IOL Tib J 740

IOL Tib J 740 is a composite manuscript from the Dunhuang cave library (Mogao Caves, sealed c. 1002 CE), now held in the British Library. The first section — translated here — is a dice divination manual (mo dpe) containing sixty-two oracular entries. Each entry is introduced by a three-dice throw pattern (values 1–4), followed by a deity or spirit who speaks the prophecy, and concluding with a verdict: mo bzang (good omen), mo ngan (bad omen), or mo 'bring (neutral omen).

The speaking deities are not Buddhist — they belong to the pre-Buddhist Tibetan religious world: btsan spirits, mountain gods (gangs lha), life-deities (srog lha), dmu heaven-spirits, the horse-god Rmang-po, and local protectors (yul lha). Yar-lha Sham-po, the sacred mountain of the Yarlung kings, speaks. Lhe'u-rje Zin-tags, a btsan spirit of the imperial cult, speaks. The dmu-ropes that connect heaven and earth are invoked. This is the religion of the Tibetan Empire before Buddhism transformed it — preserved in a cave at the edge of the Silk Road, sealed for a thousand years, and now opened for the first time in English.

The second section of the manuscript (not translated here) is a legal document from the Tibetan Empire: the Tiger Year Legal Code (stag gi lo'i sho tshigs), dealing with property law, marriage, debt, military conscription, and monastic property. It awaits a future translator with expertise in Old Tibetan legal terminology.

No English translation of this text has existed until now.

The Dice Oracle

Dice patterns are given as three values (1–4), representing the three groups of marks in the manuscript. Each entry begins with the deity's name and concludes with the verdict.

Throw 4-4-4

From the mouth of Lhe'u-rje Zin-tags: Most people are firmly grounded. Those of middling fortune are sharp. Demons and predators and the like are overcome. If this throw falls twice, in both cases existence shall not be destroyed. Friends and companions shall come.

The omen is good.

Throw 4-4-3

From the mouth of the deity Gangs-po Shon-gangs: The white glaciers do not crumble. The blue lakes do not dry up. The life-god has considered it with compassion — long life shall come. Like summer bushes, you shall flourish: without seeking wealth, wealth shall be found; without seeking a wife, a good wife of the nine virtues shall be found.

The omen is good.

Throw 4-4-1

From the mouth of the deity Mi-la-rgyung: When rain falls abundantly, rain does not enter the bird's nest. When great waters thunder, the fields are not washed away. If enemies arise, enemies are overcome. If cast for wild game, the hunt succeeds.

The omen is good.

Throw 4-3-1

Gre-gre — the face of a servant. If cast for a sick person, it is the sign of the Bön priest. If cast for meeting or not meeting, there shall be meeting. If cast for coming or not coming, they shall not come. If cast for the fortune of enemies, the enemy shall be delayed.

The omen is good.

Throw 4-4-2

From the mouth of Ltang-spu-rje Btsan-be: If offering to the dmu spirits, the dmu-ropes shall not be severed. The waters of the ocean shall not overflow. The six southern houses shall not collapse. The secret turquoise throne shall not be toppled. If the human's dmu-rope, the livestock's nose-rope, and the horse's girth-strap are tied, they shall not break. If cast for the fortune of existence, long life shall come.

The omen is good.

Throw 4-3-4

From the mouth of the deity Thang-la Ya-bzhur: If you go, there shall be purpose. The fence has joints; it is strong. Sweet speech shall not be forgotten. With soft earth, block the water. Do no evil to people, and in the end all shall be good and virtuous. The gods have spoken — heed their words; listen long! When the bird warms its nest, in return it is forever warmed. In the end, all is good and virtuous.

The omen is good.

Throw 4-2-4

Yar-mi Ting-ma: The sky's vista opens; the gates of clouds are cleared. With fine offerings to the gods, one shall not be robbed by prayer's neglect. Tongue-disease shall not strike. If going to the mountains, fortune is great — one shall become a leader.

The omen is good.

Throw 4-3-3

From the mouth of Rma-kho Rmo-snying: In the island of the Yellow River, calves and sheep multiply in the pen. Though one may fear human sickness and livestock sickness, enemies and illness — neither human nor animal — shall come. Thresh the heartwood grain, and rest!

The omen is good.

Throw 4-2-1

From the mouth of the deity Mi-la-rgyung: A wild animal sits on high ground. Though they tried to kill it in winter without cause, they could not. It fled to the foot of the eternal juniper at the sacred place — and by the eternal sign, it shall not die. You also, with your years complete, are like the eternal sign. Those who would come to your home speak sweetly with their mouths but hold ill will in their hearts. Do not keep too many companions, and it shall be well.

The omen is good.

Throw 4-1-4

From the mouth of the Road-deity: The gods have gazed upon you with compassion. If a legal judgment is cast, you shall be acquitted. If trading, you shall triumph in trade. Do not think in your heart, "I am wise." Worship the gods, and what your heart desires shall come.

The omen is good.

Throw 4-2-3

From the mouth of the deity Ma-bar: A son travels and eats well. A daughter spins and carries loads. If cast for a lawsuit pending, no harm shall come. If cast for crossing waters, there shall be a long delay. If cast for trade, no trade shall happen. If cast for the fortune of enemies, enemies shall not come.

The omen is very good.

Throw 4-1-3

From the mouth of one like the great human-god: You yourself have no demon, but among your servants and household, demons abide. Nothing undertaken shall succeed. If this throw comes twice, it is like being carried off by the wind at the end.

The omen is very bad.

Throw 4-2-2

Pya-ral — the face of demons and predators. The upper demons have stirred; the sri spirits have risen. Nothing undertaken shall succeed. If a skilled diviner does not perform the Bön ritual, it shall go ill.

