A Bon Healing Divination from the Dunhuang Caves
IOL Tib J 739 is a seventeen-leaf codex preserved in the British Library's Stein Collection, originating from the sealed library cave at Dunhuang. Dating to the Tibetan Empire period (7th–9th century CE), it is the only known Bon divination manual that embeds the oracle entries within an elaborate healing-goddess framework. The text opens with a ritual invocation summoning the Gnam-sman — the Sky Medicine Goddess — and her retinue of nine-hundred-and-nine attendants from seven medicine-realms: sky, cliff, turquoise, abundance, rock, lake, and north. Offerings are prepared on right and left horns of the altar: white silk, vermillion, incense, gold, butter, and libations.
After the invocation, the text sets out casting rules for a three-dice system: three goods permits a re-cast, two goods and one bad is middling, two bads and one good requires a re-cast, and three bads forecloses further inquiry. Fifty-seven oracle entries follow, each introduced by a verse in the voice of the goddess or her envoys, concluded with a verdict ranging from "most excellent" (bzang rab bo) to "most wicked" (ngan rab bo). The imagery draws on the Tibetan landscape — glaciers, turquoise lakes, wild yaks, mountain passes — and the verdicts are specific: favorable for horse-trading, dangerous due to demon-possession, a sign of return from travel.
This is the fifth Mo text in the archive's Bon divination corpus, joining the Coin Divination Manual (PT 1055), the Dice Oracles (PT 1046), the Spirit Oracles (PT 1051), and the Great Divination Manual (ITJ 0738). It is the only one with a medicine-goddess ritual framework, and the only one to include a systematic medicine catalogue. The codex is described as "unfinished" — the text breaks off mid-verse at folio 17 verso, line 8.
This translation covers the complete text: the Invocation, the Medicine Catalogue, the Casting Rules, and all fifty-seven oracle entries (correcting the earlier estimate of forty-one). Oracle LVII is incomplete — the codex breaks off mid-verse at folio 17 verso, line 8.
The Invocation of the Medicine Goddess
O! The solitary ridge —
the raven's eye is summoned,
the beautiful turquoise maiden
raised on high.
O! The gentle voice is excellent.
The fine arrangement does not waver.
The nine joints are excellent:
the blue sky firm at its center,
sun and moon as companions.
The beautiful face painted in colors,
the deliberate pattern set upon the mountain.
The southern clouds are excellent —
like summer in its raining,
like winter in its golden shelter.
The mountain stag is cleansed by wings.
O! From that point downward,
the outer gold is gathered by you.
O! The Medicine Goddess plays with fierce power —
the boundary is ground inward,
the she-hound is master of the front.
O! Looking upward from the junction,
the boundary's end is the threefold arrow-valley.
O! The water-arrow plays in the lake.
From the junction, by hope and dread,
this boundary-taste —
the frontier's end atop the speaking-ground.
O! By the gods' decree established,
the summer arrangement's borders do not shake.
The indigo breast is excellent.
The fire-boundary is pressed inward.
The changed otter is flung toward the indigo.
O! What the standing one has not tasted,
a human does not surpass.
O! The six causes — burning and consuming,
parting — the frog and the grove.
O! Crooked and bent — Mon and Mongol.
O! The Chinese land is excellent:
crystal bowls and magic patterns.
O! The tent of the gods,
the lower earth with its lake,
the key of the resting-place.
The boundary-offering fulfilled by oath.
O! The mountain echo is excellent.
The hundred medicines scatter and gather.
The Sky Medicine Goddess is fierce —
the southern meadow is her domain.
O! The southern meadow, solitary —
upon the battle-standard, upon the written word,
the forceful one sends the message.
The Offering Ceremony
The oracle mistress, the one who separates —
on the right horn:
fine white cloth spread,
a white vessel full to the brim,
vermillion gleaming and glistening,
incense smoke curling and settling.
On the left horn:
drops of gold,
fine butter and excellent beer,
white silk flung as a fan,
beneath the canopy, colors bright,
the leather shield vivid to the eye.
O! The salt lake and the turquoise lake,
the many precious things —
all offered as the medicine-treasure.
Medicine-cakes of fourfold shape,
broad faces and white mouths,
fine butter and fermented grain,
the essence of the libation drawn forth —
offered to the mouth of the Medicine Goddess.
O! Having summoned the Sky Medicine Goddess —
O! The hundred medicines ascend!
The ears go si-si-li!
The turquoise mist goes thu-lu-lu!
The Medicine Catalogue
O! From above, when the echo is cast,
the cliff-sound goes ti-ri-ri!
From below, when the fan is thrown,
cascading — ljab-ma-ljib!
O! Seven hundred thousand — the lord of the front.
The Sky Medicine Goddess is a white one.
Attending upon her:
Sky Medicine Goddesses, nine hundred and nine,
with the fierce one's herald —
each hundred becoming a full thousand.
Cliff medicines, nine hundred and nine,
with the fleshless glacier —
each hundred becoming a full thousand.
Turquoise medicines, nine hundred and nine,
with the pristine dew of six —
each hundred becoming a full thousand.
Abundant medicines, nine hundred and nine,
with the rich felt —
each hundred becoming a full thousand.
Rock medicines, nine hundred and nine,
with the vermillion snow-ranges —
each hundred becoming a full thousand.
Lake medicines, nine hundred and nine,
with the moisture's fathom —
each hundred becoming a full thousand.
Northern medicines, nine hundred and nine,
with the turquoise medicine's coil —
each hundred becoming a full thousand.
The Casting Rules
Cast and let the ear not miss.
Throw the fan and let the eye not blur.
Chant the valley-song and let the melody not weaken.
O! When left and right are complete —
sharp by day, sharp by night.
Three greats: sharp for the great.
Three fishes: sharp for the head.
Three smalls: sharp for the small.
Zor-kham: sharp for the dates.
When the divination shows three goods,
with the good, one may seek again.
Two goods and one bad —
with the middling, set it aside.
Two bads and one good —
one match: cast again.
When the divination shows three bads,
even casting again, there is no purpose.
The casting of the divination:
The Oracles
Oracle I — The Sky Medicine Goddess Speaks
In the god-realm, when the Medicine Goddess plays,
the Sky Medicine Goddess, with her fierceness —
this is her decree:
"The medicines gather and gather.
Today is a great wave."
O! The decree is straight, the speech is constant.
By the gathered crown of the divination,
settle the mind to its natural state.
Sentient being: great sustenance and a high sky. Human: prosperity and wealth. God: a powerful and exalted lord. Until the end of your years, you will not die.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle II — The Lord Above All
O! The Medicine Goddess is the lord above all.
The many medicines are at the glacier's summit.
Where flesh is seen, the oracle is offered.
Where flesh rises, the oracle is milked.
Is it peace? The Medicine Goddess tends it.
You, human: divinely fierce and honored by all, you sit in your place. Whatever you worry about, nothing will go wrong.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle III — Glory's Horses
O! A horse, whinnying and rushing!
A white goose and two white minds —
both are glory's horses.
The wild yak calf at the front of the herd,
running, and the hoof does not sink.
The forelock is an ornament upon the head.
If the divination concerns a horse, nothing will go wrong.
Excellent oracle.
Oracle IV — The 'Gong-po Seizes
O! The blue sky itself darkens.
The sky's arrangement — what regret!
Seven prayers: the excellent woman conquers.
Knowing east, not knowing west.
In the center of the circle, the head sways.
As for demons: the 'gong-po has seized you.
Great scheming and plotting. Despair. Whatever you think or plan will not succeed.
Most wicked oracle.
Oracle V — Clay Thrown into Water
O! Last year, a small star.
If your hopes and intentions are great,
the protector-lord's fortune is hostile.
Suffering endures a long time.
Whatever you do, whatever you think, you cannot move the herd. The mind is clear, but the power is small — like clay thrown into water.
Wicked oracle.
Oracle VI — Returning to the Homeland
O! Happiness and great glory!
