The Monkey Bodhisattva and Rock Ogress Origin Myth

Summary

The Tibetan people are believed to have descended from a sacred monkey (a Bodhisattva sent by Avalokiteshvara to meditate in Tibet) and a passionate rock ogress. Their union, blessed by Avalokiteshvara to prevent greater chaos, produced six children representing the six realms of existence. These children multiplied to 500, were fed miraculous grains by Avalokiteshvara, and transformed into humans. The myth explains the duality of Tibetan character.