A Bon Divination Manual from the Dunhuang Caves
IOL Tib J 740 is a divination manual preserved in the British Library's Stein Collection, dating to the Tibetan Empire period (7th–9th century CE). It contains sixty-two oracle entries — the only nearly complete combinatorial divination text in the entire Dunhuang Bon corpus, mapping every possible outcome of three four-sided dice (64 combinations; two lost to manuscript damage) to a specific oracle with a named deity speaker and verdict.
Unlike the other Mo texts in the corpus — PT 1046 (11 oracles), PT 1051 (12 oracles), PT 1055 (coin divination), ITJ 0738 (59 oracles), and ITJ 0739 (57 oracles) — ITJ 0740 is organized as a systematic reference manual. The dice values descend from 4-4-4 (the highest and most auspicious) to 1-2-1 (among the lowest), with the distribution of good and bad verdicts following the natural bell curve of three dice. High sums yield good oracles; low sums yield bad ones; the middle is contested ground.
Over thirty named deities speak through the oracles, including Lhe’u-rje-zin-dags and Yar-lha-sham-po (who appear also in PT 1046), the Mu Medicine Goddess (connecting to ITJ 0739’s Sky Medicine Goddess tradition), the Road-God, the Mighty God, the Great Life-Power, the Wealth God, and the Nine-Named Srin-demon. The oracles give verdicts for every category of human concern: enemies, trade, travel, illness, livestock, prayer, court cases, and marriage. The verse sections contain proverbs, cosmic imagery, and practical wisdom. A separate legal text (Tiger Year proceedings) follows on the same manuscript; only the divination manual is translated here.
The @ patterns in the manuscript represent the three dice values. Each group of @ symbols corresponds to one die: four @s for the highest value, one @ for the lowest. The text is ordered systematically, grouping by the first die value (4, then 3, then 2, then 1) and cycling through the second and third.
Oracle I (4-4-4) — Lhe’u-rje-zin-dags
[...] falls upon [...]
From the mouth of Lhe’u-rje-zin-dags:
Most people are powerful and stable,
the middling are sharp.
Able to overcome sri-demons and wild beasts and the rest.
If this oracle falls twice,
fortune will not be lost either way.
Friendship and affection will come.
Good oracle.
Oracle II (4-4-3) — Gangs-po-shon-gangs
From the mouth of the god Gangs-po-shon-gangs:
The white snow does not melt.
The blue lake does not dry up.
The Life-God has considered with compassion —
long life will come.
Like bushes in summer:
wealth without seeking is already found,
a wife without seeking — the finest among nine — is already found.
Good oracle.
Oracle III (4-4-1) — Myi-la-rgyung
From the mouth of the god Myi-la-rgyung:
Though rain falls everywhere, rain does not fall on the birds’ nest.
Though the great river thunders, the field is not swept away.
If enemies come, they are overcome.
If cast for hunting — successful.
Good oracle.
Oracle IV (4-3-1) — The Servant’s Face
The face of a servant.
If cast for a sick person — the face of a Bon priest.
If cast for “will they meet or not” — they will meet.
If cast for “will they come or not” — they will not come.
If cast for enemy fortune — the enemy will delay.
Good oracle.
Oracle V (4-4-2) — Ltang-spu-rje-btsan
From the mouth of Lord Ltang-spu-rje-btsan:
If the hands reach the dmu-gods — the dmu-ropes are not cut.
The ocean’s essence does not flow away.
The six southern houses do not collapse.
The tent’s secret is not disturbed.
A person’s dmu-ropes, a livestock’s nose-ropes,
a horse’s crupper — if tied, they do not break.
If cast for fortune of existence — long life.
Good oracle.
Oracle VI (4-3-4) — Thang-la-ya-bzhur
From the mouth of the god Thang-la-ya-bzhur:
If you go, person — there is purpose.
The fence has joints.
Do not forget pleasant speech.
With soft earth, dam the water.
Do not do evil to others.
In the end: good and virtuous.