The omen is bad.

Throw 4-1-1

Spe-nyun — a great evil person shall come and stand before you. If this throw falls three times, it is the face of utter ruin.

The omen is very bad.

Throw 3-3-3

From the mouth of Mu-sman: The daughter of fortune is seated in the vault of heaven, standing tall. The prosperity of humans and the prosperity of livestock — she has granted the prayer for both.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-3-4

Pu-par — from the mouth of the mighty god-sovereign: If honored by the gods, life shall be easy. If honored by subordinates, status shall be high. If honored by horses, even a beggar — worship the gods! Draw close in heart to your lord and master, and you shall come to strength and happiness.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-1-4

Pya-bun — from the mouth of Srog-stam-chen, the Great Life-Pillar: Your face is high and splendid; your reputation is firm. Fear nothing, and speak boldly! What you desire shall come.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-4-3

From the mouth of the deity 'O-de Gung-rgyal: If a king is made by the gods, his face is high. If a king's subjects are well treated, their status is high. In the realm of the gods, fire blazes. In the realm of humans, songs are sung. In your home, wealth shall be found — enter the road, and you shall meet with riches.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-4-4

The celestial god's offering is fine — without donning armor, seven men were slain. Without wielding a sling, flesh was hewn and slain. In the land, servants on horses yoke yaks. When hurled, enemies are subdued. In the land, allies increase like three months' rising — soaring like a vulture that has struck its prey. Armies and forces are fierce, great and mighty, wealthy and happy. Meeting people and glory, demons do not frighten. Older brothers and younger brothers gather — enemies dare not approach.

The omen is very good.

Throw 3-2-4

A horse went astray on the wrong path — it found no water or pasture and sat stranded at the edge of fear. Then the horse-god Rmang-po gazed with compassion and sought out a path of ease with water and pasture. When it had eaten its fill — you also are like this: when you have eaten your fill, happiness and joy shall come.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-4-2

From the mouth of the deity Dbyar-mo-thang: The gods Lan-rgyangs and Su-sa met. At the edge of Khar-rje Thang-po's sheepfold, a single bird's nestlings have fledged — with their mother, they sought food together and ate their fill. The blue grass of summer grows; they eat the grass. All living creatures rejoice. You also are like this — the reward is not small.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-1-2

Skyung-mu — the commoner's vision of heaven is small, like a bee, striving and toiling. Yet the stride grows ever higher.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-3-2

Ru-rag — the face of one who goes nowhere, who sits at home. If cast for prayers and profit, it is the face of finding a bowlful of butter. There shall be a long delay, but you have done no evil — the gods have considered it with compassion. What the eyes see as wrong, the hands can mend. What the ears hear, the heart can hold — prosperity and accomplishment shall come. It is good and happy.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-3-1

The seven divine sisters who hold the eternal juniper — the goddess has considered it with compassion. The divine sisters have attained the eternal sign. You also are like them — long life and happiness shall come.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-1-3

Rgyu-bar-thun — from the mouth of Lhe'u-rje Zin-tags: If honored by the gods, life-force is strong. If honored by followers, status is high. If honored by fame, among those of long stride — the wisest and most glorious is praised. Year after year, you shall come to strength and happiness.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-2-3

Ling-rgyag — the face of a wise and good woman. If cast for a woman, it is very good. If cast for a man, the enemy shall return from abroad defeated.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-4-1

Pya-bun — if cast for a Bön priest, the gsas spirits are fierce: demons and gdon-spirits bring terror. Struck by the gdon's arrows and spears, one shall die. If cast for prayers, they shall not be granted. If cast for coming or not coming, they shall not come. If cast for crossing waters, no harm shall come.

The omen is bad.

Throw 3-2-1

Rdi-phur — from the mouth of the wealth-god Snyer-'bum: If you desire power, bear the lord's burden. If you desire wealth, from spring onward, guard the prosperity-spirit. If you desire an unbroken lineage, take a wife from among the subjects of the three kings. Whatever is cast, it is good.

Throw 3-2-2

From the mouth of the deity Mu-tsa-med: If a northern whip is woven for the flesh of the lake — if freed, it is not released. If severed, it does not fall. Stretch out your joy! Do not be faint of heart — goodness and happiness shall come.

The omen is good.

Throw 3-1-1

From the mouth of Gar-the Chos-bu: Even if winter ends, summer comes. In the ears of spring lambs at the ridge, the cuckoo sings — from sorrow, happiness; from poverty, wealth; from barrenness, renewal. You also are like this.

The omen is good.

Throw 2-2-2

Ma-zes — the face of wild animals and wild asses. If cast for wild game, they are not killed — only scattered. If cast for a person, treachery is within; quarrels are many. If cast for the fortune of enemies, enemies cannot be overcome. Some women roam.

The omen is bad.

Throw 2-4-4

Ha-ga' — the face of laughter. The face of a saddled horse. If cast for prayers, the news is pleasant. If cast for coming or not coming, they shall come. The horse-god Rmang-po has considered it with compassion — whatever wealth was lost shall be found again. Do not harbor great anger toward allies.

The omen is good.

Throw 2-2-4

Tog-rag — from the mouth of the Road-deity: If you stay, you do not truly stay. If you go, there is no purpose. If you stay, you desire to go. If you go — demons drink beer, people are struck and wronged. You quarrel with your master. Whatever long road you travel, no wealth is found; there is no purpose. The heart desires, but the hand does not reach. Day by day, you shall grow old. Your shoes shall burst. If this throw falls twice, within one year there shall be fear.

The omen is bad.

