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Gesar, Tibetan, lit. "Lotus Temple." Name of a mythical hero who inspired the greatest epic of Tibetan Buddhism. This epic was diffused in the form of folk tales as far as Mongolia and was transmitted by professional singers or bards. The eastern Tibetan kingdom of Ling is given as the homeland of Gesar. The Gesar legends arose in the 11th century. At this time Buddhism began to prevail in the belief of the people over the Bon religion and the main theme of the epic is the battle of Gesar against evil (i.e. bon). In these conflicts on behalf of the qualities of Buddhism Gesar is regarded as the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara and of Padmasambhava and his heros as incarnations of the mahasiddhas. Today Gesar is venerated as a warrior god and a god of wealth, and his consort as a dakini.

Following the style of spiritual songs, as composed, for example, by Milarepa and Drugpa Kunleg, traveling singers transmitted the early, oral versions of the epic. The later legends surrounding the figure of Gesar arose as a rule on the basis of visions and revelations of Tibetan monks (lamas) of all schools.

The epic is divided into two main parts: the unhappy youth of the hero, who was despised by all, and his reign as mighty King Gesar. His special qualities single him out as the song of a god who is to bring order to the world once again. After his birth, nonetheless, he was exiled along with his mother and brought this exile to an end only at the age of fifteen. In a horse race, the winner of which was to become king of Ling, against all expectations he defeated his principal foe Khrothung, became king of Ling and received the former king's daughter Brugmo as his wife. Following this are battles against various demons. The last and most important episode is the conquest and conversion of the land of Hor.

All the legends composed in later generations were based on this episode. In these later legends Gesar converted countries like Iran and China, even descended into hell to confront the god of death, and in a version that first appeared in the twentieth century, conquered the land of Jar (i.e., Germany).

Based on the numerous legends, a cult of Gesar developed in Tibet, which produced a rich iconography. Temples were built, and offerings made, to Gesar as a warrior god. As a subduer of demonic powes, Gesar played a role comparable to that of Padmasambhava. As the bringer of future salvation, Gesar is associated with the kingdom of Shambhala.
From: The Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen

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Gesar
Gesar books at Amazon.com	A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z Gesar, Tibetan, lit. "Lotus Temple." Name of a mythical hero who inspired the greatest epic of Tibetan Buddhism. This epic was diffused in the form of folk tales as far as Mongolia and was transmitted by professional singers or bards. The eastern Tibetan kingdom of Ling is given as the homeland of Gesar. The Gesar legends arose in the 11th century. At this time Buddhism began to prevail in the belief of the people over the Bon religion and the main theme of the epic is the battle of Gesar against evil (i.e. bon). In these conflicts on behalf of the qualities of Buddhism Gesar is regarded as the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara and of Padmasambhava and his heros as incarnations of the mahasiddhas. Today Gesar is venerated as a warrior god and a god of wealth, and his consort as a dakini. Following the style of spiritual songs, as composed, for example, by Milarepa and Drugpa Kunleg, traveling singers transmitted the early, oral versions of the epic. The later legends surrounding the figure of Gesar arose as a rule on the basis of visions and revelations of Tibetan monks (lamas) of all schools. The epic is divided into two main parts: the unhappy youth of the hero, who was despised by all, and his reign as mighty King Gesar. His special qualities single him out as the song of a god who is to bring order to the world once again. After his birth, nonetheless, he was exiled along with his mother and brought this exile to an end only at the age of fifteen. In a horse race, the winner of which was to become king of Ling, against all expectations he defeated his principal foe Khrothung, became king of Ling and received the former king's daughter Brugmo as his wife. Following this are battles against various demons. The last and most important episode is the conquest and conversion of the land of Hor. All the legends composed in later generations were based on this episode. In these later legends Gesar converted countries like Iran and China, even descended into hell to confront the god of death, and in a version that first appeared in the twentieth century, conquered the land of Jar (i.e., Germany). Based on the numerous legends, a cult of Gesar developed in Tibet, which produced a rich iconography. Temples were built, and offerings made, to Gesar as a warrior god. As a subduer of demonic powes, Gesar played a role comparable to that of Padmasambhava. As the bringer of future salvation, Gesar is associated with the kingdom of Shambhala. From: The Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen	~ -