Stallion on a Frozen Lake: Love Songs of the Sixth Dalai Lama

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The Sixth Dalai Lama, Rigdzin Tsangyang Gyatso, born in 1683, was a rebel in his own times. His death has remained a mystery and we are unsure of whether it took place in 1706 or 1746. A much loved poet and tantric master he lived beyond his contemporaries' concept of identity. Shrouded in legend, he turned out to be a unique sort of holy man. He seems to have officially given back the ascetic pledge he took and lived in the Potala dressed as a layman. He wore rings and blue silk, instead of the red and yellow attire of the monks. Whatever the truth may be, the diverse powers that make up the Sixth Dalai Lama are intensely indefinable. They confuse normal concepts of identity, and they make his poetry very alive to the touch.

His poems reflect not only his meditative lineage but the mystery and mercurial passion of sexual love as well. The songs are modeled on anonymous folk songs, sung in a lilting manner. They treat love problems in uncomplicated images and natural, passionate language. They are creations, which remind the reader of some of the greatest romantic poets. These songs were sung in the streets of Tibet until banned by the occupying Chinese authorities.

About the Author:

Coleman Barks has also translated and published other esoteric poets like Lalla and Rumi, whose works are to be found included in this present series.