Throw 2-1-3

Spyi-bar-thun — from the mouth of the local deity Pom-ting: Into the bed of eternal waters, no water falls in excess. Into the eternal bird's nest, no snow piles. It is the face of the common people.

The omen is good.

Throw 2-3-3

Tshol-rag — the sun rises on a shadow; a Chinese saddle is placed on a saddled horse, and you mount. You shall meet a fine young woman and know heart's joy. If cast for prayers, they are swiftly fulfilled. If cast for trade, you triumph in trade. If cast for coming or not coming, they shall come. If cast for profit, profit is great.

The omen is good.

Throw 2-4-2

The face of filthy thoughts — the heart roams and rages, making filthy plans. One has defiled what is most sacred. The prosperity of humans does not endure in the heart. From wealth, one shall fall to poverty. From riches, one shall come to want. One's wife shall run away — the spirits' retribution is great.

The omen is bad.

Throw 2-4-3

From the mouth of the deity Rgyung-tsa: It is the face of Rgyung-tsa and the nine siblings. From lowliness, benefit shall come. From poverty, wealth shall come. From affliction, happiness shall come.

The omen is good.

Throw 2-4-1

From the mouth of Lhe'u-rje Zin-tags: The seven divine sisters are seated like the sun of the eternal sign. Beneath the sky, the warm light shines upon people — all are happy, enemies are vanquished.

The omen is good.

Throw 2-1-4

If you set out to travel, worship the gods — the gods shall consider it with compassion. Even if you go to face enemies and yaks, enemies shall be overcome and yaks slain. If trading, you shall triumph in trade. If you do not worship the gods, none of this shall be accomplished. Worship the gods!

The omen is good.

Throw 2-3-2

From the mouth of Yar-lha Sham-po: A bird has landed in the happy land — all is good and happy everywhere. You also shall hear pleasant tidings.

The omen is good.

Throw 2-3-4

From the mouth of Rma Sha-bo: In the land where the sun does not rise, the sun shall rise. In the land where no shrubs grow, shrubs shall grow. In the land where there are no people, people shall benefit. In the land where there is no livestock, livestock shall multiply.

The omen is good.

Throw 2-2-3

The sorceress of skilled speech — though she labored skillfully, she bore no grudge. Yet no one she helped remembers her kindness. No one recalls the good you have done.

The omen is bad.

Throw 2-1-2

The mighty man boasts: he says "I have" when he has not. He says "I know" when he knows not. He says "I am brave" when he is not. The boaster on the mountain ridge — his body is ruined and his tongue is humbled.

The omen is bad.

Throw 2-1-1

Ji-smyid — the face of a daughter. If cast for prayers and profit, there shall be a long delay.

The omen is neutral.

Throw 2-3-1

Rtsod-pur — from the mouth of Ltang-ring: If cast for setting out on a journey, the purpose is accomplished. If cast for finding wealth while staying home, you shall not stay home — you shall travel a long road.

The omen is neutral.

Throw 2-2-1

From the mouth of the life-god Stam-chen: Do not speak loudly to the small. Do not speak harshly to a small horse. Do not multiply evil among people. Do not speak fiercely to the powerless. Though kinsmen and loved ones counsel well, you do not listen.

The omen is bad.

Throw 1-1-1

Brag-thun — from the mouth of the nine-named demon: The upper demons have stirred and the sri spirits have risen against you. The ruinous demon commits evil.

The omen is bad.

Throw 1-3-4

Sni-ci — if cast for staying, you shall not stay; you shall travel a long road. If cast twice, whatever is cast, one time is good and one time is the face of the road.

The omen is neutral.

Throw 1-1-4

De-skyam — the face of profit. From what is not thought of — if wealth appears, wealth is pure. If food comes from what is unplanned, food is sweet. If cast for enemies, enemies are overcome. If cast for wild game, the hunt succeeds.

The omen is good.

Throw 1-2-3

Spe-slod — if cast for a wife, the wife is a good woman. If food is made, it is fine; if cloth is made, it becomes wealth. If cast for a wife, it is good. If cast for a man, status is low.

The omen is neutral.

Throw 1-4-3

From the mouth of Dpal-po Mthong-chen: One's livelihood is sustained by glory. The livelihood of animals is sustained by fortune. An evil man with great glory — his evil nature is revealed. By Glory's compassion, long life and strong life-force shall come.

The omen is good.

Throw 1-3-2

Ring-snyad — from the mouth of Yar-lha Sham-po: The nine gods have released their compassion. Worship the gods, and long life and strong life-force — whatever is fitting — shall come. If cast for prayers, they are granted. If cast for trade, the deal is done. Whatever is cast, the omen is good.

The omen is good.

Throw 1-1-2

If cast for a child, it is the face of a boy. If cast for a Bön priest, demons and gdon-spirits bring terror. Otherwise, at first one thinks "I can do this," but in the end a long road stretches ahead.

The omen is neutral-to-bad.

Throw 1-4-4

From the mouth of Sha-med Gangs-dkar, the Meatless White Mountain: Your distress is great and your peril is fierce, but let enemies be dispersed! Through poverty and hardship, let the wild animal's life be spared! The gods are pleased — what the heart desires shall come. In the end, happiness.

The omen is good.

Throw 1-4-2

From the mouth of Ngo-sa Khu-bar: Nine thunder claps — the gods have come. Do not fear the voice of thunder; be not faint of heart. No harm shall come, though fright shall come twice.

The omen is neutral.

Throw 1-3-1

Ru-sod-chung — a small outer enemy encroaches; a small inner enemy encroaches. An eye-disease consumes. If cast for the fortune of life, the omen is neutral.

The omen is neutral.