The sand-glory offered well,
the work done meets its purpose.
The household ground placed well,
the boundary circle does not shake.
The life-god offered well,
long life and the life-force firm.
If divining for a traveler, nothing will go wrong — a sign of returning to the homeland.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle VII — The Grain That Bears No Fruit
O! In the three months of lazy summer,
the young grain rustles softly —
grown and conscious, but no fruit.
In the three months of easy autumn,
the meadow's ornament is a turquoise seedling,
the flowers have just been born,
the yak's wool droops with green.
The common people's lineage is cut — a corpse of death.
Most wicked oracle.
Oracle VIII — The Five Threads Cut
Though three mountains are gathered at the summit,
the upper nomad-land is slack like a vulture.
Though three valleys are cut at the junction,
the five threads are cut at their base.
Like a herder set in motion,
the desire to go — the calculations are many, yet —
There is great shame. People will gossip. You yourself will not succeed. Perform a shame-averting ritual.
Oracle IX — The Moon Dies at the Full
O! When the blue sky darkens,
the tale-teller has forty teeth.
The powerful moon, the turbulent lord —
the moon dies at the full moon.
Crooked and bent, one cannot move.
From the god-realm's fine turquoise,
to the gmu medicine goddess on her precipice,
the mountain dog seeks the thief dog.
That much is caught in the loan.
This divination, whatever it concerns, is wicked.
Wicked oracle.
Oracle X — The Three-Gaited Goddess
O! The three-gaited Medicine Goddess circles.
Skilled on the mountain path,
three upper valleys encircled by glaciers,
three lower valleys embraced by indigo.
The tangled thoughts need not be unraveled.
Concerning a great hope or fear, nothing will go wrong. Whatever it concerns —
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XI \u2014 The Magical Horse
O! On the high glacier, pondering \u2014
though the northern salt-flat rises white,
the road's mouth is a magical horse.
On the back, no saddle is placed.
On the legs, the hooves do not crack.
Whatever you think, the purpose is achieved. Whatever you plan will succeed.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XII \u2014 The Felt Hat
O! The felt hat does not sag.
Rain-clouds circle in the sky.
Smoke does not settle.
Hail is hidden beneath the lid.
Neither hurried nor too slow \u2014
yellow-gleaming, the herdsman of the north.
Brilliantly \u2014 seeking among the living.
There is a wavering 'gong-po demon, and enemies plot \u2014 be cautious. Make obeisance and be cautious.
Middling oracle.
Oracle XIII \u2014 The Se Medicine Goddess Speaks
O! The Se Medicine Goddess speaks:
"The gods' mountain is dry above.
Though golden sap is applied in shelter,
by fame, the sun is pleasant.
Though the decree's voice is melodious,
the pure mind is uneasy.
Even if I am a person of the narrow valley \u2014
people too depart. Fortune too is small."
Middling-to-low oracle.
Oracle XIV \u2014 The Nine-Jointed Queen
O! The blue sky grows dim.
The vault of heaven \u2014 what regret!
The nine-jointed queen circles.
This morning she rises in the center.
This evening she sets in the center.
East and west are parted by sun and moon.
At the gathering-place of causes,
a son of glory is born.
Upon the head, a silken band is tied.
Great joy and great glory! If divining for offspring, descendants, or governance, the outcome is most beneficial.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XV \u2014 The Turquoise Bird's Song
O! When the three upper valleys grow dim,
from the turquoise, green shoots sprout.
The turquoise bird's song changes.
Today is heard a sign of joy.
From deep sorrow and unease \u2014 good news is heard, or recovery from a serious illness.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XVI \u2014 The Victory Banner
O! When the blue sky dims,
from the slate heights above the meadow \u2014
small yet excellent as an example \u2014
the victory banner is a little ornament.
Though no wise lord was appointed,
four corners and eight sides.
The anxious mind is praised by others.
The fierce god leads and measures are taken \u2014 one is happy by one's own fortune. Now, because you are among the many, the outcome will be beneficial.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XVII \u2014 The Garuda's Fortress
O! In the bird's gorge, in the garuda's gorge \u2014
the fierce gods have built a palace.
In the bird's gorge, on the turquoise summit \u2014
the fierce medicine goddesses have built a palace.
In the yungdrung gorge, on the garuda's peak \u2014
the garudas have built a fortress.
The minds of enemies and foes are cut.
If you have fled, you will escape. From what terrifies and threatens, you are freed.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XVIII \u2014 The Turquoise Bell
O! On the gods' mountain, when it darkens \u2014
the Mu Medicine Goddess is fiercely playful and brave.
Her melodious voice is a turquoise bell.
In the narrow ravine with three corners,
the garuda has made its dwelling.
After the rainbow, death is impossible.
Great joy and great glory! Though one enemy exists, by that you are not harmed.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XIX \u2014 The Wise One's Gathering
O! Three mountains \u2014 the fierce gods' mountains!
The gods' servants gather there.
Because the boundary-keeper is excellent,
all honor and bow.
By one person's wisdom and knowledge,
loved ones and friends gather.
Do not be dismayed by thoughts \u2014 your own end will be joyful.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XX \u2014 The Golden Bee
O! The raven on the heap of straw \u2014
by necessity, the ear-ornament is carved.
Meeting with the golden bee,
when the gor-ma plays and plays \u2014
the sister, like a curtain,
her fine light, the gods' shining boot.
If a marriage is made, the end will be beautiful and the lotus will come.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXI \u2014 The Red-Lipped Wasp
O! Without seeking in flesh,
in water, the mind has no faith.
The red-lipped wasp \u2014
when the outsider acts for others,
the one who appears claims lordship.
If there is a smell, leave it to oneself.
Though crops are sown widely,
each seed-furrow is seized one by one.
There is a 'gong-po demon. If it is not expelled, you will be caught \u2014 like clay thrown into water.
Most wicked oracle.
Oracle XXII \u2014 The Sky-Demon Speaks
O! The sky-demon speaks:
"From the sky, the Bdud is struck down.
The earth-demons gather.
To the one who lacks wisdom \u2014
the divination cast: wicked in the divination!
The omen read: wicked in the omen!
At the pure place, gathering and gathering \u2014
one piece of flesh torn from the eye.
Among the demons, gathering and gathering \u2014
one person will certainly die."
Because there is no escape from the mouth of the ritual \u2014
Most wicked oracle.
Oracle XXIII \u2014 One Piece of Flesh
O! From the medicine valley of the gods' mountain,
one piece of flesh rises upward.
Where it rises, with the knife \u2014
though the way of death comes,
the one who does not die is sent back again.
Recovery from a serious illness, or escape from a fierce threat, or release from a year of obstruction.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXIV \u2014 The Skilled Weaver
O! The sky's arrangement \u2014 what regret!
The little shawl \u2014 fine and delicate.
The sling-expert seeks flesh.
The Pleiades \u2014 the excellent woman conquers.
The skilled weaver does not wear the garment.
Two mice, crouching together \u2014
though by joy a marriage was made,
it is not a permanent arrangement.
Because the great 'gong-po has firmly established itself, separation will come.
Most wicked oracle.
Oracle XXV \u2014 The Self in Power
O! The self dwells in power.
The fierce of speech \u2014 lord of all.
The long-horned \u2014 master of all.
Though enemies and wild yaks are cast off,
because one's own god is fierce \u2014
enemies cast off become friends.
Wild yaks cast off become food.
Though demons and srin are cast off,
because the god's glory is well attended \u2014
demons and srin have their words extracted.
The dmu are stretched flat.
Great joy and great glory.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXVI \u2014 The Donkey and the Dawn
O! From last year until now,
the meadow-waters touch fire.
The donkey is encircled by the dark.
If one moment is endured until dawn \u2014
the little dog is the lord of dawn.
The nine anvils, each turns by itself.
Authority and power, rising higher and higher \u2014
Because a good Medicine Goddess distributes the lot, the end will be joyful and excellent.
