Before the rise of Tibetan Buddhism, the beliefs in Tibetan regions were mainly prehistoric Bon, an ancient system of thought, guidance, and ritual practice. Legend tells us of a story in the classics of prehistoric Bon regarding Tibetan Go and its strange and unique way of divination.
Long ago, a warrior was born into a famous family in Tibet. His name was Jiacuo. When Jiacuo grew up, he practiced martial arts well with the plan to avenge the killing of his father, who an enemy murdered.
Practitioners of Tibetan Go use it to discern the will of Heaven
Before leaving home, Jiacuo’s grandmother took out a pair of “mi mang,” a Tibetan word that refers specifically to Tibetan Go, which is also a general term for the word “board game” (a two-player abstract strategy board game).
The grandmother said to Jiacuo: “Child, before you set off, you must have divination to determine whether it will be good or bad luck. This expedition for revenge is war. Therefore, by the customs left behind by ancestors, you can only determine whether it will be good luck or bad luck before you take action after playing the game. Otherwise, you will waste time and even lose your life.”
The grandmother then told Jiacuo to hold the white stones in one hand and the black rocks in the other and play the game. If the white wins, he can travel far.
Jiacuo concentrated on playing the game according to his grandmother’s instructions while his grandmother kept chanting mantras. While playing the game, Jiacuo was also testing himself to ensure that he did not favor any side and played well for both black and white with all his heart.
For every step he took, he must make the best choice according to his strength. There are strict requirements to ensure that this game has the predictive effect of divination toward the correct result.
Go: Incorporates prayer and skill
The grandmother kept chanting the mantras. Finally, the black and white were evenly matched, which was in line with the effect of Jiacuo’s strength. In the end, the white narrowly beat the black. Seeing the result, the grandmother said confidently: “Child, you can go; this trip will be successful.”
According to the rules, the white represents Jiacuo, and the black represents the enemy. Therefore, since the white has won, the divination results in Jiacuo’s trip being auspicious.
On the contrary, if the black won, Jiacuo’s actions would be more or less threateningly inauspicious, and the consequences could be disastrous. According to the ending of this Tibetan folklore, it was said that Jiacuo finally succeeded in taking his revenge.
Of course, the contemporary world does not advocate vengeance without legal principles. However, from the perspective of the world folk culture, this Tibetan story reveals that playing the game has both mantras and the function of divination.
This kind of culture is unique worldwide, and so far, only Tibet is known to have such a game-playing culture.
It is said that in the Rela Yongzhonglin Temple of the prehistoric Bon in Dazhuka, Shigatse City, Tibet, there is still a copy of the Mi Mang, which is translated into Chinese as Tibetan Chess Mantra.
Although many people have heard of this book, its true face has not been revealed, and the language barrier adds a lot of mystery.
Regarding mantras, some people think they are a form of sorcery that “tricks people” and “harms people.” But this is mainly influenced by some weird contemporary film and television literature.
These grotesque horror works are mainly artistic adaptations, integrating evil plots and sinister stories to create a stimulating effect and attract audiences to watch. However, many of its situations are not in line with the traditional orthodox culture.
Can sincerely chanting prayers work to seek help from the Divine realm?
Suppose we learn more about the customs and habits of orthodox religious and cultural beliefs. In that case, we will realize that chanting “mantras” is similar to praying to the Divine, and through language and voice expressions, we can seek the protection of the Divine or ask for help from enlightened beings.
In Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism, there are many mantras with varying functions. However, believers’ continuous chanting of mantras can enhance cultivation, improve the mind, and increase one’s faith. Take the Pure Land School of Buddhism as an example; believers cultivate by reciting the name of Buddha Amitabha.
Traditional folk believes that mantras play the role of righteous faith, and people with honest thoughts, correct views, and moral actions can be blessed and helped by the Divine.
Tibetan folklore: subdue evil and receive blessings and protection from the Divine
There is a famous sacred Zari Mountain in the Shannan area of Tibet. At the foot of the mountain is a village. Behind the town is an irregular stone with a smooth surface engraved with “Go board,” which the locals call “Kangzhuo Mi Mang,” which means “Goddess Go Board.”
According to legend, the lion-headed goddess often invites demons to play chess here. Whenever the game is played, there will be strong winds, dark clouds, and fierce fighting against the “Go board.”
A Bodhisattva is believed to be hidden beside the rock to help the lion-headed goddess, which is why the goddess can subdue the devil every time.
The point of this story is that victory was possible only when a higher level blessed the lion-headed goddess with wisdom and abilities by way of mantras. So it is believed and firmly held that the mantras with the Tibetan Go that has the same effect.
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