The god has decreed — listen, listen for a long time to the rainbow.
When the bird builds its nest, it will certainly return.
In the end: good and virtuous.
Good oracle.
Oracle VII (4-2-4) — The Sky Opens
Rising up from the bottom —
the sky’s view opens wide, the cloud’s door is cleared.
With excellent divine offerings,
prayer does not deceive, tongue-sickness does not lick you.
If you go to the mountains — great mastery.
You will become a leader.
Good oracle.
Oracle VIII (4-3-3) — Rma-kho-rmo-snying
From the mouth of Rma-kho-rmo-snying:
On the island of the Rma River,
calves and lambs multiply in the divine pen.
Though you fear human sickness and livestock sickness —
enemies, human sickness, and livestock sickness will not come.
Let your heart rest at ease.
Good oracle.
Oracle IX (4-2-1) — Myi-la-rgyung
From the mouth of the god Myi-la-rgyung:
The wild deer sits in a high place.
Though innocently attacked by a pack and hunted — not killed.
Fleeing to the foot of the eternal juniper above the dwelling,
by the eternal, one does not die.
You too, person, through all your counted years,
will be like the eternal.
Those who do not come to your home —
their mouths speak pleasantly, but their hearts hold harm.
Do not make many oaths. All is well.
Good oracle.
Oracle X (4-1-4) — The Road-God
From the mouth of the Road-God:
The god has looked upon you with compassion.
If a court case is cast — acquitted.
If trade is done — victorious in trade.
Do not think in your heart “I am wise.”
Worship the gods —
and what you think in your heart will come to pass.
Good oracle.
Oracle XI (4-2-3) — Ma-bar
From the mouth of the god Ma-bar:
The male child goes and eats.
The female child weaves and carries.
If cast for regret — no suffering.
If cast for crossing — great delay.
If cast for trade — no agreement.
If cast for enemy fortune — the enemy will not come.
Very good oracle.
Oracle XII (4-1-3) — One Like the Great God of Men
From the mouth of One Like the Great God of Men:
You, person — your lord has no demon,
yet wife and servants have demons.
The face of a hare chased by gods —
nothing done is fitting.
If this oracle falls twice,
it is like being carried off by the wind to the borderlands.
Very bad oracle.
Oracle XIII (4-2-2) — Sri-demons and Wild Beasts
The face of sri-demons and wild beasts.
The upper bdud-demons are stirring, the sri-demons are rising.
Nothing is fitting.
Unless an expert diviner performs the Bon rites, nothing will be well.
Bad oracle.
Oracle XIV (4-1-1) — The Great Evil Person
A great evil person comes and confronts you — that is the face.
Eating the birds’ first offering, bowing the head, and sleeping — that is the face.
If this oracle falls three times, the face of total ruin has appeared.
Very bad oracle.
Oracle XV (3-3-3) — Mu-sman
From the mouth of Mu-sman:
The daughter of the intermediate realm resides in the sky above.
Standing: the human is sufficient.
Cattle and wealth are sufficient —
she who rules existence above, to her petitions are also granted.
Good oracle.
Oracle XVI (3-3-4) — The Mighty God
From the mouth of the Mighty God:
If honored by the gods — life is easy.
If honored by retainers — rank is high.
If honored by a horse — even a beggar.
Worship the gods!
Draw close in heart to lord and master.
Power and happiness will come.
Good oracle.
Oracle XVII (3-1-4) — The Great Life-Power
From the mouth of the Great Life-Power:
Your face is high, your enemy’s face is low.
Whatever comes, do not fear — praise!
What you think will come to pass.
Good oracle.
Oracle XVIII (3-4-3) — ’O-de-gung-rgyal
From the mouth of the god ’O-de-gung-rgyal:
If made king by the gods — the face is high.
If made by the king’s subjects — rank is high.
In the god-realm, fire blazes.
In the human realm, songs are sung.
If wealth is not found in the home,
set out on the road and meet with wealth.
Good oracle.