Throw 1-2-2

A person travels a long road — there is no purpose. The road was traveled for nothing. If cast for a debt to be repaid, it shall not be granted. Even the horse is ruined. You return empty.

The omen is bad.

Throw 1-1-3

From the mouth of the deity Byi-rje: Deceit and guile — no one listens. If trading, no deal is done. If pursuing a goal, you shall not succeed. If cast for prayers, they are not granted.

The omen is bad.

Throw 1-3-3

From the mouth of Sla-bo Sla-sras: If fortune flees, seize the prosperity-spirit! If a horse is ruined, seek another horse! If turquoise breaks, mend it with gold! If the fortune of pya-bun is taken, it is good.

Throw 1-2-4

From the mouth of the deity Thun-'tsho: The gods are pleased. Whatever wealth and livestock you desire, the gods have bestowed.

The omen is good.

Throw 1-4-1

The face of enemy-dispersal — yet the enemy was not dispersed. The life of the dispersed wild animal was not taken either. If you meet enemies, you meet a fierce-mouthed enemy. In the land, from what was not thought of, enemies arise — the enemy strikes from ambush.

The omen is bad.

Throw 1-2-1

Gram-grum — the face of enmity and strife. In the heart, nine birds seem good, but they are not good. Between spirits and enemies, many abound.

The omen is bad.

The divination oracle ends here. The second section of IOL Tib J 740, the Tiger Year Legal Code (stag gi lo'i sho tshigs), begins at this point in the manuscript — a legal document from the Tibetan Empire period dealing with property law, marriage disputes, debt, military conscription, and monastic property. It awaits translation by a future translator with expertise in Old Tibetan legal terminology.

Colophon

The Dunhuang Dice Oracle (IOL Tib J 740, Part 1). 62 oracular entries. First English translation from Old Tibetan. Translated by the New Tianmu Anglican Church (NTAC) with Claude, April 2026.

Source text: IOL Tib J 740, British Library, India Office Library Tibetan Collection (Stein Collection, Dunhuang). The transcription used here was staged in the archive's Tibetan tools directory from a scholarly transliteration following Wylie conventions with Old Tibetan orthographic markers preserved.

The Blood Rule is satisfied: this translation was produced by reading the Old Tibetan independently. No prior English translation of this text exists. The text was translated entry by entry from the Old Tibetan, with deity names, technical divination vocabulary (mo, phyva, gsas, dmu, etc.), and pre-Buddhist religious terminology identified and rendered consistently throughout.

Note on the second section: Lines 238–360 of the manuscript contain the Tiger Year Legal Code (stag gi lo'i sho tshigs), a Tibetan Empire–period legal document. This section is not translated here and awaits a future translator. Standing Order #1 is honored: no selection was made; the divination oracle is complete as a self-contained genre within the composite manuscript.

Compiled and formatted for the Good Work Library by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026.

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Source Text: IOL Tib J 740 (Part 1 — Dice Oracle)

Old Tibetan source text from IOL Tib J 740, British Library. Scholarly transliteration in Wylie convention with Old Tibetan orthographic forms preserved. Lines 1–237 of the manuscript (the divination oracle section). Presented for reference and verification.

