demon alive! When you must cross the great fire-land of Persia, You shall need that demon's skin! King Gesar, remember this well, I shall continue my prophecy." With that, the heavenly mother vanished into the sky like a fading rainbow. Michong and Qinlun immediately sounded the gong and beat the drums. In an instant, all the heroes and champions of Ling gathered before King Gesar, believing the gods of the upper realms had delivered some great prophecy. They waited with boundless joy for the king's command. After a moment, Gesar spoke: "Brothers of Ling, tonight we shall pretend to sleep. Extinguish all red flames, put out all blue cooking smoke. Let every civil and military minister return to his own camp, don his armor, and ready his arrows, spears, and swords. Let each man saddle his horse and wait for the wicked enemy to come raiding." The Night Battle Unfolds as Gula's Raid Meets Fierce Resistance After the command was issued, the heroes swiftly returned to their respective camps. Within the time it takes to drink a bowl of tea, Danma spotted Gula and his followers advancing slowly through the rocky thickets. Danma immediately saddled his horse, pricked up his ears to listen, and stared with wide eyes, watching as Gula and Zhongzanbu Dala Yueba charged forward, one behind the other. Danma swiftly mounted his steed, drew his bow, and shouted: "Hey! You thieves of the Men Kingdom, what business do you have coming in force at this dead of night?" He sang: "You five traitorous ministers of Men, Why did you not come boldly in the light of day? Now in the middle of this night, You great thieves, great villains, great deceivers, You who grope in the dark of midnight, Do not come to rob this rich man's house! Do not come to sneak after women in the dark! Unless you are cowards, that is! If you were a righteous army, You would be ashamed to attack under cover of night! You frog-children of the Men Kingdom, Early yesterday morning, Your five ministers of the Men Kingdom Slew our scouts of Ling into a sea of blood! The upper slopes were covered with corpses, The lower slopes ran with blood! And now, not content with that, You scheme to raid the great Ling camp by night! Through the dim and hazy darkness, You come to assault the flowered camp of Ling! The one who faces you spear-to-spear in this night battle Is none other than I, the hero Danma! Do you know me, Gula? The day before yesterday, at the Auspicious Bridge, You shot a great poison arrow at me, The poison spread through me, And I fell unconscious for a time! Then you boasted before all, Declaring that Danma had been slain! You bragged and blew your own horn, Feasting and celebrating your 'victory'! But at this very hour tonight, Danma blocks your path, Are you at a loss, little one? Are you ashamed, Commander Gula? If you don't know how to shoot arrows, Then learn from Danma by watching me! This arrow on my string, I'll shoot you two one by one! First I'll shatter your frame like a snow fortress, Then destroy your soul like a snuffed-out lamp, If I fail to do so, I'm no Danma!" With that, he loosed two arrows. The first struck Gula's black arrow-proof cloak on his right arm, merely sparking off it without wounding him. The second arrow pierced Zhongzanbu Dala Yueba squarely between his heart and lungs, he toppled from his horse instantly, and the Men Kingdom ministers had no time to attend to him. Gatekeeper Dongde Yuega and the other three champions joined forces and charged into the Ling camp. There, Gade Chujiong Benna, Wenbu Alubasen, and Mujang Renqing Daru of the Ling side shot arrows and thrust spears together, surrounding Gula in multiple rounds of combat. But Gula's swordsmanship was extraordinary, the four Ling generals could not withstand him and were forced to retreat. At that moment, the invincible King Gesar loosed an arrow from his throne in the divine tent, striking Gula's white helmet and diminishing his ferocity somewhat. Gula and his men charged into the Ling southern camp, cutting down soldiers left and right amid shouting and clamor. Jiang's Prince Yula Toju, Prince Yuchi, and the Jiang commander Yucao, three great generals, each mounted their horses and surrounded the Men ministers with arrows, spears, and swords. Yula cast his silk lasso and looped it around Gula's neck. But Gula, wielding his crescent-moon eight-bladed sword, sliced the lasso in two. He then charged into the western camp, wounding some hundred Darong red-tassel armored soldiers. The Darong lord's son La Guo Benglu, along with Mani Garan and Langka Tuojie, three young lords, each mounted their horses and joined battle with sword, spear, and arrow against the Men enemies. Gula and his four followers, unable to overcome them, turned and charged into the northern camp, the Hor and northern soldiers' encampment. They threw the Hor and northern troops into complete disarray, scattering in all directions. Gula's Narrow Escape and the Men Kingdom's War Council Outside the northern camp, Adanam stepped onto her bronze-white flying horse, drew her divine serpent-tongue spear from its sheath, and blocked Gula's path. Aiming at his vital point, she thrust fiercely, striking his right leg and wounding him gravely. Gula's arrogance was immediately halved. He wheeled his horse around and headed back toward his own camp, cutting down some fifteen soldiers of the Bara tribe's white-tassel regiment along the way. As dawn just began to break, Gula