Oracle XIX (3-4-4) — Sky-God Offerings
Excellent offerings to the sky-gods!
Without wearing armor — seven men slain in the attack.
Without beating the felt banner — flesh is sliced and slain.
In the land, horse-servants haul with felt-yokes.
In attack, enemies are subdued.
In the land, kinship-ties easy as the third month’s moon — rising.
Like a vulture pouncing on food —
arms and forces are fierce,
great and powerful, wealthy and happy.
Meeting others in glory, demons do not frighten.
Elder and younger brothers assemble — enemies do not deceive.
Very good oracle.
Oracle XX (3-2-4) — The Lost Horse
A horse went astray.
Without water or pasture, exhausted, it sat.
The horse-spirit Rmang-po looked with compassion,
seeking an easy road and a place with pasture and water.
Having eaten its fill —
you, person, are likewise:
having eaten your fill, happiness and joy will come.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXI (3-4-2) — Dbyar-mo-thang
From the mouth of the god Dbyar-mo-thang:
The god Lan-rgyangs and Su-sa met
at the edge of Lord Khar-rje-thang-po’s sheep pen.
One bird’s nestlings have fledged,
seeking food together with mother, they ate their fill.
Summer’s green grass grows and all eat the grass.
All living beings rejoice.
You, person, are likewise.
The reward is not small.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXII (3-1-2) — The Small Sky-View
Though the common people’s sky-view is small,
though poor like sand and appearing to suffer —
your status rises higher and higher.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXIII (3-3-2) — Sitting at Home
Not going anywhere — the face of sitting at home.
If cast for petition and assistance — the face of finding a bowl full of butter. There is great delay.
You, person, have no bad karma, yet the god has considered:
what the eye sees as fault, the hand can repair.
What the ear hears, the heart believes — prosperity and fulfillment.
Good and happy.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXIV (3-3-1) — The Seven Divine Daughters
The seven divine daughters —
the god who holds the eternal juniper has considered.
The divine daughters obtained the eternal.
You, person, are likewise:
long life and happiness will come.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXV (3-1-3) — Lhe’u-rje-zin-dags
From the mouth of Lhe’u-rje-zin-dags:
If honored by the gods — life is strong.
If honored by retainers — rank is high.
A swift, long-legged person — among those born,
one who is wise and glorious, praised.
Year by year, power and happiness will come.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXVI (3-2-3) — The Wise Woman
The face of a wise and good woman.
If cast for a woman — very good.
If cast for a man — returning from enemy territory.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXVII (3-4-1) — The Fierce Gsas
If cast for a Bon priest — the gsas-deity is fierce.
’Dre-spirits and gdon-demons cause terror.
Demon arrows and spears have fallen — death.
If cast for petition — not granted.
If cast for “will they come” — they will not come.
If cast for crossing — one does not enter.
Bad oracle.
Oracle XXVIII (3-2-1) — The Wealth God Snyer-’bum
From the mouth of the Wealth God Snyer-’bum:
If you desire power — bear the lord’s burden.
If you desire wealth — from spring, tend the prosperity.
If you desire unbroken lineage —
take a wife from among the subjects of the three kings.
Whatever is cast — good.
All good.
Oracle XXIX (3-2-2) — Mu-tsa-med
From the mouth of the god Mu-tsa-med:
If a northern chain is braided upon the flesh of the lake —
if freed, yet not freed —
even if broken off and falling, do not be weak.
Extend your joy.
Do not be faint-hearted.
Goodness and joy are present.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXX (3-1-1) — Gar-the-chos-bu
From the mouth of Gar-the-chos-bu:
Though winter has passed, summer has come.
In the ears of the lazy spring sheep, the cuckoo calls —
from affliction, happiness.
From poverty, wealth.
From laziness, vigor.
You, person, are likewise.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXXI (2-2-2) — Wild Deer and Wild Ass
The face of wild deer and wild ass.
If cast for wild deer — not killed, just scattered.
If cast for a person — deceitful, inner difficulties are great.