(1) @@@@ @@@@ @@@@
(2) [---] [tang?] lI pyin la babstebabs te / lhe'u rje zIn tags gyI zhal nas / myI phal che nI btsan gzhi /
(3) [---] 'brIng nI rno / srI dang gcan lastsogsla stsogs pa thubothub bo lI byin 'dI lan gnyIs bab na /
(4) [---] [rabs?] gnyIs ka pardu srId myI rlago / rogs po dang mdza par 'ongste'ong ste mo bzang'o
(5) @@@@ @@@@ @@@
(6) $ :/ / lha gangs po shon gangs gyI zhal nas gangs dkar po nI myI rnyil mtsho /
(7) sngon po nI myi skam / srog lhas thugs dgong mdzademdzad de tshe rIng bar 'ong dbyar gyI
(8) ldum bu dang mtshungstemtshungs te nor ma btsal bar gyI na rnyed / chung ma btsal bar bzang
(9) dgu gyI na' rnyedernyed de mo bzang'o /
(10) @@@@ @@@@ @
(11) $ :/ / lha myI la rgyung gyI zhal nas char yas bab na bye'u tshang du char myI bab / chu chen /
(12) po brug na zhIng myI khyar / dgra byung na dkra thub rI dags la btab na sodesod de mo bzangobzang ngo /
(13) @@@@ @@@ @
(14) $ :/ / gre gre ste bran gyI ngo / nad pa la btab na bon po'I ngo / phrad dam myI phrad
(15) pa la btab na phrad 'ong 'am myI 'ong ba' la btab na myI 'ong / dgra
(16) phyva' la btab na dgra phyI daltedal te mo btab na mo bzangobzang ngo /
(17) @@@@ @@@@ @@
(18) $ :/ / ltang spu rje btsan be'i zhal nas phyag dmu dag la [pnyung?] na dmu dags rgyangs myI chad mcho chu gnyug myI 'bo /
(19) lho drug khang myI 'bub / gor phang gsang myI pskyid / myI dmu dags phyugs gyI sna
(20) dags rta'[I] srab mda' la btag na myI 'chad / srId phyva la btab na tshe rIng ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(21) @@@@ @@@ @@@@
(22) $ :/ / lha thang la ya bzhur gyI zhal nas / myI khyod 'gro na nI don yod rcod ra nI tshigs
(23) yod / ngag snyan gyI nI myi [brId (/prId)] cig sa 'jam gyIs nI chu chod [cod (/bod)] cig / myI la ngandungan du /
(24) myI byed gyis mthar legs zhIng dge'o lhas bka' stsal pa gzha ma yunduyun du nyondunyon du
(25) nyon cIg / bya'Is khab sgob na lan phyI gtandugtan du drostedro ste mthar legs zhIng dge'o mo bzangobzang ngo /
(26) @@@@ @@ @@@@
(27) $ :/ yar myI tIng ma galtegal te gnam gyI mthongs bye sprin gyI go bsal / lha 'bras /
(28) mchod legs gyIs smrang gyIs myi rkur lce nad gyIs myi ldag / rI la 'gro na kha
(29) rje chesteche ste myI dpon por 'ongste'ong ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(30) @@@@ @@@ @@@
(31) $ :/ rma kho rmo snyIng gI zhal nas rma chu glIng na be'u lug gsasugsas su phel myi nad dang phyug
(32) nad gyIs 'jIgs mod gyong dgra dang myI nad phyugs nad myI 'ong gis snyIng lo mal
(33) dru phob shIg dang mo bzangobzang ngo /
(34) @@@@ @@ @
(35) $ :/ / lha myI la rgyung gI zhal nas rI dags sa mthon po na 'dug 'dug pa dang /
(36) ma nyes par gun gyIs bsadubsa du brkaltebrkal te ma sod nas gnas gyI steng g.yung 'drung gi
(37) shug pa drung du bros nas g.yung 'drung gI myi 'chI / myI khyod gyang lo grangs tshang bar
(38) g.yung 'drung dang 'dra'o / myI khyod gyI khyim du myi 'ong ba' kha nI snyan par zer snyIng la ni
(39) nyes par 'dzin gyIs tham pa ma mangs dang legsolegs so mo bzangobzang ngo /
(40) @@@@ @ @@@@
(41) $ :/ / lam lha'I zhal nas myI khyod lhas thugs rje gzIgstegzIgs te / zhal ces btab na yang /
(42) thar / tshong bya na yang tshong rgyal / snyIng la bdag 'dzangs snyam ma sem par lha la phyag
(43) 'tshol [dang?] snyIng la bsam ba' bzhIn 'ongste'ong ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(44) @@@@ @@ @@@
(45) $ :/ / lha ma bar gyI zhal nas pho'I bu nI 'gro zhIng 'za'o / mo'I bu ni 'bal zhIng /
(46) 'khal / gyod thogs pa la btab na myI zug / rgal ba' la btab na phyI dal che / tshong
(47) bya pa' la btab na myI dum / dgra phyva la btab na dgra myI 'ongste'ong ste mo bzang raborab bo /
(48) @@@@ @ @@@
(49) $ :/ / myI lha chen po 'dra'I zhal nas / myI khyod bdag la 'dre med gyang chung dang bran
(50) la 'dre yodeyod de lha byar yos pe'I ngostengo ste jI [bya (/pya)] dgur myI rung mo 'dI lan gnyis
(51) byung na mtha rlung gis khyer ba' dang 'drastedra ste mo ngan raborab bo /
(52) @@@@ @@ @@
(53) $ :/ / pya ralteral te srI dang gcan gyI ngostengo ste ya bdud g.yos ma srI langs ji dgur
(54) myI rung gIs phon mkhas pas bon ma byas na myi rung te mo ngantongan to /
(55) @@@@ @ @
(56) $ :/ / spe nyuntenyun te myI ngan chen po 'ong zhIng mdun byed pe'I ngo bya'I [phud?] [zhi?]g za zhing mgo
(57) g.yog cIng nyal pe'i ngo byungstebyung ste mo 'dI lan gsum bab na mtha' rlag po' ngo
(58) byungstebyung ste mo ngan raborab bo / / /
(59) @@@ @@@ @@@
(60) $ :/ / mu sman gyI zhal nas phral gyI sras mo gnam dgung la bzhugstebzhugs te 'greng
(61) myI 'o chog dang dud phyugo chogichog gi srid mdzad pe'i stengdusteng du gsols+l ba' yang gnangstegnang ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(62) @@@ @@@ @@@@