said, "Apart from Zhongzanbu Dala Yueba being killed, the other warriors have not suffered serious wounds. The most important thing now is to return to our main camp." No sooner had he spoken than the demon ministers fled like a whirlwind, not even looking back, racing toward the Men Kingdom's main camp. They quickly sought an audience with King Xinchi. After exchanging a few words in the upper council hall of Qiongzong, Gula rose and reported: "O King Xinchi! Fighting against those wicked Ling armies is most difficult. We can no longer delay like this, we must immediately send out troops to attack the enemy, and every man should strive to earn merit in battle! If we merely wait without striking, what use is sitting guard in our castles? I ask all you ministers and the king to think carefully!" The ministers and king of the Men Kingdom all pondered how to repel the enemy. Aqiong Guru and Muqiong Guru once again placed their six-fold brocade cloud-patterned ceremonial robe in the center of the assembly hall, and addressed the assembled king and ministers: "We two are advanced in years and no longer have the strength to fight on the battlefield. Please allow us to retire to our homeland in our old age." Seeing them, King Xinchi's anger flared, and he said to them, "You two can no longer go to the front lines to fight, but you must hold the Jiabei Maojia Castle, do not lose it!" Gula Tuojie and his commanders swiftly departed for the assembly camp of Yimu Tang. After arranging their battle formations with great care, they swore to fight to the death with arrows, spears, and swords against the enemy.

King Gesar epic ch97 Chapter 97 The Xinch King's Vengeance and Tangze Yuzhou's Fall Previous Item Next Item

King Gesar epic ch66 Chapter 66 The Veteran Danma Wishes To Return Home; The King's Brother Gyatsa Appears In A Vision To Settle The Dispute Previous Item Next Item

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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 84 The Queen's Diplomatic Mission Brings Three Years of Peace Between Ling and Jiang The Queen's Grief and the Divine Prophecy Since the Ling army launched its counter-offensive into Jiang territory, most of the valiant warriors and able-bodied young men had marched off to the battlefield. Queen Sangjang Zumu resided in the royal palace of Dazi Castle in the Ling Kingdom, where day after day she prostrated herself before the heavens, made offerings, and prayed for blessings and protection. She devoted herself to spiritual practice and prayer, wishing peace for all sentient beings, and especially hoping that the white virtuous deeds of the Ling region would flourish and prosper. When Michong and the heroine Adanam arrived at Dazi Castle to report on the war between Jiang and Ling, Zumu was stricken with grief upon learning that her younger brother Buya Zhujie and Rongtsa Malie had fallen on the battlefield. "I am truly a woman without good fortune," she lamented. "No misfortune ever passes me by. My brother has died in battle—I feel as though my very heart has been torn from my chest while I still live." Overwhelmed by sorrow, Zumu's mind grew clouded and confused. Her vision blurred as if leaves covered her eyes, and she collapsed in a faint. Those nearby immediately fetched holy water and sprinkled it on her face, slowly reviving her. Once she regained consciousness, she ordered her attendants to bring refreshing food and sweet tea and wine for Adanam and Michong to enjoy. The two visitors first presented the king's personal letter, which requested that Zumu come to the military camp, and then explained the entire situation to her in clear detail. After hearing their account, Zumu thought to herself: Even if I were to devise clever schemes to reconcile Jiang and Ling, it would be impossible to secure advantages for Ling. Since Meisa had already gone twice without results, and now they ask me to go, it seems unnecessary—yet the king's command cannot be defied. She therefore resolved to set out immediately. That very night, she departed for Jiang territory with two hundred attendants. As she left, everyone offered her farewell libations of wine and ceremonial scarves (khata). Meanwhile, on the front lines, the Jiang and Ling armies clashed like a fierce tiger and a wild boar locked in combat, each side attacking with greater ferocity than the other. As Zumu and her party journeyed, they continuously prayed to the venerable Tara for protection from demonic obstacles of the dark forces, and for safe passage to the Ling camp. The Prophecy and Debate in the War Council Through divine protection, Zumu and her party finally reached the Jiang region. The heroes came out in force to welcome her, and a tent like a white cloud—the great Gyalo Dragon Tent—was pitched on the grassland for her entourage to stay in. That night, the White Brahma King descended from above, riding a white horse and surrounded by divine children amid clusters of brocade-like clouds. He delivered a prophetic song to the King of Ling: "Tomorrow when the sun lights up the earth, The moment for forging peace must not be lost. If reconciliation cannot be achieved, Beware—the enemy will strike again. Tomorrow in the dead of night, The Jiang generals Caima Keji, Baidui, Sela, and Qimei Jiaduo Will each lead two thousand elite troops to surround and attack. The Ling generals Zhale and Niben Daya Will face calamity like Gyatsa once did. Danma Jangcha and Bara