The Superhuman Life of Gesar of Ling

This epic retells the legendary exploits of Gesar, Tibet's warrior-king, and his quest for spiritual victory. Alexandra David-Néel and Lama Yongden vividly explore themes of heroism, mythic struggle, 1868-1969 and inner transformation, highlighting Gesar as both folk hero and symbol of Buddhist virtue.

The Superhuman Life of Gesar of Ling is David-Néel's brilliant adaptation of the famous Tibetan epic, centered around Gesar, the divine warrior-king. Rooted in oral tradition and Buddhist philosophy, Gesar's magical battles, victories over adversity, and quest for world harmony are recounted in vivid detail. Gesar embodies courage, wisdom, and compassion; the narrative explores Buddhist ethics and the spiritual significance of warriorship as described by Chögyam Trungpa in the foreword. David-Néel's adaptation situates this mythic tradition within Tibetan identity, highlighting its bardic roots and enduring influence on Asian spirituality. The book invites newcomers to Tibetan legends while offering an invaluable resource for scholars, exploring the symbolic struggle against ignorance and promoting inner transformation through character and myth.

Alexandra David-Néel combined the roles of explorer, Buddhist, linguist, and cultural pioneer in her storied life. Renowned for her direct experience with Tibetan masters, she lived among spiritual adepts, authored dozens of books, and contributed profoundly as translator and interpreter of Tibetan narratives, including the Gesar legend.