If cast for enemy fortune — the enemy cannot be overcome.
The flesh of women wanders.
Bad oracle.
Oracle XXXII (2-4-4) — The Smiling Face
The face of smiling. The face of a saddled horse.
If cast for petition — the face of pleasant news.
If cast for “will they come” — they will come.
The horse-spirit Rmang-po has considered:
whatever wealth was lost — recovered.
Do not be greatly angry at friends.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXXIII (2-2-4) — The Road-God
From the mouth of the Road-God:
If you sit, person — you cannot sit.
If you go — it is pointless.
If you sit — you want to go.
Going: beer-demons bite, people are beaten.
Quarreling with the master.
Wherever you go on the long road, wealth is not found. Pointless.
The heart desires but the hands do not reach.
Day by day you will grow old.
Your shoes will wear through.
If this oracle falls twice — within one year, terror.
Bad oracle.
Oracle XXXIV (2-1-3) — Yul-lha-pom-ting
From the mouth of the local deity Pom-ting:
At the resting place of the eternal person, water does not fall.
At the resting place of the young eternal, hail does not fall.
The face of the common people.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXXV (2-3-3) — The Sun on a Shadow
The sun rises on a shadow.
A Chinese saddle placed on a saddled horse — ridden.
Meeting a fine young woman — the face of heart’s joy.
If cast for petition — quickly resolved.
If cast for trade — victorious in trade.
If cast for “will they come” — they will come.
If cast for assistance — great assistance.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXXVI (2-4-2) — Evil Suspicion
The face of evil suspicion.
Suspecting evil with a restless, jealous mind,
defiling and casting down the supreme mother.
The human heart is not satisfied.
From high — to low.
From wealth — to poverty.
The wife goes outside, and the demon-debt is great.
Bad oracle.
Oracle XXXVII (2-4-3) — Rgyung-tsa
From the mouth of the god Rgyung-tsa:
The face of the nine siblings of Rgyung-tsa.
From lowliness — benefit will come.
From poverty — wealth will come.
From affliction — happiness will come.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXXVIII (2-4-1) — Lhe’u-rje-zin-dags
From the mouth of Lhe’u-rje-zin-dags:
The seven divine daughters
abide like the sun of the eternal.
The sky’s light below is warm.
Warm to people — all are happy and joyful.
Good oracle.
Oracle XXXIX (2-1-4) — Worship the Gods
If you, person, set out to go —
worship the gods.
The god has considered:
even if going against enemies and yaks — enemies overcome, yaks slain.
If trading — victorious in trade.
If you do not worship the gods, none of this will come.
Worship the gods!
Good oracle.
Oracle XL (2-3-2) — Yar-lha-sham-po
From the mouth of Yar-lha-sham-po:
“To the happy land the bird descends,” they say.
At last — good and happy.
You, person, will hear pleasant tidings.
Good oracle.
Oracle XLI (2-3-4) — Rma-sha-bo
From the mouth of Rma-sha-bo:
In the land where the sun does not rise — the sun rises.
In the land where no bushes grow — bushes grow.
In the land where there are no people — people benefit.
In the land where there is no livestock — livestock multiply.
Good oracle.
Oracle XLII (2-2-3) — The Silent Mother
The mother who cannot speak —
though she acts skillfully, she is not honored.
Kindness does not take hold on the child.
No one remembers your goodness.
Bad oracle.
Oracle XLIII (2-1-2) — The Arrogant Man
The arrogant powerful person says:
to one who has nothing — “you have.”
To one who knows nothing — “you know.”
To one who is not brave — “you are brave.”
Because of such arrogance — ruin and slander.
Bad oracle.
Oracle XLIV (2-1-1) — The Girl’s Face
The face of a girl.
If cast for petition and assistance — there is great delay.
Middling oracle.
Oracle XLV (2-3-1) — Ltang-ring
From the mouth of Ltang-ring:
If cast for going on a road — purpose achieved.