Senda Adong Will meet disaster like Yuda once did. Beautiful Queen Sangjang Zumu, If you do not go to make peace with the Jiang, The consequences will be grave beyond imagining— Death itself will come, impossible to resist." Having sung his prophecy, the White Brahma King vanished. Before dawn broke, all the heroes had gathered before the sacred tent. King Gesar recounted the White Brahma King's prophecy and consulted with them on how to proceed. The minister Danma said, "There is no need to repeat the White Brahma King's prophecy. Regarding peace talks, the gods have previously given prophecies and the king has given instructions. Two rounds of negotiations have already been held without reaching an agreement. Even now, we still cannot tell whether brass is truly gold or white lead is truly silver. The only question now is whether Queen Zumu has the ability to accomplish this matter. If she cannot, then no matter how many more casualties we suffer, we have no choice but to fight the Jiang to the end." Rongtsa Chagen said, "Danma speaks wisely. A few days ago, Meisa went twice to negotiate with the Jiang without results. Perhaps Meisa thought too highly of herself and only spoke foolish words that the Jiang ignored. Now we must send Zumu with her attendants and a few heroes to see whether peace can indeed be reached with the Jiang!" Chao Tong interjected, "Has Uncle the Chief Steward grown old and muddled in his thinking? When Meisa was sent the first two times, you seemed to think she was quite capable. Now you treat Zumu as if she is certain to succeed. In my view, sending Zumu again will not accomplish this task either. If the Jiang attack, there are four people who need extra protection, and we must devise better strategies to deal with them. If our forces suffer further losses, that will not do." Everyone ultimately agreed to send Zumu for peace negotiations. The next day, Sangjang Zumu and her party, escorted by two hundred riders including Danma, Bara, and Sinba, galloped toward the Jiang camp. The Exchange of Songs Between the Two Queens When the Jiang saw them approaching, the minister of internal affairs Baidui said, "Here comes another group of people—what can they mean by this? Among those approaching, there are more women in female attire than in previous visits. If they have come to negotiate, then it will fall to the women to respond. Princess Pema Chuzhen is not here at the moment—we must quickly send for her from the palace." Thus Pema Chuzhen was summoned, and both sides met at the same place as the previous two negotiations. Zumu first expressed to the Jiang princess her hope for reconciliation between the two sides. The Jiang believed that whether the Ling side was sincere or insincere in seeking peace, they could not refuse to respond. Under the protection of Minister Baidui and two hundred riders, the Jiang princess and her attendants engaged in talks with the Ling side as before. Sangjang Zumu sang slowly to the princess about the great significance of peace between the two nations: "I am the beloved daughter of Gyalo Dunpa, As if painted by a master artist's brush. When I was born upon this earth, My name was chosen according to auspicious signs. Why do Jiang and Ling wage war? First, because of fate in this lifetime, Second, because King Sadan brought disaster upon us. The two kingdoms have known no peace, Battle after battle, savage combat, So many brave generals and warriors have died. Those caught between black and white deeds Wish only for death to escape their suffering. My little brother Buya Zhujie, How tragic that he died on the battlefield! Disaster has fallen upon the Gyalo family, How can this not grieve Zumu's heart? Zumu has traveled here today To avenge the fallen warriors, To bring the lost stallions home. If compensated, the Ling will not hold a grudge. If Jiang and Ling wish to escape the suffering of war, Peace talks are the only great plan. In this supremely sacred divine realm, Every pure aspiration must be cherished. Let bygones be bygones from this day forward— May Jiang and Ling be friends for all eternity. The war between Jiang and Ling must cease at once, Lest two tigers fight and both suffer harm. Jiang and Ling should be like brothers— Not just on the surface, but in heart and soul. Whether king or subject of Jiang, None may interfere with the flourishing of virtuous deeds. Let us set aside our differences and speak of friendship, Like tea and butter coming together, Meeting by fate in a single dragon bowl. O Princess Pema Chuzhen of Jiang, You are the dakini of the Purple Jiang Kingdom. I, Gyalo Sangjang Zumu, lion queen of Ling, Am the dakini of Ling Gabu. A pearl necklace with red coral strands, A master's prayer beads of countless gems, White precious stones and red agate— I offer them all to you, Princess Chuzhen, for safekeeping. First I present these gifts of greeting, Then let us speak openly of peace. Can sharp weapons be turned into soft silk? I ask you, Princess Pema, to consider this carefully." The Accord and Three Years of Peace After listening to Zumu's song, the Jiang princess thought for a while and then said, "Sangjang Zumu! You claim to be the incarnation of White Tara without the slightest blemish, manifesting your form in mortal flesh. Don't you think you are praising yourself a little too highly?" She then sang: "Listen, Gyalo Sangjang Zumu, Now I have words to answer you. Though my eyes have never seen you, My