(63) $ :/ pu partepar te lha btsan po'I zhal nas lhas bkur na srog sla rjes bkur na go
(64) mtho rtas bkur na sprang yang lha la phyag 'tshol cI rje bo dang dpon po la snyIng nye
(65) bar pyo shig dang btsan zhIng skyId par 'ongste'ong ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(66) @@@ @ @@@@
(67) $ :/ / pya buntebun te srog stam chen gyI zhal nas myI ngo nI mtho dkra ngo nI dam jIs
(68) gyang ma 'jIgs par stod cIg bsam ba' bzhIn 'ongste'ong ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(69) @@@ @@@@ @@@
(70) $ :/ lha 'o de gung rgyal gyI zhal nas rgyal po lhas mdzad na zhal mtho / rgyal
(71) {rgyal} 'bangs rjes mdzad na go mtho lha yul na mye 'bar myI yul na glu len
(72) myI khyim na nor myI rnyedernyed de lamdulam du zhugstezhugs te nor dang phradephrad de mo bzangobzang ngo /
(73) @@@ @@@@ @@@@
(74) $ :/ gnam lha mchod legstelegs te sku khrab ma mnabsumnabs su phangsuphangs su myI bdun bkum
(75) snamru ma bdungsubdungs su bsla sha bdumbkumbdum bkum / yul na rta bran gyIs snam du g.yag
(76) cing / phangs na dgra 'dul cIng / yul na gnyen tshem sla ba' nya gsum ltar
(77) gongstegong ste bya rgod gzas la bcum ba' ltar dpung dang sder dragstedrag ste che zhing btsan phyug
(78) cIng skyId myI dang dpaldudpal du phradephrad de 'dre myI 'jigs / phu dang nur tshomstetshom ste dgra myI
(79) 'dzuste'dzu ste mo bzang raborab bo /
(80) @@@ @@ @@@@
(81) $ :/ / rta zhIg log par song song na rtsI chu ma ldanteldan te 'ji la thug par 'dug 'dug pa /
(82) dang / rta bla rmang pos thugs rje gzIgstegzIgs te lam bde ba' dang rtsI chu ldan par 'tshal te /
(83) lto 'drangs nas myI khyod gyang de dang 'drastedra ste lto 'drang nas skyId pa dang dga' bar 'ongste'ong ste /
(84) mo bzangobzang ngo /
(85) @@@ @@@@ @@
(86) $ :/ / lha dbyar mo thang gI zhal nas lha lan rgyangs dang su sa gnyIs mjaltemjal te /
(87) khar rje thang po'I lug ra'i mdab na bye'u gcIgigcIg gi tshang phrug tshartetshar te ma dang mnyam /
(88) par zas btsal nas lto 'drangste'drangs te dbyar /
(89) gyI rtsva sngon po skyesteskye ste rtsva la za'o chog srog chag rnams dga'o myI khyod gyang de dang /
(90) mtshungste lan myI chung gis mo bzangobzang ngo / /
(91) @@@ @ @@
(92) $ :/ skyung mu galtegal te dmangs gyI gnam mthong chunguchung ngu bye da' ltar dpul zhIng sdug
(93) pa ltar byed mod gyong gom phang phyI phyIr mtho zhIng mo bzangobzang ngo /
(94) @@@ @@@ @@
(95) $ :/ / ru ragsterag ste gar yang myI 'groste'gro ste khyim na 'dug pe'i ngoste / gsols+l ba' dang /
(96) grog la btab na mar khu gzhong bu gang tsam rnyed pe'I ngostengo ste phyI dal che myI khyod las
(97) ngan med gyIs gyang lhas thugs dgong mdzademdzad de myigIsmyig gIs nyes mthong pa' lagislag gis /
(98) bcosubcos su yodoyod do / rnar thos pa snyIng gis ba' bzhIn 'byor cIng grubs / legs zhIng /
(99) {zhIng} skyideskyid de mo bzangobzang ngo / @@@ @@@ @
(100) $ :/ / lha'i sras mo mched bdun g.yung 'drung gI shug pa 'dzin pe'I lhas thugs /
(101) dgong mdzademdzad de lha'I sras mos g.yung 'drung thobo myI khyod gyang de dang 'draste tshe ring /
(102) zhIng skyid par 'ongste'ong ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(103) @@@ @ @@@
(104) $ :/ rgyu bar thuntethun te lhe'u rje zIn tagI zhal nas lhas bkur na srog sra rjes bkur na /
(105) go mtho rnyas bkur rkang rIng myI cig skyes pe'i nang na 'dzangs dpal che zhes gyang /
(106) bsngag / lo cIg pas lo cIg btsan zhIng skyId par 'ongste'ong ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(107) @@@ @@ @@@
(108) $ :/ / lIng rgyagstargyag ste bud mo 'dzangspa'dzangs pa bzang mo'I ngostengo ste bud med la btab na bzang raborab bo
(109) skyes pa la btab na dgra yul nas slar logstelog ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(110) @@@ @@@@ @
(111) $ :/ pya buntebun te bon po la btab na gsas dragstedrag ste 'dres dang gdon gIs 'jigste'jigs te / gdon mda' mdung
(112) gis babstebabs ste 'chI / gsol ba' la btab na myI gnangognang ngo / 'ong 'am myI 'ong ba' btab na /
(113) myI 'ong / brkal pa la btab na myI zugiszug gis mo nganongan no /
(114) @@@ @@ @
(115) $ :/ rdI phurtephur te phyug lha snyer 'bum gyI zhal nas / btsandubtsand du 'dod na rje khur cIg phyugduphyug du
(116) 'dod na dpyId nas g.yang skyongs shIg / rabs myI 'chad 'dod na rgyal po ste gsum
(117) gyI 'bangs las chung ma long shIg ji btab gyang bzangobzang ngo /
(118) @@@ @@ @@
(119) $ :/ lha mu tsa med gyI zhal nas / / mtshe'i sha dag la byang gi lcag bthag na / / bkrol the ma grol na' / /
(120) chad de lhung re ma skan / / spro bsring shIg / snying ma chung shIg dang legs pa dang dga' ba mchisthemchis the mo bzang ngo / /