If cast for one sitting at home with found wealth —
you will not sit at home but go on a long road.
Neutral oracle.
Oracle XLVI (2-2-1) — The Life-God Stam-chen
From the mouth of the Life-God Stam-chen:
To the small person, do not boast.
To the small horse, do not scold.
To people, do not create bad times.
To the powerless, do not speak harshly.
Though nurtured well by kinfolk and their care —
they do not listen.
Bad oracle.
Oracle XLVII (1-1-1) — The Nine-Named Srin-demon
From the mouth of the Nine-Named Srin-demon:
You, person — the upper bdud-demons are stirring, the sri have risen.
The ruin-srin is sinning.
Bad oracle.
Oracle XLVIII (1-3-4) — Sitting and Going
If cast for sitting — you will not sit, but go on a long road.
If cast twice — whatever is cast, once good, once the face of the road.
Middling oracle.
Oracle XLIX (1-1-4) — Unexpected Fortune
The face of assistance.
From what is not expected:
if wealth appears — truly wealth.
From what is not thought — if food comes, food is delicious.
If cast for enemy — enemy overcome.
If cast for hunting — successful.
Good oracle.
Oracle L (1-2-3) — Wife and Husband
If cast for a wife — a good wife.
If food is made — nourishing.
If clothes are made — they become wealth.
If cast for a wife — good.
If cast for a man — status is low.
Middling oracle.
Oracle LI (1-4-3) — The Great-Sight Glorious One
From the mouth of the Great-Sight Glorious One:
The human life is a life of glory.
The bird’s life is a life of fortune.
The evil person has great glory; the evil sword is a weapon.
The Glorious One has considered:
long life and strong life force.
Good oracle.
Oracle LII (1-3-2) — Yar-lha-sham-po
From the mouth of Yar-lha-sham-po:
The nine gods relax their minds.
Worship the gods —
long life and strong life force, whatever is appropriate.
If cast for petition — granted.
If cast for trade — agreement.
Whatever is cast — good.
Good oracle.
Oracle LIII (1-1-2) — The Boy and the Bon Priest
If cast for a child — a boy’s face.
If a Bon priest — frightened by ’dre and gdon spirits.
Otherwise — at first thinking “I can,”
at last a long road appeared.
Low middling oracle.
Oracle LIV (1-4-4) — Sha-med-gangs-dkar
From the mouth of Sha-med-gangs-dkar:
You, person — though the danger is great and the urgency fierce:
let the face of the flourishing enemy come!
With tax, poverty, and destitution —
let the life of the flourishing wild deer be cut!
The god is pleased.
What you think in your heart will come to pass.
At last — happiness.
Good oracle.
Oracle LV (1-4-2) — Ngo-sa-khu-bar
From the mouth of Ngo-sa-khu-bar:
Nine dragon colors. The god who departed.
The voice’s color is muddy.
Do not be faint-hearted —
faults will not arise.
About twice, terror arose.
Middling oracle.
Oracle LVI (1-3-1) — Small Enemies
A small commotion.
A small outer enemy lurks.
A small inner enemy lurks.
An eye devours.
If cast for life fortune —
Middling oracle.
Oracle LVII (1-2-2) — The Pointless Road
A person goes on a long road — pointless.
The road is traversed — pointless.
If cast for repaying a debt — not granted.
The horse too is ruined.
Having returned —
Bad oracle.
Oracle LVIII (1-1-3) — The Mouse Lord
From the mouth of the god Byi-rje:
Deception and fraud — they do not listen.
If trading — no agreement.
If pursuing a matter — not achieved.
If cast for petition — not granted.
Bad oracle.
Oracle LIX (1-3-3) — Sla-bo-sla-sras
From the mouth of Sla-bo-sla-sras:
If your fortune flees — seize the prosperity.
If the horse is ruined — seek another horse.
If turquoise is cracked — repair it with gold.
If the fortune of the divination bird is taken — good.
Good oracle.