ears have long heard of your great fame. What Zumu truly thinks in her heart, No one else can ever know. On the surface you seem honest, But perhaps you are truly a deceiver. If Jiang and Ling truly seek peace, Both sides must show genuine sincerity. Know that although Ling has suffered casualties, The Jiang people too have endured losses. Your Ling people always try to show off, Causing death here and injury there, This is Ling's own great fault. The Jiang people have flourished for generations, Like young crops growing strong in the fields. Now like crops struck by hail, Who will compensate us for this poor harvest? Our right-wing vanguard Qula was thrown to his death, Our left-wing young general Yula was captured, The poison man Baigan Tulu lost his life, This grieves us more than losing nine castles. Countless Jiang heroes have fallen, How does Ling plan to compensate for these losses? If the dead heroes could be brought back to life, Then peace talks could become a reality. Across Jiang's mountains, valleys, and plains, The Ling people have covered the land like heavy snow. The Jiang people know no peace and suffer humiliation, How can we even speak of peace talks? You and I are both incarnations of dakinis, With different vows, born in different lands. Now both sides have become enemies, Where to go from here is up to you Ling people." The Jiang princess sang this probing song. After hearing it, Zumu thought: This song is meant to test whether we are truly sincere. I must answer her clearly and directly. So she said, "Princess, do not speak in riddles, and do not be like soft mud that cannot bear examination. Speak plainly like a hen laying an egg—put out the words you truly hold in your heart." Upon hearing this, the princess did not answer immediately but stood silently to one side. "Today you and I come to negotiate. If we do not discuss matters sincerely, but merely attack and slander each other, we will only deepen hostility and hatred. If we raise a great white pillar, both hillside and plain will be blessed. Fish naturally delight in calm waters—I will tell you the truth from my heart. The Jiang people have done wicked things in the past—does the princess not know this even now? Reflect calmly and carefully; if you can understand, my heart will rejoice. Among all the treasures of the snow land of Tibet, salt is the most precious seasoning. The Jiang people were determined to seize it—that is the root of this war between Jiang and Ling. If the Jiang had not first invaded Ling, how would the Ling army have come to press upon Jiang territory? If the Jiang had not attacked us first, how could the Ling have attacked you? The past need not be revisited; the present matters should be discussed anew. From this day forward, let everything begin afresh—Jiang and Ling shall live in friendship and harmony." Zumu then said to the Jiang princess, "Know that this conflict is heavier than a mountain, longer than a river, and wider than the sky. If we do not make peace, the calamities that follow will be endless." Zumu once again conveyed to the Jiang princess that reconciliation was essential no matter what. The Jiang princess also weighed the matter privately, recognizing that true reconciliation between Jiang and Ling would not be easy. As Zumu had said, this war had been provoked by the Jiang. Due to karma from past deeds, when the Ling army pressed upon their borders, her father the king remained secluded in his mourning chamber, and many brave warriors had perished for lack of support. But until her father left that chamber, a temporary peace between the two nations was necessary. So she said, "Sangjang Zumu! You are the incarnation of White Tara, your heart is pure without blemish, your words are sincere without deception. Medicine cannot be mixed with poison, white silk cannot be stained with dust. Perhaps what you say is truly from the heart. Let the war between Jiang and Ling be fought no more—from today, let the fighting cease. For three years, let both sides live in peace and friendship. After three years, we will discuss our relations anew. Feed the fine horses with careful nourishment, let the young men relax their minds and rest. Unstring the mighty bows and store them in their cases, fit the sharp arrows with new fletching. Polish the precious swords and set them aside, hang up the armor and helmets on high. We will gradually discuss what comes after—remember this well in your heart, Zumu." The princess and Zumu exchanged many words of hope for reconciliation, and both expressed mutual trust. Zumu presented the gleaming pearls, coral necklaces, and amber to the princess, and they agreed that the two nations would observe a three-year ceasefire. Only then did both sides finally feel at ease. Zumu and those who had accompanied her to the negotiations, along with the Jiang princess and her attendants, each returned to their own camps. The Jiang forces then withdrew their front-line troops to the rear. The Ling army likewise ceased hostilities on the spot as agreed. For more than two years, no war broke out—the two sides coexisted peacefully. Although the Ling army remained encamped in Jiang territory, the bridge of friendship was cherished by all. During this period, the Ling troops hunted wild game for food, while some of the Jiang soldiers returned to the royal palace and gathered around their king; others garrisoned their own castles, each living a peaceful life.

