The national anthem of Tibet (, Wylie: bod rgyal khab kyi rgyal glu), commonly referred to as "Gyallu", is a Tibetan patriotic song which serves as the de facto anthem of the Central Tibetan Administration.
It is unclear exactly whether it was first used before the Annexation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China in 1951, or after the 14th Dalai Lama went into exile in India in 1960. The earliest report of a state anthem (presumably "Gyallu") is between 1949 and 1950 when Tibet was under invasion. It was introduced under reforms set in place to strengthen patriotism among the Tibetan people. Another report states that the anthem was presented to the 14th Dalai Lama in exile in 1960.
Like "Qurtulush Yolida", performance of this anthem is strictly prohibited by the People's Republic of China, particularly in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Tibet's first national anthem was, according to Tashi Tsering, written by a Tibetan scholar during the epoch of the 7th Dalai Lama and under the reign of the Pholanas in between 1745 and 1746.
Lyrics Written by Trijang Rinpoche, a tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama, around 1950, the lyrics focus on the radiance of the Gautama Buddha.Tibet - nationalanthems.info
The melody is said to be based on a very old piece of Tibetan sacred music, and some of its elements are also found in other Tibetan songs such as that of Mimang Langlu, a song of the 1959 Tibetan uprising. It has been used by Tibetans in exile ever since the introduction of the state anthem although it is banned in Tibet.
Current lyrics Standard Tibetan originalEnglish translationThe source of temporal and spiritual wealth of joy and boundless benefits The Wish-fulfilling Jewel of the Buddha's Teaching, blazes forth radiant light The all-protecting Patron of the Doctrine and of all sentient beings By his actions stretches forth his influence like an ocean By his eternal Vajra-nature His compassion and loving care extend to beings everywhere May the celestially appointed Government of Gawa Gyaden achieve the heights of glory And increase its fourfold influence and prosperity May a golden age of joy and happiness spread once more through these regions of Tibet And may its temporal and spiritual splendour shine again May the Buddha's Teaching spread in all the ten directions and lead all beings in the universe to glorious peace May the spiritual Sun of the Tibetan faith and People Emitting countless rays of auspicious light Victoriously dispel the strife of darknessWylie transliterationTibetan pinyinIPA transcription
Original version The first Tibetan national anthem was created in the 18th century. According to eminent Tibetan scholar Tashi Tsering, it was composed by Pholanas around 1745, at the time of the 7th Dalai Lama. Sir Charles Bell described it as Tibet's "national hymn".Freedom Wind, Freedom Song About the origins of Tibet anthems, by Jamyang Norbu. Tibetan originalWylie transliterationTibetan pinyinEnglish translationCircled by ramparts of snow-mountains, This sacred realm, this wellspring of all benefits and happiness. Tenzin Gyatso, the enlighted existence of compassion, May his reign endure till the end of all existence.
Notes
References
External links The Central Tibetan Administration has a page about "Gyallu" that includes audio instrumental and vocal versions. Tibetan National Anthem by Kelsang Chuki Tenthong (YouTube)