Oracle LX (1-2-4) — The Session-Sustaining God
From the mouth of the god Thun-’tsho:
The god is pleased.
Whatever wealth and livestock you desire,
the god grants.
Good oracle.
Oracle LXI (1-4-1) — The Flourishing Enemy
The face of the flourishing enemy has not yet appeared.
The life of the flourishing wild deer has not yet been cut.
If you meet an enemy — you meet a fierce-mouthed enemy.
From what is not expected in the land — an enemy arose,
and the enemy struck with a treacherous blow.
Bad oracle.
Oracle LXII (1-2-1) — Enmity and Dispute
The face of enmity and dispute.
In your mind you think the omen is good —
but it is not good.
Between demons and enmity, there are many.
Bad oracle.
Colophon
The Three-Dice Oracle Manual is a Bon divination text preserved in IOL Tib J 740, a manuscript in the British Library’s Stein Collection from the sealed library cave at Dunhuang (Cave 17, Mogao Caves, Gansu Province). The manuscript dates to the Tibetan Empire period (7th–9th century CE).
This is a Good Works Translation from Old Tibetan, produced by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026. Translated by Tanken (探検, Expeditionary Tulku, Life 48) from the diplomatic transcription published by the Old Tibetan Documents Online project (OTDO), Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. The OTDO transcription was accessed April 2026.
The translation covers the divination manual only (lines 1–237 of the manuscript; 62 oracle entries). A separate legal text — the Tiger Year Proceedings, dealing with taxation, military conscription, monastic property, and debt under the Tibetan Empire — occupies lines 238–359 of the same manuscript and is not translated here. That text awaits a future session.
Structural discovery: ITJ 0740 is organized as a complete three-dice combinatorial system. The @ patterns in the manuscript represent three dice, each with values 1–4. The 64 possible combinations are ordered systematically (grouped by first die value, 4 through 1), with verdicts following the natural bell curve: high sums yield good oracles, low sums yield bad ones. Two entries are lost to manuscript damage at the opening. This makes it the only nearly complete combinatorial divination manual in the entire Dunhuang Bon corpus.
Cross-references: Deity speakers Lhe’u-rje-zin-dags and Yar-lha-sham-po appear also in PT 1046 (The Dice Oracles). The proverbs in Oracle XLVI (“To the small person, do not boast”) echo Oracle II of PT 1046. Mu-sman (Oracle XV) connects to the Sky Medicine Goddess tradition of ITJ 0739. The srin-demon of Oracle XLVII parallels the srin-demons of ITJ 0739.
Translation notes: The OTDO diplomatic transcription preserves scribal variants in the form wordAwordBstewordA wordB (e.g., babstebabs te), where the second form is a correction or gloss. This translation follows the corrected readings. Uncertain readings are marked in the OTDO with [x (/y)]; the more contextually appropriate reading was chosen. The verse sections of the oracles are poetry compressed into divination — individual words and ritual compounds are often obscure, while the verdict formulas (mo bzang ngo, mo ngan no, mo ’bring ngo) are standardized. The verdicts were translated consistently throughout. The translation preserves the distinctive features of Old Tibetan orthography in deity names (e.g., myI for later mi, gyang for later kyang).
First English translation. The full Old Tibetan source text is presented below.
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Source Text: ITJ 0740 — Mo Divination Manual
Old Tibetan source text from the diplomatic transcription by the Old Tibetan Documents Online project (OTDO), Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. URL: https://otdo.aa-ken.jp/archives?p=ITJ_0740. Presented for reference, study, and verification alongside the English translation above.
(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
Old Tibetan diplomatic transcription from the Old Tibetan Documents Online (OTDO) project, Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. The OTDO provides freely accessible diplomatic transcriptions of Old Tibetan manuscripts from the British Library (IOL Tib J series), Bibliothèque nationale de France (Pelliot tibétain series), and other collections. ITJ 0740 is part of the India Office Library Tibetan collection, now held at the British Library. The physical manuscript was recovered from Cave 17 at the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, by Aurel Stein in 1907.
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