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 is a legendary figure in Tibetan culture, and his story is recorded in the Epic of King Gesar. This epic is considered the longest epic in the world, containing over 600,000 lines of verse. It narrates the heroic deeds of King Gesar and his battles against evil forces. The formation of the epic can be traced back to between 200 BCE and 600 CE. After years of oral transmission, it reached its final form and peak popularity in the 12th century. The epic mainly revolves around King Gesar's birth, growth, battles, and ultimate victory, reflecting the values and cultural traditions of the Tibetan people. The epic is usually divided into several main parts: Miraculous Birth and Early Life: This section tells the story of King Gesar's miraculous birth and the hardships he faced during his childhood. Heroic Deeds: It describes how he became a king, won the throne, and married a beautiful wife. Wars with Enemy Kingdoms: The core part of the epic focuses on King Gesar's wars with four enemy kingdoms, showcasing his bravery and leadership. Unification and Peace: This part describes how he unified the tribes and brought peace and prosperity. Death and Legacy: The final section recounts King Gesar's death and the impact he left behind. Many legends suggest that he will return in the future to save his people. The Epic of King Gesar is a famous epic passed down in Tibet and Central Asia. Currently, there are 140 performers in Tibet, Mongolia, and the Tu ethnic regions who sing this epic. The Epic of King Gesar has been passed down for over a thousand years and contains 600,000 verses, making it the longest epic in the world. Its length is three times that of the Indian epic Mahabharata and fifteen times that of Ramayana. The epic tells the story of the legendary King Gesar of the Kingdom of Ling and has had a significant influence on Tibetan Buddhism. There are more than 50 versions of this epic. In China alone, the Tibetan version has been published in 120 volumes, divided into 29 chapters. The first printed version was published in Mongolian in Beijing in 1716. The Epic of King Gesar first drew the attention of the Western world in the 1770s. German zoologist and botanist Peter Simon Pallas (1741–1811) mentioned the Gesar Temple in his travelogue Travels Through the Provinces of the Russian Empire (1771–1776). Later, French scholars Alexandra David-Néel (1868–1969) and Rolf Alfred Stein (1911–1999), along with American scholar Robin Kornman (1947–2007), translated and introduced this epic, bringing this ancient cultural treasure to the modern world. Table of content Description Table of content Description Chapter 1 Click for here for ch1 The People of the Snowy Land Suffer Great Hardships, Praying for the Gods to Descend and Subdue the Demons Chapter 2 Click for here for ch2 Avalokiteshvara Delivers the Teachings on Ox-Tail Continent:The Rakshasa King and the Divine Son Protected by the Heaven of Ultimate Form Chapter 3 Click for here for ch3 The Divine Child Fears Difficulty and Refuses to Descend. The Heavenly Deities Urge Him with Nine Divinations Chapter 4 Click for here for ch4 Seeking the Divination Deity to Resolve Doubts, Eliminate Disasters, Cure Plagues, and Receive the Dragon Maiden as a Reward Chapter 5 Click for here for ch5 A Good Omen Appears, Chief Seeks Dream Interpretation, and the Great Sage Proclaims Prophecy Chapter 6 Click for here for ch6 Avenging a Brother – Gyatsa Leads a Campaign Against the Guo Tribe, and Senlen Wins the Dragon King's Daughter Chapter 7 Click for here for ch7 Jealousy Arises – Jiafei Bullies the Dragon Maiden, Who Is Banished to the Wilderness Chapter 8 Coming soon Introduction The story begins in the creation era, describing how three great Buddhist masters transformed Tibet from a wild land into an empire (around the 7th to 9th centuries CE). Among them, the most famous was Padmasambhava, who brought order to Tibet with powerful oaths. However, many demons were not completely subdued, and chaos returned. Tibet fell under the rule of man-eating demons and nomadic tribes, splitting into many small kingdoms ruled by evil and greedy kings. To solve this problem, Buddha, Brahma, Samantabhadra, along with underground deities and the dragon clans, decided to send a heavenly hero to subdue these demons. They chose Wenshika (the son of Brahma). Although he was reluctant, he eventually agreed. He descended to Earth and was born as the son of the dragon princess Jemu, becoming a prince of the Kingdom of Ling. The Kingdom of Ling was located in eastern Tibet, between the Yangtze River and the Yarlung River. Jemu had a half-brother named Gyatsa Shega, a great warrior who died heroically in battle. She also had two uncles: Rongtsacha Gen, who was wise and supported her, and Chotong, who was greedy and tried to seize the throne but failed. Chotong later collaborated with enemies. At first, Jemu and her son were exiled to the upper reaches of the Yellow River because of his unruly nature, where they lived a primitive life. At the age of 12, Jemu's son returned to the Kingdom of Ling to compete in a horse race to decide the next king. He won the race, became king, and was honored as "The World Lion King Gesar Lozang Zaba." Later, he married Zhum as his wife. As king, Gesar first defeated the northern man-eating demon Black Marutsan. His wife was later kidnapped by the White Tent King of the Hor Kingdom. Gesar killed the White Tent King and rescued his wife. He then went on to conquer the Kingdom of Jiang (modern-day Yunnan) and the Kingdom of Men (in the Himalayan foothills).