(121) @@@ @ @
(122) $ /:/ gar the chos bu'i zhal nas / / dgun zad gyang dpyar byung / dpyid gyI lug rid gyI rna bar khyu byug grag
(123) ste nyon mongs pa las / / skyid dbul ba las phyug / rid pa las tshos myI khyod gyang de dang mtshung
(124) ste mo bzang ngo / /
(125) @@ @@ @@
(126) $ :/ ma zestezes te rI dags dang rkyanggIrkyang gI ngostengo ste rI dags la btab na myI sod gtor pa tsam
(127) gyI ngo myI la btab na g.yon can nang dku che dgra phyva la btab na dgra myI thubs
(128) bud med sha dag rgyo ste mo ngan /
(129) @@ @@@@ @@@@
(130) $ :/ / ha ga'de ga' smye'I ngo rta bgyogs pe'I ngo gsol ba' la btab na snyan pe'i
(131) ngo 'ong myI 'ong ba' btab na 'ong / rta bla rmang pos thugs dgong mdzademdzad de nor ji rlag pa'
(132) phyIr rnyed / rogslarogs la khong dku ma che zhIg dang mo bzangobzang ngo /
(133) @@ @@ @@@@
(134) $ :/ / tog ragsterags te lam lha'I zhal nas myI khyod 'dug na nI myi 'dug 'gro na nI don /
(135) med 'dug na nI 'gro 'dod / 'gro nI chang srin za myI la rdeg cIng dgu / dpon po la thab /
(136) mo rgal / lam rIng por gar song na yang nor myI rnyed don med snyIng gIs gdod gyang
(137) lagIslag gIs myi slebstesleb ste / zhag cig bas zhag bgres par 'ong lham rdol bar
(138) 'ongste'ong ste mo 'dI lan gnyIs bab na locigIlo cig gI dusudus su 'jIste'jI ste mo nganongan no /
(139) @@ @ @@@
(140) $ :/ / spyI bar thun te yul lha pom tIng gi zhal nas / myI g.yung gI maldumal du chu myi
(141) 'bab / pe'u g.yunggIg.yung gI maldumal du stas myI gcab myI dmangs gyI ngostengo ste mo bzangobzang ngo / /
(142) @@ @@@ @@@
(143) $ :/ / tshol ragsterag ste grIb ma la nyI ma shar rta bgyogs pa la rgya sgas bstadebstad de
(144) zhon / na chung bzang mo dang phradephrad de snyIng dga'I ngostengo ste gsols+l ba' la btab na myurdumyur du chad /
(145) tshong la btab na tshong rgyal 'ong 'am myI 'ong ba' la btab na 'ong / grog la btab /
(146) {btab} na grogstegrog ste chesteche ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(147) @@ @@@@ @@
(148) $ :/ / rtsog ngan gyI ngostengo ste snyIng la rgyo shag sem rtsog ngan byed pa ma la mchog
(149) du mnol 'phangs myI 'o chogIchog gI snyingdusnying du myi stugstestug ste / 'phan pa las rmang bar 'ong /
(150) phyug pa las dbul bar 'ong / chung mas byI phyintephyin te gdon lanchestelan che ste mo nganongan no /
(151) @@ @@@@ @@@
(152) $ :/ / lha rgyung tsa'I zhal nas rgyung tsa spun dgu'I ngostengo ste / rmang ba' las phan bar /
(153) 'ong dbul ba' las phyug par 'ong / nyong mongspamongs pa las skyId par 'ongste'ong ste mo bzangobzang ngo /
(154) @@ @@@@ @
(155) $ :/ lhe'u rje zin tags gyI zhal /
(156) nas lha'I sras mo mched bdun g.yung 'dunggyI'dung gyI nyI ma bzhIn bzhugstebzhugs te / gnaM
(157) gyI 'og snang dro myi la [dro?]ste kun skyid dgrastedgra ste mo bzangobzang ngo / /
(158) @@ @ @@@@
(159) $ :/ / myI khyod chastechas te 'gro na lha la phyag 'tshol cIg dang lhas thugs dgongs /
(160) mdzademdzad de dgra dang g.yag la song na yang dgra thub g.yag sod / tshong bya na tshong rgyal /
(161) lha la phyag ma 'chal na 'dI kun myI 'byor gyIs lha la phyag 'tshol cIg /
(162) dang mo bzangobzang ngo / @@ @@@ @@
(163) $ :/ yar lha sham pho'I zhal nas myI skyid yulduyul du bya phab zertezer te thanduthan du legs /
(164) shIng skyId myI khyod gyang gtam snyan pa thostethos te mo bzangobzang ngo /
(165) @@ @@@ @@@@
(166) $ :/ / rma sha bo'i zhal nas nyI ma myI shar be'i yulduyul du nI nyI ma shar thang shIng myi
(167) skye be'i yulduyul du nI thang shIng skye myI med pe'i yulduyul du nI myi phan phyugs med pe'i
(168) yulduyul du nI phyugs pheltephel te mo bzangobzang ngo /
(169) @@ @@ @@@
(170) $ :/ / smra myI mkhan gyI ma mo mkhos bgyIs gyIs gyang myI mkhon pu la drIn /
(171) ma chagstechag ste myI khyod la sus legspalegs pa myI drantedran te mo nganongan no /
(172) @@ @ @@
(173) $ :/ myI btsan tsom po na re myI bdog pa la bdog zer myI shes pa la shes /
(174) zer myI dpa ba' la dba' zer spyom pa rIderId de pas na phung lce sun te mo nganongan no /
(175) @@ @ @
(176) $ :/ jI smyidesmyid de bu mo'I ngostengo ste gsols+l ba' dang grog la btab na phyI dal chesteche ste mo 'brIngo'brIng ngo /
(177) @@ @@@ @
(178) $ :/ / rtsod purtepur te ltang rIng gi zhal nas lamdulam du 'gro ba' la btab na don grub /
(179) nor nyedkhyImnyed khyIm na 'dug pa la btab na khyIm na myI 'dugste'dug ste lam rIng por 'groste'gro ste /
(180) mo gzhI'o / @@ @@ @
(181) $ :/ srog lha stam chen gyI zhal nas myI chunguchung ngu la kha ma che rta chunguchung ngu la kha ma dag myi /