Excellent oracle.
Oracle XXVII \u2014 Demons Cannot Prevail
O! For a time \u2014 great glory!
Though demons and obstructors stir,
by that, they cannot prevail.
Because the fierce gods are well offered to,
because the Bon priests are well attended \u2014
the Bdud's hair is turned,
and the Sri's upper hold is released.
Long life, firm life-force.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXVIII \u2014 The Turquoise Cascade
O! In the Thar gorge, in the turquoise gorge \u2014
step by step, the turquoise descends.
The falling waters descend in turquoise circles.
The crown-harvest does not dry at the new.
On the dark upper horn,
because the sky's window is opened \u2014
whatever is planned for the treasury,
the village will not be wasted.
Whatever you worry about, nothing will go wrong.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXIX \u2014 The Careless Herder
O! Because the little herder was careless,
the ewe crossed over the mountain-pass.
Because the little gate-keeper slept carelessly,
the horse-master reached the crossroads.
Because the white felt was spread carelessly,
the lung was exposed at the bare place.
Most wicked oracle.
Oracle XXX \u2014 The Fierce God's Refuge
O! The loan-tax is heavy when alone.
Dense kinfolk \u2014 is it a funeral procession?
The fierce god \u2014 chief of refuge.
The Sky Medicine Goddess \u2014 fiercely ordained.
Though fear is great, the fierce god protects. Nothing will go wrong.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXXI \u2014 The Young Bird
O! Still young, still small \u2014
the young bird, its wings too weak,
the vulture's track does not reach it.
The hare, its sinews too weak,
cannot straighten the mountain ridge.
The little person, though weak in grain \u2014
the outsider's equipment is also cut.
Tomorrow and after, at the appointed time, loved ones and friends will gather. The Mu Medicine Goddess is the support and abode.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXXII \u2014 Looking from the Valley
O! Looking outward from the valley \u2014
the barley and rice, the land is not fierce.
A noble birth \u2014 the small food-star.
If no foundation is laid, the household lord is hostile.
Gu-ge is familiar yet deceitful.
The fish is baited and hooked.
There is great shame. Perform a shame-covering ritual. The three realms are exhausted.
Oracle XXXIII \u2014 The Turquoise Attendant
O! In the salt lake, in the glacier-land,
on the fine turquoise's green surface \u2014
because the turquoise attendant has loved \u2014
trust and devotion are signs of joy.
From regretful thoughts \u2014 good news is heard. A sign of wonder.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXXIV \u2014 The Sky's Vision Opened
O! On the dark upper rim,
because the sky's vision is opened \u2014
all thoughts meet with excellence.
O! Upon the blue turquoise king,
because the root-land is broad \u2014
among the many sons of men,
because the fierce gods are well praised \u2014
Glory rises high, and for governance it is excellent.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXXV \u2014 The Wild Yak Calf
O! At the three-cornered place of the dance,
the wild yak calf rises well.
Even so \u2014 the glacier's very peak.
On the sun-scorched mother and child,
the melodious voice is a turquoise bell.
Even so \u2014 the medicine's treasure.
The hen-goose upon the gander,
the young bird \u2014 the flock's increase.
Even so \u2014 the lake's ornament.
If divining for governance and untamed affairs \u2014
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXXVI \u2014 Vultures Stare
O! When the sky-dome dims,
wild yaks and vultures stare.
The clear sky remains at its peak.
The 'gong-po demon consumes. There is great misfortune. Though food is eaten from the one who was made a friend, it will not descend to the mouth. Though a proposal is spoken, it will not come to fruition. A water-maiden's food-portion \u2014
Most wicked oracle.
Oracle XXXVII \u2014 The Wild Eagle
O! When the mid-sky dims,
the wild eagle of the plains gazes downward.
Though the athlete stamps his feet,
the lasso does not catch even once.
On the slate heights, on the meadow heights,
wherever they come, the vultures circle.
The thief does not enter even once.
For one's own affairs \u2014 wicked. For action against enemies \u2014 excellent.
Oracle XXXVIII \u2014 The Honeycomb Fortress
O! The fortress \u2014 a honeycomb palace!
The mouth-cover is made of clouds.
The white glacier \u2014 the tree's summit.
If guarded \u2014 protected by the gods.
Even so \u2014 of the fierce gods' lineage.
All thoughts are accomplished by excellence.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XXXIX \u2014 The Cut Portions
O! On the sheep-heights, when it dims \u2014
on the sun-scorched mother and child \u2014
the food-portion is cut.
The gentle murmuring \u2014 a year of goodness.
The drink-portion is cut.
The water-spring and the proper stream, both \u2014
the water's edge is circled by snow.
If you do not go carefully \u2014
regret, and you will repent.
There is an evil omen. Be extremely cautious.
Oracle XL \u2014 The Heavy Word
O! The thoughts and the word are heavy.
Upon the young child, the small one \u2014
do not close your eyes in dismissal!
Do not explain it away by counsel!
Tomorrow, at the appointed time,
standing and bowing, gathering together \u2014
the Black-headed One \u2014 a place of support from behind.
Equal in speech with the powerful.
Swift and also marching in rank.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XLI \u2014 The Pleiades
O! When the stars are the Pleiades \u2014
the eight planets gather upward.
The Pleiades slide to the side.
Upon the black wasp \u2014
the seven hawks gather upward.
The wasp slides to the side.
You are freed from something pure yet dangerous. For action against enemies \u2014
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XLII \u2014 The Great Glorious God
O! By the great glorious fierce god,
incense obtained at the gorge's peak.
The peak obtained \u2014 equal to the sky.
The god-realm, manifest threefold.
The joyful land possesses wonder.
Because the varied fortunes are kindly \u2014
the pure life-force is clear in the flock.
The life's life-force is also firm.
After the rainbow, death is impossible.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XLIII \u2014 The Drugu Encircle
O! In the speaking-land, in the eight weaves \u2014
the Drugu encircle the border.
Wherever one goes,
the spirits do not rise.
The appearance shown is affliction.
On the indigo \u2014 indigo everywhere.
The suffering-beam does not balance.
There is a male demon. Like clay thrown into water.
Most wicked oracle.
Oracle XLIV \u2014 The Medicine Valley Sways
O! On the cliff above the wound \u2014
the medicine valley gently sways.
The turquoise flower gently droops.
The fierce beauty is accumulated.
For kindness \u2014 repaid with repayment.
One's own son is born.
The enemy's heart is struck by the phur-dagger.
A wise one is born.
Glory is seen rising upward.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XLV \u2014 The Li River's Point
O! In the transit-land of heat \u2014
the little outcrop at the Li River's point.
Small from birth, seeking one's own grove.
The loan's entry is not cut.
From joy, the field is ploughed.
In the pure land \u2014 a little ripple.
In the north, because salt was taken,
the gods' tent \u2014 the rear eye bursts.
Because the noble birth is not destroyed,
companions are not known.
One's own valley is also large.
People will gossip. There is a demon-misfortune attached. Make obeisance!
Middling oracle.
Oracle XLVI \u2014 Above the Moon
O! The pristine one circles in summer.
Looking outward from the valley \u2014
the suffering-beam \u2014 water is scarce.
The pill darkens in the vessel.
Because the great glory is divine and powerful,
the self is above the moon.
One enemy desires you \u2014 a half-measure of comprehension.
No deception \u2014 though the dreams are bad \u2014
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XLVII \u2014 The Body-Fortress
O! The divine lord at the body-fortress \u2014
the spire is well-lit.
By the snow, the pass is white.
Standing and bowing \u2014 a place of support.
The powerful person, upon another's grove.
Great glory \u2014 the gods are fierce.
The powerful refuge \u2014 haughty and strong.
Outer and inner \u2014 a place of hope.
Long life, firm life-force.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XLVIII \u2014 The Two Medicine Mountains
O! The gods and the medicine mountains, both \u2014
both are mountains of glory.