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 76 The Jiang Launch Another Raid, Danma Is Wounded; The Great King Departs For The Divine Realm, The Ling Army Calls A Truce Chao Tong's Vengeful Curse and the Jiang's Retaliatory Assault Qula rode his wounded horse back to camp. As he drank tea and wine, he recounted the results of his raid. Everyone praised him upon hearing his tale. However, his fine steed "Nima Rangxia," struck by Aru's poisoned arrow, died shortly after returning to camp. Wanting to show off in front of everyone, Chao Tong solemnly declared he would immediately avenge for Rongtsa. Furious, he donned his sorcerer's robes and hat, took out his blazing ritual offerings, and with his blood-red beard bristling, he roared like an angry black dragon demon in a tone used to summon deities: "Today I, Chao Tong, cast this curse, ceaselessly tossing ritual offerings while chanting. When the offerings are hurled toward the enemy, they shall taste the flesh and blood of our foes; when cast into the sky, the myriad stars shall lose their light; if they fall from the heavens, they shall strike King Sadan's head; if carried away by a gale, they shall break Qula's spine; if they land upon the earth, the ground shall quake and mountains shake; if scattered to the four directions, black mist shall swiftly shroud all. The Jiang domain of Sadan shall turn pitch black, bringing calamity upon Sadan's subjects. I, the elder of Darong, have long held this wish: to utterly annihilate our enemies. I beseech all deities to aid me, ensuring I gain glory before all." As he chanted, Chao Tong shook his curse-hat three times, his beard-knot swaying. The red ritual offerings glowed like raging fire, lighting up half the sky. Within the red light, a boulder shot toward the Jiang army camp, knocking over a hundred Jiang soldiers and horses. The Jiang troops were terrified, fearing such disaster might strike again, and they scattered in panic. Seeing this, Minister Boidoi was enraged. He immediately mounted his Black Wind Cloud-Chaser steed and declared, "How can we not seek revenge after such losses? Those willing, follow me to battle!" With that, he turned his horse and galloped toward the Ling camp. Qula mounted his Blue-Grey Crane horse, and Caima Keji mounted his Blue Blaze horse, both charging toward the Ling camp alongside him. Simultaneously bursting forth with the three brave generals were Kalin Kala, Serige Bu, and Qindui. Seeing five or six riders charging one after another from the Jiang camp, the Ling army immediately grew alert. The Great King Gesar said, "This morning our army suffered some losses. Now it's hard to predict what will happen next. All heroes must mount up immediately and go to the camp gates to meet the enemy." Bara, Danma, Michong, Gade, Sinba, Gongba, Chao Tong, and the heroine Adanam all swiftly mounted their horses and raced toward the camp gates. The Jiang troops charged at the Ling camp like starving wolves descending upon a flock of sheep. They slashed their way from the camp's west gate to the east gate, then turned back from the east to the west, cutting back and forth. Thanks to the full protection of the Ling kingdom's guardian deities, the Ling forces suffered no major losses in men or horses. Seeing the Jiang troops attacking, the Ling heroes guarding the gates pursued them closely. Unable to withstand the assault, the Jiang troops had to flee backward, with the Ling forces in hot pursuit. Seeing pursuers behind them, the Jiang soldiers reined in their horses and turned back, ready to fight to the death. Fierce Clashes and Verbal Barbs on the Battlefield Sinba angrily shouted, "Ah! You Jiang men, why this madness? These lame horses that cannot gallop will only meet their death against a powerful foe. What use is such frenzy today? If you don't rein it in, you will lose your lives. If you want to fight, you need real skill. If you lack it, you'd best stop now. I am Sinba of the red beard; even a hundred thousand enemies do not concern me. I'll split you from head to heel, scattering your bones and flesh into mud." After Sinba finished, Jiang commander Qula steadied himself on his horse and replied, "The six heroes on the battlefield today will not flee but fight to the death. We wield our weapons in combat, helmets on our heads ready to die. You, who were ever obedient and played the wise counselor to your Hor master, White Tent King, betrayed him to save your own skin when he lost his power and position. Shame on you, Sinba, for your thick-skinned shamelessness, following the Ling people in their wicked deeds! A Hor general acting as a Ling lackey is like making a woman a sorcerer. Jiang brothers, do not hesitate! Follow me, Qula, to meet the enemy! Let's see now who is truly heroic, whose war blade can claim more foes!" With that, Qula charged headlong toward the Ling army without looking back. The Ling heroes, each holding sharp weapons, stood ready in tight formation, with Michong and Chao Tong lagging behind. Gongba then reined in his horse and, alongside the heroine Adanam, Danma, and other heroes, surged forward. Jiang warriors Qindui and Qula, charging at the front, met Danma. Qindui immediately shot an arrow at Danma, shattering his saddle to pieces. Though wounded in the hip by the arrow, Danma ignored the pain. Enraged, he