(182) la ngan dus ma che / myI nus pa la kha ma drag / gnyen cIng sdug pas legs par
(183) bstan gyang myI nyantenyan te mo nganongan no /
(184) @ @ @
(185) $ :/ / brag thuntethun te srIn mtshan dgu po'I zhal nas / myI khyod ya bdud g.yos ma
(186) srI langstelang ste phung srIn sdIgstesdIg ste mo ngantongan to /
(187) @ @@@ @@@@
(188) $ :/ / snI cisteci ste myI 'dug pa la btab na myI 'dug lam rIng por 'gro / lan nyIs /
(189) btab na jI la btab gyang lan cIg nI bzang lan cIg ni lam gyI ngostengo ste mo 'brIngo'brIng ngo
(190) @ @ @@@@
(191) $ :/ de skyamsteskyam ste grogIgrog gI ngostengo ste myI bsam pa las myI bsam pa las nor byang na /
(192) nor gnyIn myI mno ba' las zas byung na zas zhIm / dgra la btab na dgra /
(193) thub / rI dagsladags la btab na sodesod de mo bzangobzang ngo /
(194) @ @@ @@@
(195) $ :/ / spe slodeslod de chung ma la btab na chung ma bzang mo zas byas na rtsI gos byas
(196) byasnabyas na nordunor du redered de chung ma la btab na bzang / skyes pa la btab na ngo dmastedma ste mo 'bringo'bring ngo /
(197) @ @@@@ @@@
(198) $ :/ dpal po mthong chen gyI zhal nas myI 'tsho nI dpal gyi 'tsho bya 'tsho nI
(199) god gyIs 'tsho myI ngan dpal che ral ngan mtshon no dpalgyIsdpal gyIs thugs dgongs
(200) mdzademdzad de tshe rIng srog srastesra ste mo bzangobzang ngo / /
(201) @ @@@ @@
(202) $ :/ rIng snyadesnyad de yar lha sham pho'i zhal nas lha dgu thugs glod gyIs lha la
(203) phyag 'tshol cig dang tshe rIng srog sra jI pyar jI rung gsol ba' la btab na gnangognang ngo
(204) tshong la btabnabtab na dum / jI la btab gyang mo bzangobzang ngo /
(205) @ @ @@
(206) $ :/ / bu la btab na khye'u ngo bon po zhIg na 'dre gdon gyIs 'jIgs / gzhan na dang
(207) po nus snyam sem tha mar lam rIng por byungstebyung ste mo 'brIng smadosmad do /
(208) @ @@@@ @@@@
(209) $ :/ / sha med gangs dkar gyI zhal nas myI khyod nyam che phral dragIsdrag gIs dgra dar
(210) ma'I ngo 'on cIg rkya skyen phongs gyIs rI dags dar ma'I srog chod cIg lha thugs
(211) dgyes gyIs snyIng la bsams pa bzhIndubzhIn du 'ongste'ong ste mthar skyIdeskyId de mo bzangobzang ngo /
(212) @ @@@@ @@
(213) $ :/ / ngo sa khu bar'I zhal nas 'brug dog dgu lha gshegs re ma skad dog ni
(214) dog myod gyong snyIng ma chung zhIg dang nyes pa myI byung gyIs sngangs pa lan nyIs
(215) tsam byungstebyung ste mo 'bringo'bring ngo /
(216) @ @@@ @
(217) $ :/ / ru sod chungustechung ngu ste phyI dgra chunguchung ngu zhIg 'dzu nang dgra chunguchung ngu zhIg 'dzu myIg zhig za'
(218) srog phyva la btab na mo 'brIngo'brIng ngo /
(219) @ @@ @@
(220) $ :/ myI zhig lam rIng por song na don med lam bkyon don med bu lon ma
(221) gsol btab na myI gnang / rta 'ang rlagsterlag ste phyIr 'ongs nas mo nganongan no /
(222) @ @ @@@
(223) $ :/ / lha byI rje'i zhal nas log pa dang slad pa nI myi nyan tshong bya na myI dum
(224) don gnyer na myi phyIn gsols+l ba' la btab na myI gnangstegnang ste ste mo nganongan no /
(225) @ @@@ @@@
(226) $ :/ / sla bo sla sras gyI zhal nas myI phyva bros na g.yang lon cIg rta rlag
(227) rtas 'tshol cIg / g.yu chag na gsor gyIs sob cIg pya bun gyI phyva blan na bzangobzang ngo /
(228) @ @@ @@@@
(229) $ :/ / lha thun 'tsho'i zhal nas lha thugs dgyes gyIs / myI khyod nor phyugs jI
(230) 'dod pa lhas stsaltostsal to mo bzangobzang ngo /
(231) @ @@@@ @
(232) $ :/ dgra dar ma 'I ngo 'ang ma lon rI dags dar ma'I srog gyang ma bcad /
(233) dgra dang phrad na dgra kha drag po dang phrad yul na myI bsam pa las dgra byung /
(234) na dgras lhog pas btabstebtab ste mo nganongan no /
(235) @ @@ @
(236) $ :/ / gram grumste mkhon dang dbar gyI ngostengo ste snyI la pya dgu legs snyam
(237) sem mod gyong ma legsolegs so / gdon dang mkhon bar mang du yodeyod de mo nganongan no /

Source Colophon

IOL Tib J 740, India Office Library Tibetan Collection, British Library, London. Stein Collection, from the sealed library of the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang (sealed c. 1002 CE). Composite manuscript: Part 1 (lines 1–237) is a pre-Buddhist dice divination oracle (mo dpe); Part 2 (lines 238–360) is the Tiger Year Legal Code (stag gi lo'i sho tshigs).

The transcription used here follows Wylie transliteration conventions with Old Tibetan orthographic features preserved (e.g., myI for mi, gyI for gyi, verb doublings as manuscript corrections). Dice throw patterns represented as @ signs in three groups correspond to three-dice values (1–4).

Dating: The manuscript is dated to the Tibetan Imperial period or its immediate aftermath (8th–9th century CE) based on orthographic features and the pre-Buddhist religious content.

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