The southern mountain and the northern mountain, both \u2014
both are medicine mountains.
The sign-bearing and the north-noble, both \u2014
a thousand and more spread wide.
The end will come as excellent.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle XLIX \u2014 Gods and Srin Cast the Dice
O! At the green edge of the little Sing tree,
white felt is spread wide.
By gods and srin-demons together,
one ornamental divination is cast.
Three days \u2014 measuring and measuring.
Three nights \u2014 spreading and spreading.
The gods' victory came as snow.
The srin's defeat \u2014 cut short.
In the land of gods and men,
the laughter-sound is solitary.
In the land of demons and srin,
the smoke-sound goes ti-ri-ri.
The kitchen \u2014 the mouth-danger before.
Gods and srin \u2014 both are many.
In action, the gods triumph.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle L \u2014 The Dead Divination
O! The southern gate \u2014 food \u2014
though you think and plan, the purpose is not accomplished.
There is a 'gong-po demon and misfortune attached. The divination is dead.
Dead oracle.
Oracle LI \u2014 The Mu Medicine Goddess Speaks
O! The Mu Medicine Goddess speaks:
"When the medicine mountain dims,
though the reversal is not released \u2014
the escaped flesh goes to the far side,
the guided oracle goes to this side.
By that, the experience is not shaken.
The weariness is one's own treasure."
Burning and offering in the enclosure.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle LII \u2014 The Gods Untie the Crown-Knot
O! High \u2014 for what is it medicine?
The watching-mountain \u2014 a scattered light.
Below \u2014 the arrow-ground.
The gods' mountain, dry above.
The mouth-holder \u2014 the gods also do this.
The crown-knot \u2014 the gods also untie.
If divining for household affairs \u2014
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle LIII \u2014 The Phur-Dagger Strikes
O! Because the sacred place is well offered to \u2014
without the soul-protector having been invoked,
an enemy of the meadow dies.
Without medicine having been administered,
one piece of flesh perishes.
The local god is invoked.
One piece of northern flesh escapes.
Through love, friends and kin are gathered.
The enemy's heart is struck by the phur-dagger.
Whatever the divination concerns \u2014
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle LIV \u2014 The Coral of Phan-po
O! The coral, born in Phan-po \u2014
though traveling the high passes,
today the mind is in the dark forest.
The arrow-king \u2014 a scattered piece.
The wisdom-fortress is not yet built.
Rest is born from the cycle.
The mental burden is great \u2014
pierced and consumed, pierced and worn.
From this, glory and the gods will not change.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle LV \u2014 The Silver Fortress
O! In the garuda valley, at the silver fortress \u2014
because the yungdrung carries water,
with boat and raft,
the medicine mountain is gathered by height.
You \u2014 whatever you think, there is great delay.
The purpose is not accomplished.
People's mouths interfere greatly.
There is a 'gong-po demon.
Most wicked oracle.
Oracle LVI \u2014 The Golden Pillar
O! When the three upper valleys dim \u2014
on the meadow's point, on the golden pillar \u2014
the escaped flesh, by the seven forces,
one piece of flesh is struck.
If the three lower valleys do not dim,
the three transformations \u2014 the heart aches.
The milk-fatigue is pressed by contention.
From the fear of one enemy, there is no danger.
Most excellent oracle.
Oracle LVII \u2014 The Unfinished Oracle
O! By day \u2014 sleeping in the shade.
By night \u2014 writing letters.
The written word \u2014
[The codex breaks off mid-verse at folio 17 verso, line 8. Oracle LVII is unfinished.]
Colophon
Good Works Translation from Old Tibetan by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026. First English translation. Translated from the OTDO (Old Tibetan Documents Online) transliteration of IOL Tib J 739 (British Library, Stein Collection). The translation covers the complete text: Invocation, Medicine Catalogue, Casting Rules, and fifty-seven oracle entries — correcting the earlier estimate of forty-one based on more careful counting of the manuscript's separator marks. Oracle LVII is incomplete; the codex breaks off mid-verse at folio 17 verso, line 8 with the words "the written word —"
The invocation section (folios 1r–2v) contains dense ritual poetry whose individual lexical items are often obscure; the translation aims to preserve the incantatory rhythm and overall meaning while noting that certain phrases — particularly compound terms for ritual implements and territorial boundaries — may admit alternative readings. The oracle entries (folios 3v onward) follow a more formulaic structure and are translated with greater confidence. The prose verdicts are generally clearer than the verse portions.
Several notable features distinguish this text from the other four Mo texts in the archive's Bon corpus: the elaborate medicine-goddess invocation framework (unique to ITJ 0739), the three-dice casting system with distinct categories ("three greats," "three fishes," "three smalls"), the onomatopoeic sound-effects marking the goddess's descent (si-si-li, thu-lu-lu, ti-ri-ri), and Oracle L's unique verdict mo 'grong ("the divination is dead") — the only oracle in the corpus that voids itself.
The separator marks in the manuscript (represented as @@@@, @@@, @@, @ in the OTDO transliteration) likely encode the three-dice values for each oracle entry, though the exact mapping has not been determined.
No previous English translation of this text is known to exist. The OTDO transliteration by Takeuchi Tsuguhito, Iwao Kazushi, et al. was the sole source for this translation. Thomas (1957) and de la Vallée Poussin (1962) are cited by OTDO as earlier philological references but were not consulted.
Sessions 1 and 2. Compiled and formatted for the Good Work Library by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026.
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Source Text: IOL Tib J 739
Old Tibetan source text from OTDO (Old Tibetan Documents Online), Kobe City University of Foreign Studies. Transliteration by Takeuchi Tsuguhito, Iwao Kazushi, et al. Presented for reference and verification alongside the English translation above. Folio and line numbers preserved from the manuscript.