notched an arrow and shot it fiercely, striking Qindui squarely in the heart. The arrow pierced his armor and emerged gleaming white from his back. Qindui fell from his horse, dead. Cheers erupted from the Ling heroes. Infuriated, the Jiang troops charged forward again. Sinba swung his giant axe at Qula. However, as Qula's time had not yet come and he was protected by demon gods, the blow missed. Seeing the situation turn dire, Qula immediately wheeled his horse around and fled. Sinba gave chase. Though he couldn't catch Qula, he encountered Kalin Kala. With one axe stroke, Sinba cleaved both Kalin and his horse in two. Wounds, Pursuit, and the Aftermath of the Skirmish Enduring his wound, Danma continued the pursuit. He shot an arrow at the enemy, hitting Caima Keji in the right shoulder. Wounded, Caima hurriedly fled. Boidoi, now even more enraged, fought desperately alone against the Ling troops. When he charged at Michong, Michong didn't even dare look back, simply fleeing. Boidoi gave fierce chase but was blocked by Bara, allowing Michong to escape. Bara and Boidoi clashed for several rounds without a clear victor, eventually disengaging and each returning to their own camp. Having lost Qindui and Kalin, the Jiang troops were disheartened and retreated to their camp one after another. Among the Ling heroes, concern was high due to Danma's hip wound. In the camp, several heroes were praised, especially Sinba and Danma. Within a few days, thanks to the careful treatment by several renowned army physicians, Danma's wound showed rapid improvement, though due to its severity, it had not fully healed in the short term. Back in their camp, the Jiang troops mourned the loss of two commanders, Qindui and Kalin. Commander Caima Keji, wounded in the right shoulder, was unable to fight for several days and had to remain in camp to recuperate. Gesar's Divine Mission and the Negotiation of a Truce On the Ling side, the Great Lion King Gesar was preparing to follow the prophecy of the heavenly maiden Langman Gam to journey to the divine realm and fetch the white conch key, needed to subdue King Sadan of Jiang's soul-binding snake. He addressed his heroes: "I will go to the divine realm to fetch the white conch key. I hope everyone will guard the camp well during this time and manage military affairs. Riding my swift steed, I will fetch the key and return quickly. There is no need for anxiety." Upon hearing this, his uncle, Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen, said, "Great King, your intention to fetch the key from the divine realm is excellent. However, we are uncertain whether we can guard the camp effectively here. The Jiang are particularly fierce and often harass us, and Danma is wounded. If you truly must leave the camp, it would be best to first negotiate with the Jiang army for a temporary ceasefire of a few days, to see if an agreement can be reached." The Great King Gesar said, "To set everyone's mind at ease, we can send someone to negotiate with the Jiang. If negotiation fails, it doesn't matter." Thus, Gongba, Michong, Sinba, and a hundred riders went to negotiate with the Jiang. Seeing a group of horsemen approaching their camp, the Jiang troops thought the Ling were launching a raid today and immediately fell into disorder. When the Ling force reached the river, they halted. Sinba and Gongba rode ahead a stretch and shouted their proposal to the other side. A Jiang soldier in golden armor came forward to listen. The soldier then reported to Commander Qula in the Jiang camp: "The Ling have come to negotiate. They propose a ceasefire for several days. I wonder if this would be advantageous for us?" Qula said, "These Ling people are full of fanciful ideas. They wiped out our vanguard troops led by Yula, and now they come to negotiate a truce. Who knows what our king will think of this. Whether we agree to their proposal or not, it's best for Minister Boidoi to consider and decide." Boidoi said, "We cannot agree to the Ling's proposal. It's unclear what benefit a temporary truce holds for them. For our side, a temporary truce offers no advantage. However, Commander Caima Keji is currently wounded in the right shoulder and cannot fight. Agreeing to a brief ceasefire for a few days might be acceptable." Having said this, Minister Boidoi mounted his steed, rode out from the camp, reached the riverbank, reined in his Black Wind Cloud-Chaser horse, and shouted to the opposite side: "If golden wheat grains wish a bountiful harvest, one must see how the seedlings grow. You Ling come to negotiate a truce; we must see what is truly in your hearts. Since you have come to negotiate, there must be give and take. I will state the Jiang position clearly: we can agree to a temporary ceasefire for seven days. Let the warhorses rest temporarily, let the sharp arrows return to their quivers, let the curved bows loosen their strings, let the armor hang on the walls. When the seven days are up, we shall test our mettle again and see who are the true heroes. This seven-day truce is agreed upon today; when the deadline arrives, there will be no further delay." With that, Boidoi turned his horse and immediately returned to the Jiang camp. Note Ritual Offerings:: Filthy substances refined through magic, specifically used to combat demons and evil spirits.

