Scholars have long shown keen interest in the source and content of Gesar, in the epic King Gesar. But this has led to many conflicting views. In fact, the hero in the epic is not always named as Gesar. Apart from this difference, there are variations in the content of the name.

Gesar in the Heaven

Toinzhub Garbo was the youngest son of the king of the White Brahma. In Tibetan, "Toinzhub'' means "grand cause'', and "Garbo'' means "white,'' with "Toinzhub Garbo'' meaning "the person who will be successful in undertaking a grand cause'' or "a person distinguished in charitable undertakings''. "Toinzhub Garbo'' implies the lofty character and heroic cause of Gesar. In the epic, Gesar was born in "Ling Garbo'', of the State of Ling, a place which means "white place.'' Gesar' s acts in aiding the poor and the weak, and in fighting demons, is mentioned as a "white cause.'' (Gyuaide Chapter)

"Tuiba Gewa'' is translated in some versions as "pleasant to the ear.'' The epic explains that those who suffer will be filled with happiness when the name is mentioned. (Lingcang Woodcut Edition: Chapter Heaven)

"Bodor Garbo'' is the son of Brahma. In Tibetan, "Bodor'' means "child'' and "Garbo'' means "white'', with "Bodor Garbo'' meaning "a child who undertakes charitable causes'' (Chapter Heaven sung by old man named Zhaba).

The three names are all associated with the heroic cause of Gesar.

Jorru: Gesar During Childhood

According to The Birth of the Hero, when Gesar was born, his size was like that of a three-year-old child, and there were auspicious signs in the sky: Gods played musical instruments; it rained colorful flowers; and a beautiful rainbow appeared in the distant sky.

When Gyiacha, elder brother of Gesar, came to see the newborn baby, Gesar stood up and pricked up his ears in an amicable manner.

"My brother can sit up, though he has just been born,'' said Gyiacha. "Let' s call him Jorru.''

Gesar was called Jorru until he became king. In Tibetan, "Jorru'' contains the meaning of "suddenly rising''. When Gyiacha gave him the name, he wished the baby would be successful in his future career.

Gesar: King of the State of Ling

Jorru became the king of the State of Ling when he won a horse race. When he became the king, he was called Gesar. A ceremony was held to enthrone the new king, and holy signs appeared in the sky. People of the State of Ling called Gesar "Gesar Lhobo Zhadui, Lion King of the World'', with Lhobo Zhadui meaning "magic weapons used to defeat the enemy''.

In Tibetan, "Gesar'' has two meanings: "stamen'' and "striking it rich'' (ancient Tibetan word). Even today, the Tibetans tend to use "Gesarsum'' to describe one who comes to power unexpectedly.

According to the epic, Gesar was the son of the God and king of the State of Ling. Hence it is proper to use stamen to beautify him.

Also according to the epic, Gesar suffered a lot, but he succeeded in the horse race and became the king of the State of Ling. It is therefore also suitable to use "striking it rich'' to describe him.