(1r1) $ / / / / kye rgo spang ni re re mo / / / / cha' btsugs
(1r2) ni rog mo spyan / / / / zhal bzangs ni g.yu ma
(1r3) mthon / / / / kye skad phran ni bre legs / phra
(1r4) bkod ni gcig myi yar / dgu chag ni bre legs pas
(1r5) dgung [sngon?] ni gzhung brtan zhing / gnyi zla ni 'dron go shu pa /
(1r6) zha[l?] bzangs ni mtshon bres pas / phur gi [*ni] ri mos btab /
(1r7) lho sprin ni bre legs pas / dbyar bzhin ni char gi lugs
(1r8) dgun zhin ni bser gi skyabs / ri bran ni 'dab kyis bsal /
(1r9) kye te las [ni? yan?] chad du / skyi bser ni phyod gis khums / kye
(1r10) sman 'tsun ni gnyan rold pas / dog ni nan du gshan /
(1v1) dog mo ni snar gi bdag / kye mdo nas ni yar gzigs na /
(1v2) dog mtha' ni rgyud gsuM mda' / kye chab mda' [*ni] mtsho na rol /
(1v3) mdo' nas ni re bres gis / dog gis ni myong pa 'di' / snar
(1v4) mtha' ni ljod mo stengs / kye lha 'i ni g.y'a btsugs pas /
(1v5) dbya' bkod ni mtha' myi g.y'o / mthing brang ni bre legs
(1v6) {legs} pa / dog me ni nan du mnan / gyur sram ni mthing
(1v7) la phyo' / kye 'greng gi ni myi myong ba' / myi 'i ni myi ba 'da' /
(1v8) kye rgyu drug ni gong dang sreg / ho bral ni sbal dang ljong / kye
(1v9) gug lcog ni mon dang sog / kye rgya yul ni bre legs pas
(1v10) 'o se ni phur ke dang / phrul gi ni ris phran dang / kye lha bra
(1v11) [ni?] [sa?] [le?] [sbram?] / sa smad ni mtsho [-]ong dang / shu [pang?] ni lde'u
(2r1) gtsos / dog blangs ni mna' yis skang / kye ri 'o ni bre
(2r2) legs pas / sman brgya' ni 'phong zhing 'tshom / gnaM sman
(2r3) ni gnyan gi / lho spangs ni bdag gi mtshad / kye lho spangs
(2r4) ni re re mo / bphaM dang ni yi ge la / sug srug ni 'phrin 'dogs
(2r5) po / mo bdag ni byo blag ma / ru skong ni g.yas pa ru / dbyaM
(2r6) ni dkar bting zhing / dkar mo [*ni] bre gang dang / mtshal gi ni snang
(2r7) ldam zhing / spos gi ni dud kyang thul / rul kong ni g.yon
(2r8) pa ru / gser gi ni thig le dang / nu mar ni ltong bzangs dang /
(2r9) dar kar ni g.yab 'bor zhing / za 'og ni mtshon dras la /
(2r10) bs'e byang ni dmyig du gsal / kye mtsho ro ni g.yu mtsho dang /
(2r11) [-]in cen ni sna tshogs rnams / sman gi ni dkor du '[-]ul /
(2v1) sman bshos ni gru bzhi dang / 'brang rgyas ni zhal kar dang /
(2v2) gzhib mar ni 'ol kon dang / skyems kyi ni bcud drangs shas /
(2v3) sman gi ni zhal du gsol / / / / kye gnam sman gi spyan
(2v4) drangs nas / / / / kye sman brgya' ni yar gshegs /
(2v5) snyan ni si si li / g.yu bun ni thu lu lu / / / /
(2v6) kye phu nas nis khyas btab pas / brag cha ni ti ri ri / mda'
(2v7) nas ni yab bor bas / lhog lhog ni ljab ma ljib / kye bdun
(2v8) 'buM ni snar gi rje / gnam sman ni dkar mo zhig / de 'i [*ni] phyag rnyan
(2v9) ba' / gnam sman ni dgu' brgya' dgu / gnyan gi ni dir ma dang /
(2v10) brgya' ma ni stong re tham / / kye gang sman ni dgu bgya' dgu /
(2v11) sha myed ni gangs gar dang / brgya' ma ni stong re tham / /
(3r1) g.y'a sman ni dgu brgya' dgu / dang ma ni zil drug dang / brgya ma
(3r2) ni stong re thaM / mang sman ni dgu' brgya' dgu / ji phyug ni phying
(3r3) 'dem dang / brgya' ma ni stong re tham / brag sman ni dgu brgya' dgu /
(3r4) mtshal kar ni shen gangs dang / brgya' ma ni stong re tham / mtsho
(3r5) sman ni dgu brgya' dgu / rlan gi ni [phar?] 'dom dang / brgya' ma ni
(3r6) stong re tham / byang sman ni dgu brgya' dgu / g.yu sman ni drul ma
(3r7) dang / brgya ma ni stong re tham / / / / / khus btab ni snyan ma
(3r8) su / g.yab bor ni spyan ma rdul / khu lung ni dbyangs ma zhan /
(3r9) kye yon dang ni yas tshang na / kye nyin rno ni mtshan du rno
(3r10) che gsum ni che la rno / nya gsuM ni dbu la rno / chung gsuM
(3r11) ni chung la rno / zor kham ni tshes la rno / cho lo ni
(3v1) {ni} bzang gsuM na / bzang gis ni bskyar mya 'tshal / bzang
(3v2) gnyis ni ngan gcig dang / 'bring gis ni gzhi' la zhog / /
(3v3) ngan gnyis ni bzang la gcig la / gcig tsham ni bskyar te btab
(3v4) cho lo ni ngan gsuM na / bskyar kyang ni don ma mchis / mo gdab
(3v5) pa ni @@@@ / @@@@
(3v6) @@@@ / / / / lha yul ni sman rol na / gnaM sman ni
(3v7) gnyan gis / bdag gi mchid / sman grangs 'du 'du
(3v8) zhing / deng ma ni bo che / kye bka' drang ni gsung rtag pas /
(3v9) cho lo ni gtsug 'dus kyis / dang sems ni rnal du phob /
(3v10) sems can ni so che gnam ring / myi 'phan nor phyug / lha brtsan
(3v11) rje 'byams / tshe lo mthar thug gyi bar du myi 'chi te bzang rab
(4r1) bo / / / / @@@@ / / / / @@@@ / / / / @@@ / / / / kye sman mtsun nI
(4r2) thod te rje / rnam sman ni gangs sgong rtse / sha mthong ni lgo mthong gsol /
(4r3) sha yar ni lgo yar 'jo' / skyoms sam ni sman gyi 'cho / myi khyod lha
(4r4) gnyan zhing kun gyis bkur ba bzhog 'dug te / ci la 'tsher yang ci yang
(4r5) myi nyes te bzang rab bo / / / / @@@@ / / / / @@@@ / / / / @@ / / / /
(4r6) kye rta zhig ni 'tsher 'tsher snyan / ngang dkar ni yid kar gnyis / gnyis
(4r7) ka ni dpal kyi rta / 'brong bu ni mdor snga ru / rgyug cing ni rmyig myi 'bub
(4r8) snga rtsid ni dbu la rgyan / rta 'i mor btab na ci yang myi nyes te bzang ngo / /
(4r9) @@@@ / / / / @@@@ / / / / @ / / / / kye dgung sngo dag yang byi la /
(4r10) dgung la dag bkod re nongs / smre bdun ni bzang mo rgyal / shar mkhyen
(4r11) ni nub myi mkhyen / khor zhong ni dbu yugs ltang gdon du ni 'gong
(4v1) pos bskyogs / gros tab tob che / blo dgod / bsam pa ci bsaMs
(4v2) kyang myi grub ste / ngan rab / / / / @@@@ / / / / @@ / / / / @@@
(4v3) @ / / / / kye na ning ni / tshal mo skar / dgongs spyod ni re che na /
(4v4) mgon btsun ni phya sdang ste / sdug la ni yun re ring / ci bgyi ni
(4v5) ci bsaMs kyang / khyu khud ni bskyud myi 'tshal / dran sems ni
(4v6) gsal yang / dbang dang chung ste 'jim pa chur bcug pa bzhin
(4v7) ste ngan no / / @@@@ / / / / @@@ / / / / @ /
(4v8) kye re skyid ni dpal po che / bye dpal ni mchod legs pas
(4v9) las byes ni byes dang 'phrod / khyim sa ni gdab legs pas /
(4v10) dog rum ni myi g.y'o / srog lha ni mchod legs pas /
(4v11) tshe ring ni srog kyang sra / byes myi la btab na ci yang myi
(5r1) nyes par yul du 'khor ba 'i rtags ste bzang rab bo / /
(5r2) @@@@ / / @ / / @@@@ / /
(5r3) kye dbyar le ni zla gsuM na / smya lo ni phrum phrum se / skyes
(5r4) shes ni 'bras bu myed / ston sla ni zla gsuM na / spang rgyan ni
(5r5) g.yu 'i gce 'u / men tog ni sa le 'khrungs / g.yag [bal?]
(5r6) ni sngo 'is lod / myi rmang po rabs chad te shi ba'i ro [ste?]
