Zhang-zhung

In Necklace of Gzi, Namkhai Norbu asserts that the form of the letters in the Tibetan script was derived from an older Zhang-zhung alphabet, called “Maryig” (smar-yig), which ultimately would have also derived from an Indian script.

A Survey of Tibetan History ��� 1 The Empire of the Early Kings of Tibet 2009

“Li” is also the name of a district in Zhang-zhung and was part of the name of the Zhang-zhung royal family.

A Survey of Tibetan History ��� 1 The Empire of the Early Kings of Tibet 2009

In 643, the Tibetan Empire further expanded as Legmi (Legs-mi) [more commonly known in Tibetan as Li Migkya (Li Mig-rkya, Zhang-zhung: Lig-myi-rhya)], the last ruler of Zhang-zhung, submitted and Zhang-zhung became a vassal state.

A Survey of Tibetan History ��� 1 The Empire of the Early Kings of Tibet 2009

Thus, “Li-byin” could alternatively mean “The (Script) - giver from the Zhang-zhung Royal Family.”

A Survey of Tibetan History ��� 1 The Empire of the Early Kings of Tibet 2009

The Zhang-zhung princess brought with her to the Yarlung court many aspects of Bon culture.

A Survey of Tibetan History ��� 1 The Empire of the Early Kings of Tibet 2009

Thonmi Sambhota would have needed to pass through Zhang-zhung in order to reach Kashmir.

A Survey of Tibetan History ��� 1 The Empire of the Early Kings of Tibet 2009

Others translated Bon texts into Tibetan from the Zhang-zhung language.

A Survey of Tibetan History ��� 1 The Empire of the Early Kings of Tibet 2009

One is reminded of the founder of his dynasty, Songtsen-gampo, attempting a similar balance by marrying for political purposes princesses from Zhang-zhung, Nepal, and Tang China.

The Historical Interaction between the Buddhist and Islamic Cultures before the Mongol Empire ��� 11 Tibetan Politico-Religious Maneuverings at the End of the Eighth Century 2006

Masters of the indigenous, pan-Tibetan tradition were present as well, to translate materials from the Zhang-zhung language into Tibetan.

The Historical Interaction between the Buddhist and Islamic Cultures before the Mongol Empire ��� 11 Tibetan Politico-Religious Maneuverings at the End of the Eighth Century 2006

According to its historical records, Zhang-zhung at one time also spanned the entire Tibetan plateau.

The Historical Interaction between the Buddhist and Islamic Cultures before the Mongol Empire ��� 5 Tibet on the Eve of the Arrival of the First Muslim Teacher 2006