
The Epic of Gesar of Ling
Gesar's Magical Birth, Early Years, and Coronation as King
Shambhala Publications Inc (Publisher)
Published on 5. May 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
680 pages
978-1-61180-095-1 (ISBN)
Description
The first and only English translation of the centuries-old Tibetan spiritual allegory of King Gesar, a tale on a par with The Arabian Nights or the King Arthur stories.
For hundreds of years, versions of the Gesar of Ling epic have been sung by bards in Tibet, China, Central Asia, and across the eastern Silk Route. King Gesar, renowned throughout these areas, represents the ideal warrior. As a leader with his people's loyalty and trust, he conquers all their enemies and protects the peace.
The example of King Gesar is also understood as a spiritual teaching. The "enemies" in the stories represent the emotional and psychological challenges that turn people toward greed, aggression, and envy and away from the true teachings of Buddhism.
The epic of Gesar is the longest single piece of literature in the world canon, encompassing some 120 volumes; here the first three volumes are translated, telling of Gesar's birth, his mischievous childhood and his youth spent in exile, and his rivalry for the throne with his treacherous uncle.
For hundreds of years, versions of the Gesar of Ling epic have been sung by bards in Tibet, China, Central Asia, and across the eastern Silk Route. King Gesar, renowned throughout these areas, represents the ideal warrior. As a leader with his people's loyalty and trust, he conquers all their enemies and protects the peace.
The example of King Gesar is also understood as a spiritual teaching. The "enemies" in the stories represent the emotional and psychological challenges that turn people toward greed, aggression, and envy and away from the true teachings of Buddhism.
The epic of Gesar is the longest single piece of literature in the world canon, encompassing some 120 volumes; here the first three volumes are translated, telling of Gesar's birth, his mischievous childhood and his youth spent in exile, and his rivalry for the throne with his treacherous uncle.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Boston
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 261 mm
Width: 180 mm
Thickness: 53 mm
Weight
1480 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-61180-095-1 (9781611800951)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

The Epic of Gesar of Ling
Gesar's Magical Birth, Early Years, and Coronation as King
E-Book
07/2013
Shambhala
€37.99
Available for download
Persons
Translated by Robin Kornman, Sangye Khandro, and Lama Chonam; forewords by H.H. the Dalai Lama, Alak Zenkar Rinpoche, and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
Foreword
Translation