(5r7) ngan rab bo / / / @@@@ / / @ / / @@@ /
(5r8) ri gsuM ni spyi bstus kyang / yar 'brog ni rgod ltar yan /
(5r9) lung gsuM ni mdo' bcad kyang / skud lnga ni rnal du chad /
(5r10) las rdzis ni bskyod pa bzhin / 'gro 'dod ni tsi ba mang
(5r11) yang / / ngo 'hre ched po yod pas / myi kha zer / rang yang
(5r12) don myi grub / ngo yogs gyi cho ga byos shig /
(5v1) / @@@@ / / @@ / @@ / kye dgung sngo ni
(5v2) ya byi na / gtam smos ni so shi can / zla brtsan ni zing
(5v3) po rje / zla 'grongs ni nya la grongs / kyu gud ni bskyod
(5v4) myi 'tshal / lha yul ni g.yu phra nas / gmu sman
(5v5) ni g.yan pa la / ri khyi ni rkun khyi 'tshal / de tsam
(5v6) ni g.yar la bcags / mo 'di ci la btab gyang
(5v7) ngan / / @@@@ / @@@ / @@ /
(5v8) kye gsum 'gros ni sman gyid gor / ri bsul [*ni]
(5v9) srang mkhas te / phu gsum ni gangs gyis bsgor /
(5v10) mda' gsum ni mthing gyis mkhyud / 'dran thor
(6r1) ni mkhyus myi tshol / re dog ched po cig las
(6r2) ci yang ma nyes te / ci la btab kyang bzang rab bo /
(6r3) @@@@ / @@ / @@@ / kye gangs la
(6r4) ni mtho dgongs te / byang tsha ni dkar klangs kyang /
(6r5) kha lam ni 'phrul gyi rta / rgyab la ni sgal ma
(6r6) gtod / rkang la ni rmyid myi rdol / ci bsams yang
(6r7) don phyon / bsam ba grub bzang rab bo / / @@@@ / @@@ /
(6r8) @@@ / / kye zhva phying [*ni] myi ldid du / char sprin [*ni] dgung la khor /
(6r9) du ba ni myi 'thul du / ser ba ni rgya tog gud / ma smyur ni dal /
(6r10) ches na / ser ser ni byang gyi rdzi / rab rab ni skyes la 'tshal
(6r11) gdon du 'gong po yo pa dang / dgra bzo bas bag zon bya /
(6v1) ngo lon byos la bag zon bya / mo 'bri[ng] / / @@@@ / /
(6v2) @@@ / @@@@ / / / / kye se sman ni zhal na re / lha ri
(6v3) ni skam pa gong / skyib ser ni rtsi dgod kyang / mying / gyis ni nyi
(6v4) ma bde / bka mchid ni dbyangs snyan yang / dang sems
(6v5) ni yid myi bde / nga myi rong bu can thig kyang yin / myi
(6v6) yang stang ngo / skal ba yang chung / mo 'bring smad do / /
(6v7) @@@@ / @ / @@ / / kye dgung sngo dag ya byi la / rgung
(6v8) la dag bkod re lags / dgu tshigs ni rgyal mo /
(6v9) skor / da nang ni dbus na shar / do nod dag dbus su nub /
(6v10) shar nub dag gnyi zlas 'byed / rgyu 'du tshog sa /
(7r1) dpal gyi ni bu bskyed pas / dbu la dag la 'is
(7r2) bcings / re skyid dag dpal po che / bu tsa mtha lam
(7r3) dang srid bya la bdab na / mtha phan por 'ong te bzang
(7r4) rab bo / @@@@ / @ / @ / / kye phu gsum ni'
(7r5) ya byi na / g.yu nas ni ljang tog [nas (/nal)] / g.yu bya
(7r6) gsung 'gyur ba / deng thos ni skyid pa'i rtags /
(7r7) sdug thing myi bde ba las / gtam snyan pa thos pa
(7r8) 'am / nad tshab po che las thar ba'i rtags te /
(7r9) bzang / rab bo / / @@@@ / @@ / @ / kye dgung
(7r10) sngo dag ya byi na / g.ya gong ni spang gong nas /
(7r11) chung zhing ni dper legs pa / rgyal mtshan ni ga
(7v1) ga cung / mkhyen kar ni ma bskos kyang / zur bzhi
(7v2) ni logs dang brgyad / sems 'jings pa ni myis
(7v3) bstod / lha gnyan po ni 'go zhing tshad zin pas ni rang
(7v4) skyid / da ltar khyod mang bas mthar bar 'ong ste
(7v5) bzang rab bo / / @@@ / @@@ / @@@ /
(7v6) kye bya ruM dag khyung rum la / lha gnyan dag pho brang
(7v7) btab / bya rum dag g.yu rtse la / sman gnyan dag pho
(7v8) brang btab / g.yung rum dag khyung rtse pa / khyung gi
(7v9) dag mkhar cig brtsigs / dgra sdang dag sems
(7v10) dag chod / 'bros na shor ba 'am / 'jigs shing nyen pa
(7v11) la thar te bzang rab bo / @@@ / @@@ / @@@@ /
(7v12) kye lha ri dag ma byi la / mu sman ni gnyan rol dpa' /
(7v13) gsung snyan ni g.yu 'i dril / gcong rong ni zur gsuM
(8r1) / khyung gi ni gnas bcas / gzha phyir ni
(8r2) 'gum myi srid / re skyid ni dpal po che / dra ngas sku
(8r3) gcig yod kyang des myi gos te bzang rab bo / / / /
(8r4) @@@ / @@@@ / @@@@ / kye ri gsuM ni
(8r5) gnyan gi ri / lha bran ni 'du tshogs sa / dog mo ni bre
(8r6) legs pas / 'gre tud ni kun gis sten / myi gcig ni
(8r7) 'dzangs shes kyis / gnyen byams ni 'du 'tshogs sa /
(8r8) bsam ba myi dgar byed cing / rang mthar skyid bzang
(8r9) rab bo / @@@ / @@@@ / @@@ / kye bya
(8r10) rog ni phang phung la / dgos kyis ni na rgo rko / g[s]er
(8r11) gi ni sbrang dang mjal / gor ma ni brtsed brtsed na /
(8r12) nu men ni prag bzhin ma / 'od bzangs ni lha me
(8r13) lham / gnyen zhig byas na mthar bzang pad 'ong te / /
(8r14) bzang rab bo / / / @@@ / / @@@@ / / @@ / /
(8v1) kye sha la ni ma 'tshal bar / chu la ni yid myi
(8v2) ches / skyung khab ni mchu dmar ma / mu su ni gzhan
(8v3) bgyid na / ngo ['byur (/'gyur)] ni bdag che bar / dri ngas na rang
(8v4) la gzhag so nam ni rgya bskyed kyang / rgya btags
(8v5) ni skye rer zin / gdon du 'gong po yod pas / 'di
(8v6) ma bskrad na / 'jim pa chur bcug pa bzhin
(8v7) zin te / ngan rab / / / @@@ / / @@@@ / / @ / /
(8v8) kyi gnam srin ni zhal ga re / gnam nas ni bdud /
(8v9) chad [kyang?] sa srin ni 'du tshogs sa / shes rab ni
(8v10) myi 'o la / mo btab ni mo ru ngan / ltas btab ni ltas
(8v11) [su (/stu)] ngan / gtsan la ni 'du 'du te / sha gcig ni
(9r1) dmyig las phyung / srin la ni 'du 'du te / myi
(9r2) gcig ni [nges (/ngas)] par 'chi / cho ki kha nas
(9r3) myed pas ngan rab bo / / / / @@@ / / @@@ / /
(9r4) @@ / / / / / / kye lha rI ni sman shong nas / pas
(9r5) gyi ni sha cig yar / gar yar ni lkyes dang
(9r6) / gum ba nI lugs mchIs kyang / myi 'guM
(9r7) ni slar la gtang / nad tshab po che 'am / gmed
(9r8) ba drag po thar ba 'am / lo keg las shor te bzang
(9r9) rab bo / / @@@ / / @ / / / @@@@ / / / / kye dgung la
(9r10) ni bkod re nongs / smral le ni bzang to re / 'phong skyen
(9r11) ni sha 'tshal / smyin drug ni bzang mo rgyal / thags mkhas
(9v1) ni gos myi gyon / dgro zhin ni byi zhin gnyis /
(9v2) dgyes gyis ni gnyen bgyis kyang / gtan gi ni grigs
