The Life of Nangsa Obum: A Tibetan Spiritual Journey

The life of Nangsa Obum exemplified hardship, and Her courage and unceasing efforts in pursuing the Dharma, leading a life devoted to self-liberation and helping others, made Her a legend of Her time. Nangsa Obum’s life story was transformed into an operatic narrative by the verses of early minstrels in Tibet, who sang Her tale while journeying from place to place. According to legend, the baby paid homage to the Bodhisattva Tara when She first sipped Her mother’s milk. They named Her Nangsa Obum, which means “one given to Earth, whose radiance would liberate 100,000 sentient beings.”

At that time, King Drachen of Rinang wanted a wife for His son, Prince Drakpa Samdrup. When He spotted Nangsa at the annual Nenying Sungtuk festival, He was instantly mesmerized by Her grace and beauty. Against Her will, the King chose Her to be His son’s bride. Fearful of the King’s power, Her parents obliged and sent Her to Rinang to be married to Prince Drakpa Samdrup.

In the Sera Yarlung Monastery, Lama Shakya Gyeltsen, endowed with clairvoyance, foresaw Nangsa’s future and recognized Her potential to bring great benefit to all sentient beings. He transformed into a beggar accompanied by a dancing monkey-person and appeared before Her. He sang a song about the futility of squandering one’s precious human life in worldly pursuits and implored Nangsa for alms. Riveted by the Lama’s teaching, Nangsa brought them into the house and donated Her own piece of jewelry. Upon hearing the beggar mention Yarlung Monastery and Lama Shakya Gyeltsen, a surge of profound faith ignited within Nangsa, and tears welled up in Her eyes.

Her husband noticed this, and Princess Ani took the opportunity to mislead Her brother and Their father, King Drachen, by wrongfully accusing Nangsa of being unfaithful towards the family. In a rage, They tortured Nangsa, who was overcome with pain from the beating and finally passed away.

Legend has it that in death, She traveled to the underworld and met the Worshipped Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (vegetarian) in His form as the Lord of the Dead. As He browsed through the karma record, He found Nangsa virtuous and sent Her back to the living world to be a revenant, or one who has returned from the dead, and aid others in virtuous conduct. […]