Lyrics Trijang Rinpoche, 1950 | Adopted 1950 | |
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The current Tibetan National Anthem, known as Gyallu, was written by Trijang Rinpoche in 1950. The anthem is used by Tibetan Government in Exile but is strictly banned by the People's Republic of China, including in Tibetan areas.
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Tibet's first national anthem was, according to Tashi Tsering, written by a famous Tibetan scholar, during the epoch of the seventh Dalai Lama and under the reign of the Pholanas in between 1745-1746.
Gyallu
Gyallu is the current national anthem of Tibet. The anthem focuses on the radiance of Buddha. The words were written by Trijang Rinpoche around 1950 but it is unclear exactly whether the anthem was first used before the incorporation of Tibet into 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 an anthem (presumably Gyallu) is from the period of 1949 to 1950 (when Tibet was already facing the threat of a Communist Chinese invasion), 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 1960 in exile.
The melody is said to be based on a very old piece of Tibetan sacred music, and the lyrics are by the Dalai Lama's tutor, Trijang Rinpoche. It has been used by Tibetans in exile ever since the introduction of the anthem although it is banned in Tibet.
18th-century Tibet national anthem
The first Tibetan national anthem was created in the 18th century. According to eminent Tibetan scholar Tashi Tsering, it was composed by Pholanas in 1745/46, at the time of the 7th Dalai Lama. Sir Charles Bell described it as Tibet's "national hymn". Also part of a Tibetan Buddhist prayer, namely Prayer for long life of the Dalai Lama. The Prayer mentioned below is the prayer for long life of 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, so it could not possibly be the national anthem before his (re)birth. In Tibetan Buddhism it is customary to write by highly realized Masters long life prayers for new reincarnations and other greatly recognized Masters of the time. It is said that reciting such prayers that spontaneously appeared in the minds of reincarnated masters (Living Buddhas) brings great benefits to those who recite them, not to mention of course the addressees of them.