(9v3) ma lags / 'gong po ched pos rab du btsugs pas
(9v4) 'bral bar 'ong na ngan rab bo / / @@@ / @@ /
(9v5) @@@ / kye bdag nyid ni btsan du bzhugs / kha drag ni
(9v6) kun gi rje / [rtu (/rdu)] rings ni kun gi bdag / dgra dang ni g.yag
(9v7) 'dor yang / nyid kyi ni lha gnyan bas / dgra 'dor ni gnyen du
(9v8) mchi / g.yag 'dor ni zas su mchi / 'dre dang ni srin 'dor
(9v9) yang / lha dpal ni bsten legs pas / 'dre srin ni tshig
(9v10) yang phyung / dmu dag ni than du bsrings / re skyid ni dpal po
(9v11) che / bzang rab bo / @@@ / @@ / @@ / / / /
(10r1) kye gzhe ning ni yan cad du / spang chu ni mye reg
(10r2) la / bong bu ni gnag gis bskor / do cig ni sang
(10r3) phod na / khyi le ni sang po rje / gda' dgu ran
(10r4) gis bskor / dbang tang ni phyir phyir bzhin du
(10r5) mtho bar 'ong gis / sman lha ni bzang mo zhig
(10r6) gis bgo bas mthar skyid par cing bzang bar
(10r7) 'ong ngo / / @@@ / @@@ / @ / kye re
(10r8) zhig ni dpal po che / 'dre dang bgegs g.yo
(10r9) yang / de 'is ni phod myi tshugs / lha gnyan ni
(10r10) mchod legs kyang / bon gshen ni bsten
(10r11) legs pas / bdud gyi [*ni] spu gyur dang / sri 'i
(10v1) ni gong thar ro / tshe ring srog sra bzang rab bo / /
(10v2) @@@ / @@ / @ / kye thar ruM dag g.yu rum
(10v3) na / rim pa dag g.yu la bab / 'bab chu dag
(10v4) g.yu lo bab / gtsug lo dag sar myi skam / yar
(10v5) rka ni mthing mo la / gnam gyi ni mthongs phye bas /
(10v6) mdzod spyod ni ci bsams kyang / gron dang ni chud myi
(10v7) zos / ci la tsher yang ci yang myi nyes te bzang rab bo / /
(10v8) @@@ / @ / @ / kye rdzi 'u ni bsten nongs pas / g.yang
(10v9) mo ni la yul 'das / lge 'u ni nyal nongs pas / chibs
(10v10) dpon ni tshag rag sa / dbyam phying ni bting nongs pas /
(10v11) glo rgun ni se long sa / ngan rab bo / @@@ / @ /
(11r1) @@@ / kye g.yar khral ni rkyang na che / gnyen stug ni
(11r2) bsen dren nam / lha gnyan ni skyabs kyi gtso' / gnaM sman ni
(11r3) gnyan gis ris / dogs pa che yang lha gnyan pos bskyabs te /
(11r4) ci yang myi nyes te bzang rab bo / @@@ / / @@ /
(11r5) @@@@ / kye da rung ni da cung du / bya bran ni 'dab zhan
(11r6) pas / rgod gis ni rjes myi slebs / she 'u ni rgyus zhan
(11r7) pas / ri kha ni dkyus myi srongs / myi cung ni nas zhan bas /
(11r8) mu su ni chas kyang gcod / sang phyi ni gnangs gong du /
(11r9) gnyen byams ni 'du 'tshogs sa / mu sman ni rgyab rten
(11r10) gnas / bzang rab bo / @@@ / @ / @@ /
(11r11) kye lung nas phar bltas na / nas 'bras ni yul
(11v1) myi gnyan / sku 'khrungs ni za skar chung / ma btsugs
(11v2) ni / khab bdag sdang / gu ge ni 'dris shing gyong / nya bag ni
(11v3) bcas shing kh'a / ngo 'hre ched po yod pas / ngo yogs
(11v4) gi cho ga gyis shig / gsum yul rdzogs / / / /
(11v5) @@ / / @@ / / @@ / / kye mtsho ro ni gangs yul
(11v6) na / g.yu bzangs ni ljang thog du / g.yu bran ni
(11v7) brtses pas / dang dog ni skyid pa 'i rtags / bsam bar ni
(11v8) 'gyod pa las / gtam snyan pa ni thos te / ngo ba 'i
(11v9) ltas te bzang rab bo / @@ / @@ / @@@@ / /
(11v10) kye yar kha ni mthing mo la / gnam gi [*ni] mthong phye bas /
(11v11) bsam dgu ni legs dang phrad / kye g.yu rgyal ni sngon
(12r1) po la / rka yul ni dral lags pas /
(12r2) myi bu ni rmang po la / lha gnyan ni bstod legs pas /
(12r3) dpal ka mtho ste srid byar bzang rab bo / @@ / @@@@ /
(12r4) @@@@ / kye gar kyi ni sum zur la / 'brong bu ni
(12r5) bzhengs legs pas / nams kyang ni gangs gong rtse /
(12r6) gong sreg ni ma bu la / gsung snyan ni g.yu 'i dril /
(12r7) nams kyang ni sman gi dkor / bya ma ni ngang mo la / bya bran
(12r8) ni khyu 'i pel / nams kyang mtsho 'i rgyan / srid bya dang
(12r9) rgod ma yo ma la btab na bzang rab bo / @@ /
(12r10) @@@ / @@@@ / kye dgung rum dag ya byi na /
(12r11) 'brong dang ni rgod ltong ba' / gnam sal dag tog la lus /
(12v1) gdon du ni 'gong po za' / byur ched po yod pas /
(12v2) gnyen byas pa las zas zos kyang / kha ru bab par
(12v3) myi 'ong zhing / gro mo smos kyang sris su myi 'ong / za skal
(12v4) chu mo ngan rab bo / @@ / @@ / @@@ /
(12v5) kye bar snang dag ya byi na / thang 'phrom rgod lting
(12v6) ba' / rtsal bu ni zhabs {'debbs}(READ: 'debs)] kyang / zhags gyis
(12v7) ni re myi zin / g.y'a 'gong ni spang 'gong du / gar shog
(12v8) ni rgod 'drim ba / rkun po ni re myi zug / rang bzo ba
(12v9) la ngan / dgra bya la bzang / / / / @@ / @@@@ /
(12v10) @@@ / kye mkhar ni zo zo brang / kha bad ni spyin
(12v11) gis bgyis / kangs kar ni dru ma rtse / srungs sam
(13r1) ni lhas bskyabs pas / nams kyang ni gnyan gi
(13r2) rigs / bsam dgu ni legs kyis 'grub / mo bzang
(13r3) rab bo / @@ / @@@@ / @@ / kye g.yang gong dag ya
(13r4) byi la / gong sreg dag ma bu la / zas gyi skal chad pa / sru sru ni lo
(13r5) bzangs dang / skom gyi ni skal chad pa / chab dmyig ni tshul bzangs
(13r6) gnyis / chab tha ni snyi 'i 'is bskor / zem te ni ma gshegs na /
(13r7) nongs te ni 'gyod da re / ngan shom ba zhig yod pas / zon cher
(13r8) gyis shig / / / / / @@ / / / @@@@ / / @ / / / / kye bsam dang ni
(13r9) bka bo che / na cung ni 'u gzhon la / spyan dor ni ma gum shig
(13r10) gros gyis ni ma bshad cig / sang byi ni gnangs sgong du / 'greng
(13r11) 'dud ni 'du tshogs nas / 'go nag nI brgyab stan sa / btsan
(13v1) dang ni kha yad mnyam / mgyogs dang ni bang yang 'grin
(13v2) mo bzang rab bo / / / / @@ / / @@@ / / @@@ / / / / kye skar
(13v3) ma ni smyin drug la / gza brgyad ni yar du 'dus / smyin
(13v4) drug ni ldebs su shor / skyung khab ni nag mo la / khra bdun
(13v5) ni yar du 'dus / skyung khab ni ldebs su shor / dang nyen ba
(13v6) zhig la thar te / dgra bya la bzang rab bo / / / / @@ / / @@@ / /
(13v7) @@ / / / / kye dpal chen ni lha gnyan pas / spos thob ni