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 Yudrung 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 About Yongzhu tashi rinpoche During the era of the ancient Tibetan Empire, when Princess Wencheng traveled from the Tang Dynasty to marry into Tibet, she used the art of geomancy to survey the Tibetan landscape. She observed that Tibet's terrain resembled a supine demoness (Rakshasi). The specific location of this area corresponded to the palm of the demoness's left hand. Therefore, King Songtsen Gampo specially constructed several border temples here to subdue the demoness. Among them was Gyala Juekong Monastery, which was built in this area. Ancient Tibetan texts also record that during the reign of King Trisong Detsen and his heirs, the Gyala Juekong Monastery was renovated and expanded, including its assembly halls and Buddha statues. It was in this sacred and extraordinary place that the reincarnated tulku, Yongzhu Tashi Rinpoche, was born. His father was named Nianrong Jiarang Axiao, and his mother was named Yangzong. He was born in 1983, the Water Pig Year of the Tibetan calendar (the 17th Rabjung cycle), on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the Month of Miracles (the first month of the Tibetan calendar). When he reached the age of nine, his father took him to visit Lama Pema, a recluse practicing strict precepts and meditation at Ahde Monastery. At that time, Lama Pema prophesied that the child would face a major life-threatening obstacle. If he were ordained as a monk, he would soon become a virtuous person dedicated to benefiting all sentient beings and spreading the Dharma. Following the lama's prophetic instructions, his father immediately arranged for Yongzhu Tashi Rinpoche to be ordained and enter the Buddhist path. Subsequently, the dakini Khandro Kaje Angmao, consort of the Dolotsongma Yeshe Tulku of Nianrong Aopeng Monastery, formally bestowed upon him the name Yudrung Tashi. 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.

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 Gure Stone 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 Hayagriva: the throne, the seven treasures, and the peerless beauty Sangjang 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 Gyalo 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 Gyatsa and the Final Race In an instant, Joru caught up with his brother, Gyatsa Xiega. Seeing his brother’s back, Joru suddenly came up with an idea. Gyatsa 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 Gyatsa appeared a black man riding a black horse, blocking his path. The black man said, “Hey, Gyatsa! I’ve heard the wealth of the Gyalo clan and the beautiful Sangjang 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, Gyatsa’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!” Gyatsa pulled out his hidden treasure blade and swung it fiercely at the black demon. However, the blade struck only empty air, and Gyatsa 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 Jang Gapeibu. Smiling at Gyatsa, Joru said, “Brother Gyatsa, 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.” Gyatsa 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, Gyatsa, 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, Gyatsa 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 Gyatsa’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, Jade 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 Sangjang 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 Jade 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 Jade 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 Jade 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 Jade 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 Jade 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 Jang Gapeibu 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 Hayagriva 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 Hayagriva’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 Jade 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 Jade Horse! Please, save my Jade Horse!” Chao Tong cried out, his voice hoarse. “If I can heal your Jade 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 Jade Horse as good as it was before!” “I need it to carry tea to Jhana. 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 Jade 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 Jade 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 goddess Mandanaze carried a quiver and a divine mirror, while her sister-in-law, Guojia Gamu, held a treasure bottle. They led their attendants and many celestial beings, who all appeared together. Jang Gapeibu, 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 Zuna Rinchen 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: Gyatsa Xiega as General of the East, to guard against the King Sadan of the Jiang Kingdom. Senda Adong as General of the South, to defend against the southern Demon King, Xinchi. Chaxiang Danma as General of the West, to resist the Yellow Hor people. Rongtsa Adan as General of the North, to guard against the enemies of Rong and the land of Demon. 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, theChief Steward Rongtsa Chagen presented the genealogy of the noble Mukpo Dong 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 Zuna. 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 Chief Steward’s blessings, the brothers of Ling Gabu stepped forward with their own gifts. Gyatsa 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.” Gyatsa Xiega, 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 Qiju 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 Xinchi, 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 Lutsan, 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! Sangjang 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 Sangjang Zumu of the Gyalo 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 Sangjang Zumuas 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 Meisa Bungji, making Zumu and her twelve sisters the famous “Thirteen Queens of Ling Gabu.”