The Origin of the Tibetan People

High among the sacred peaks of Tibet, before humankind ever walked the earth, the mountains stood silent beneath the gaze of the gods. From his heavenly realm, Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, looked down upon the empty land and saw that it was beautiful yet barren, lacking the harmony of living souls. At that time, a fierce ogress wandered the wild slopes of Mount Gongpori, lonely and filled with restless power. To calm her spirit and bring balance to the world, Avalokiteśvara sent his disciple, a holy monkey, gentle and wise, to dwell among the forests below. When the ogress appeared before him, begging for companionship or threatening to fill the land with monsters, the monkey sought the guidance of his master. “Do not fear,” said Avalokiteśvara. “Unite with her, for your union will bring forth a people of great heart.” From their joining came six children, each bearing the virtues of their parents—wisdom, strength, kindness, and courage. Their descendants became the first Tibetans, born of heaven’s compassion and the earth’s fierce love. Even now, when wind rushes through the mountain pines, Tibetans say it is the whisper of their ancient parents, reminding them to live with both tenderness and strength.