(13v8) [ru rum (/ngu ngum)] rtse / rtse thob ni dgung dang deg / lha yul ni mngon
(13v9) gsum ba / skyid pa'i yul ni yam tsan can / sna tshogs
(13v10) ni phya byams pas / dang srog ni lug du gsal / tshe 'i ni srog
(13v11) kyang sra / gzha phying ni 'gum myi srid / bzang rab bo / / / @@ / / /
(14r1) @ / / @@@ / / / kye smra yul ni thags brgyad na / dru gu ni
(14r2) mtha' bskor ba / gang nas ni gar mchis kyang /
(14r3) glo ba ni yar myi spro / snang ston ni nyon mongs pa /
(14r4) mthing la ni gang cu mthing / gdung 'phyam ni mkhod
(14r5) myi snyams / gdon du ni pho gdon yod / 'jim
(14r6) pa chur bcug pas 'dra ngan rab / @@ / @@
(14r7) @@@ / kye rma 'i ni brag gong na / sman shong
(14r8) ni ldem me ldem / g.yu li ni lhub pe lhub /
(14r9) sdug gi ni gnyan bsogs pa / drin la ni lan
(14r10) gis lan / rang gyi ni bu skyes pa / dgra snying ni
(14r11) phur gis 'debs / tsu mdzangs pa skyes
(14v1) ba dang / dpal kha gong du mthong te bzang rab / /
(14v2) @@ / @ / @@@@ / kye tsha ba ni skyol yul na
(14v3) rtol bu ni li chu snar / chung nas ni ran tshal
(14v4) 'tshal / g.yar du ni 'jug ma bcad / skyid nas
(14v5) ni zhing rmos pa / gtsang du ni shir ra re / byang du
(14v6) ni tsha blangs pas / lha gor ni rgyab myig rdol /
(14v7) sku 'khrungs ni myi bshigs pas / [*ni] 'grogs
(14v8) myi mkhyen / rang yang ni rong bu che / myi kha zer
(14v9) gdon du byur chags yod pas / ngo lon gyis
(14v10) shig / 'bring / @@ / @ / @@ /
(14v11) kye dang ma ni dbyar 'khor ba / lung nas
(15r1) ni phar gzigs nas ni / gdung 'phyam ni
(15r2) chab re rkon / ril ma ni thong du mthing / dpal cen
(15r3) ni lha rtsan pas / bdag nyid zla 'i gong /
(15r4) dgra cig bdag la 'dod de rtogs bre / myi brdzi
(15r5) ste brmyi ngan bzang rab / @@ / @@ / @ /
(15r6) kye lha rje ni sku mkhar la / dbu rtse ni sgron
(15r7) legs pas / kha bas ni pas / 'greng
(15r8) 'dud ni rkyab rten sa / myi brtsan ni nye'u gzhan
(15r9) la / dpal cen ni lha gnyan zhing / btsan
(15r10) phugs ni dregs btsan pas / phyi nang ni re
(15r11) ltos sa / tshe ring srog sra bzang rab /
(15v1) @@ / @ / @ / kye lha ni sman ri gnyis /
(15v2) gnyis ka ni dpal gyi / lho ri ni byang ri
(15v3) nyis / gnyis ka ni sman gyi ri / rtags tsan ni
(15v4) byang btsun nyis / stong dang rkya li gyes /
(15v5) mthar bzang por 'ong zhing bzang rab bo /
(15v6) @ / @ / @ / kye nye 'u sing nI sngo mtha ru / dbyam
(15v7) phying ni dkar bting zhing / lha dang ni srin gnyis gyis /
(15v8) cho lo ni rgyan cig btab / nyin gsum ni bre bre
(15v9) zhing / mtshan gsum ni rgya rgya ste / lha rkyal ni
(15v10) seg du byung / srin pham ni chad / lha dang ni myi yul
(15v11) na / [gda (/gad)] rgyangs ni ye re mo / 'dre dang ni srin yul na / dud
(16r1) rgyangs ni ti ri ri / khar tsang ni khar nyen sngun / lha dang
(16r2) ni srin rgya ba / las la lha rgyal de bzang rab bo / @ / @@@@ /
(16r3) @@@@ / kye lho ga ni zas / bsams kyang ni don
(16r4) myi grub / gdon du 'gong po zhig dang byur chags pa yod /
(16r5) pas mo 'grong / @ / @@@@ / @@@ / kye mu sman ni zhal
(16r6) na re / sman ri ni ya byi na zlog par ni ma 'drol kyang
(16r7) sha shor ni phas kyang mchi / lgo 'drim ni tshus kyang mchi
(16r8) de 'is ni nyams myi skyod / skyo le ni bdag gyi nor / stus
(16r9) shing ni ra bar gsol / bzang rab bo / @ / @@@@ /
(16r10) @@ / / kye mtho te ni ci la sman / lta ri ni snyi phroM
(16r11) zhig / smad de ni [mad (/mda)] sa ba / lha ri ni skam ba gong /
(16r12) kha 'dzin ni lha yang byed / spyi mdud ni lha yang 'dor
(16v1) khyim byar btab ni bzang rab bo / @ / @@@ / /
(16v2) @@@ / kye gnas la ni mchod legs pas /
(16v3) sku bla ni ma gsol bar / stang gyi ni dgra zhig guM /
(16v4) sman tu ni ma stungs par / bas gyi ni sha cig gum /
(16v5) yul gyi [*ni] lha gsol dang / byang gyi ni sha shor cig / byaMs
(16v6) gyi ni gnyen bsogs shing / dgra snying ni phur gyis
(16v7) btab / mo ci la btab kyang bzang rab bo / @ /
(16v8) @@@@ / @ / kye cu ru ni phan po skyes / [rtsdang?] [rnang (/rnad)]
(16v9) ni mtho bgrod kyang / deng thugs ni yem pang tshal / [mda (/mad)]
(16v10) rgyal ni dum bra zhig / khyen mkhar / ni ma chags
(16v11) byang / ngal [mad (/mda)] ni khor las skyes / sems khral
(17r1) che tsher la za / tsher la gyon / mod gya / 'di
(17r2) las dpal dang lha myi 'gyur te bzang rab bo /
(17r3) @ / @@@ / @ /
(17r4) kye khyung lung ni rngul mkhar na / g.yung dru ni
(17r5) chab 'ang bas / gru dang ni gzings bcas la / sman
(17r6) ri ni mtho yis khums / myi khyod gyis ci
(17r7) bsams kyang phyi dal che zhing / don myi grub /
(17r8) rab du myi'i kha 'jug / gdon du 'gong po yod /
(17r9) ngan rab bo / / @ / @@ / @@@ /
(17r10) kye phu sum ni ya byi la / spang snar /
(17v1) ni gser sdongs la / sha shor n[i] my[-]
(17v2) bdun kyis / sha gcig ni khus btab /
(17v3) mda' gsum ni ma byi na / gyur gsuM
(17v4) ni thugs snyung / 'o brgyal ni 'gres
(17v5) kyi non / dgra zhig la dogs pa las
(17v6) nyen myed de bzang rab bo / @ / @@@ /
(17v7) @@ / kye nyin zhing ni skugs na nyal /
(17v8) mtshan zhing ni yi ge 'dri / yi ge ni
Source Colophon
Old Tibetan source text from the Old Tibetan Documents Online (OTDO) database, Kobe City University of Foreign Studies. URL: archives?p=ITJ_0739. Transliterated from IOL Tib J 739 (British Library, Stein Collection; pressmark Ch.XIX.004, vol. 52, folios 1–17). Transliteration by Takeuchi Tsuguhito, Iwao Kazushi, et al. The original manuscript is a seventeen-leaf codex with 8–14 lines per side, described as "divination with dice with an introductory note" and classified as unfinished. Thomas (1957) and de la Vallée Poussin (1962) are cited by OTDO as earlier references. Complete source text: folios 1 recto through 17 verso, line 8.
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