Gesar
The legend of King Gesar is nearly a thousand years old. It is popular all over central Asia – especially so in Tibet and Mongolia. It is called a living epic poem because those who know and recite the legend do so from “direct experience”. It is an oral poem added to by those who speak it to rapt audiences.Gesar was born in the Dza Valley in Eastern Tibet, the provincial area known as Kham. His father was Singlen Gyalpo of Ling. His mother was Lhakar Dronma of Gog, also known as Gogza or Gogmo. In the Mongolian tradition the names differ as does the place of Gesar’s birth or at least the name of the place of his birth.
Another important matter of lineage is his spiritual inheritance, he is considered an incarnation of Padmasambhava, otherwise called Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. In the future, it is indicated, Gesar will reincarnate as Rudrachakrin, the 25th Rigden of Shambhala to conquer the dark forces, and inaugurate a golden age of peace on earth.
The Gesar legend had tremendous popular appeal and was an important instrument of religious education and spiritual motivation. His life story illustrates what a fully self-actualized human can be. He epitomizes unconditional confidence, boundless energy, and demonstrates the skillful means needed to overcome all daunting conditions. The powerful force of his inspirational life awakens the heart of inner courage to persevere until victory is won.
As king, Gesar created an enlightened society, one in which his subjects lived a spiritually centered life in harmony with one another. To accomplish this, however, there were tremendous obstacles to overcome. The legend describes how he establishing his spiritual leadership by overcoming external as well as internal obstacles to create this enlightened society.
Gesar’s Childhood
Gesar’s father, Singlen, was a gentle and feeble ruler. He gradually lost his power to his ugly, cowardly, loud-mouthed and short-tempered brother, Todong. Singlen had two wives. The first wife and Todong were jealous of the beautiful second wife, Gogmo and her infant son, Chori. They forced Gogmo out of the palace but Gogmo was able to survive as a nomad in the beautiful grassland valley of Ma. Chori grew up living a very simple life in this pristine setting. He learned how to care for their few animals and was always protected by divine forces.
Meanwhile, Singlen had gone on pilgrimage to the holy places in India and had not returned. It was rumored that the old king had died so Todong organized a horse race to determine Singlen’s successor. To make the prize especially sweet, a rich merchant in Ling had also offered to give his beautiful daughter in marriage to the winner. Of course, it was guaranteed that she would become Queen of Ling. Todong naturally plotted to win both the throne and the beautiful young Sechen Dugmo.
At this time Chori had reached manhood. One night Chori and his mother were visited by a divine messenger who told them it was time to return to Ling. They arrived just as the horse race was about to begin. It began without Chori but, because he enjoyed a good horse race, took off after them on his magical horse Kyang Go KarKar. It was not long before Chori and his divine horse were among the leaders. When Todong saw the vigorously handsome young rider, he suddenly recognized Chori as the boy he had banished. He was enraged that he should appear at this moment and, with his whip, tried to unhorse Chori. Just as they reached the finish line Todong fell off his horse and the young man who would become Gesar claimed his father’s throne and the hand of Sechen Dugmo – as it was meant to be.
King Gesar of Ling Flag
The legend of King Gesar has been circulating among Tibetans for over 1000 years. Little know in the West, it is the longest epic in the world. Stories of Gesar were primarily passed down in oral form but even the existing written copies, which are estimated to comprise only 10% of the epic, number 246 volumes – containing over 1.5 million lines. King Gesar represents the principle of warriorship – not in the sense of war skills but in the sense of realizing the power, dignity and wakefulness that is inherent in all of us as human beings. The confident warrior conducts himself or herself with a gentle, fearless, and open-hearted intelligence in all aspects of life. This colorful flag, following the general design of all Gesar flags, depicts King Gesar in the center – bearing his magical weapons and riding his winged steed Kyang Go Karka. The Supernatural Animals of the 4 directions (Garuda, Dragon, Tiger and Snow Lion) occupy the four corners. They’re inner meanings represent exalted qualities of the human mind: fearlessness, dignity, confidence and unconditional cheerfulness. Other panels contain the Three Victorious Creatures of Harmony; natural enemies united in single creatures: Garuda/Lion, Fish/Otter and Makara/Conch. They each carry Victory banners representing one of the five elements. The top center panel shows the sun, moon and stars, the Invincible Vajra and the Victory Flag of Space – symbolizing Universal Sovereignty. The Kalachakra Monogram at the bottom represents the 84.000 Teachings of Enlightenment originating in Gesar’s Kingdom of Shambhala. The text at the top supplicates King Gesar and sings his praises. It contains mantras for overcoming obstacles and conquering enemies. Down the left side is Guru Rinpoche’s Prayer of Spontaneous Accomplishment (Sampa Lhundrup). Down the right side are written Tashi Sho prayers calling for good luck, long life and happiness. The text at the bottom and on the tongues (streamers) state that the Gesar Flag brings fulfillment of all wishes and includes mantras for increasing success. King Gesar’s heroic task is to overcome the dark forces, both outer and inner, that bring war and hardship and obscure the spiritual path. Gesar’s ultimate victory promises that peace, harmony and enlightenment will prevail in the world. These well-made full color Gesar flags are printed at a Tibetan monastery in Taiwan. Size: 40"x 40" (plus tongues) Material: Lightweight nylon (bright and clear image on both sides). There are ties on the pole edge; no sleeve.
The legend of King Gesar has been circulating among Tibetans for over 1000 years. Little know in the West, it is the longest epic in the world. Stories of Gesar were primarily passed down in oral form but even the existing written copies, which are estimated to comprise only 10% of the epic, number 246 volumes – containing over 1.5 million lines. King Gesar represents the principle of warriorship – not in the sense of war skills but in the sense of realizing the power, dignity and wakefulness that is inherent in all of us as human beings. The confident warrior conducts himself or herself with a gentle, fearless, and open-hearted intelligence in all aspects of life. This colorful flag, following the general design of all Gesar flags, depicts King Gesar in the center – bearing his magical weapons and riding his winged steed Kyang Go Karka. The Supernatural Animals of the 4 directions (Garuda, Dragon, Tiger and Snow Lion) occupy the four corners. They’re inner meanings represent exalted qualities of the human mind: fearlessness, dignity, confidence and unconditional cheerfulness. Other panels contain the Three Victorious Creatures of Harmony; natural enemies united in single creatures: Garuda/Lion, Fish/Otter and Makara/Conch. They each carry Victory banners representing one of the five elements. The top center panel shows the sun, moon and stars, the Invincible Vajra and the Victory Flag of Space – symbolizing Universal Sovereignty. The Kalachakra Monogram at the bottom represents the 84.000 Teachings of Enlightenment originating in Gesar’s Kingdom of Shambhala. The text at the top supplicates King Gesar and sings his praises. It contains mantras for overcoming obstacles and conquering enemies. Down the left side is Guru Rinpoche’s Prayer of Spontaneous Accomplishment (Sampa Lhundrup). Down the right side are written Tashi Sho prayers calling for good luck, long life and happiness. The text at the bottom and on the tongues (streamers) state that the Gesar Flag brings fulfillment of all wishes and includes mantras for increasing success. King Gesar’s heroic task is to overcome the dark forces, both outer and inner, that bring war and hardship and obscure the spiritual path. Gesar’s ultimate victory promises that peace, harmony and enlightenment will prevail in the world. These well-made full color Gesar flags are printed at a Tibetan monastery in Taiwan. Size: 40"x 40" (plus tongues) Material: Lightweight nylon (bright and clear image on both sides). There are ties on the pole edge; no sleeve.
