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Tisé (Kailash), the sole increasing gift of the world


Tisé (Kailash), the sole increasing gift of the world is one of the primary deities of Tibet, and among Ti-Pom-Thang is the primary of the earth and other classes of deities of Shangshung in Western Tibet. Within the World’s King of Snow (Mountains) Tisé catalogue, from Captivating Brahma-Voice: “the Shangshung class of deities, of which Tisé is primary.” In the western area of the three elevated provinces of Ngari, in the Purong District is the King of Snow Mountains, Tisé Meru, established in the manner of a self-arising glass stupa. According to the offering-fulfillment [ritual] of Ti-pom-thang, the appearance of Tisé, the regional deity based on that mountain, is colored like an overflowing snow mountain wearing a crystal gown. He has a white-silk turban and a crystal crown. His right hand holds a white crystal spear and his left a sun-moon parasol. He is adorned by various jewel ornaments and rides a crystal lion. Majestic and dignified, he is the lord of the world and the primary of all the Shangshung class of deities. In the archery-range to his right are planted one-hundred white comet men, and in the spear-range to his left are one-hundred spear-wielding crystal men. He is encircled by a thousand eminent rulers and one-hundred-thousand regional lake-goddesses. A great crystal garuda hovers above his head, to his right are a thousand white liberated yaks, and to his left are a thousand blood-red tigers. He incites each of these to perform its individual work. He abides in the aspect of protecting the Everlasting Bön teachings and providing assistance to accomplish all entrusted activities. He is an obedient protector guarding Bön, who earlier committed to do so in the presence of the knowledge-holder BönShenrab and a host of Bönyidam-deities.