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SΓ‘ndor KΕrΓΆsi Csoma (1784β1842) was a Hungarian scholar and explorer from Transylvania, driven by one haunting question: where did the Magyars, the Hungarian people, come from? With little money but extraordinary determination, he left his homeland behind and travelled thousands of kilometres east, following the traces of his peopleβs past into the western Himalayas. Along the way, his relentless search led to an unexpected legacy: he became a pioneer of modern Tibetan studies, creating a groundbreaking Tibetan-English dictionary and grammar. ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ [Verse 1] In KΕrΓΆs, Transylvania, my journey had its start, Among the SzΓ©kely people who would shape my heart. One question drew my thoughts to lands beyond my view: Where did the ancient Magyar path begin, and who knew? [Pre-Chorus 1] In GΓΆttingen, eastern languages I learned, While toward my peopleβs distant past my thoughts still turned. With little wealth, I left my home behind, And travelled east for answers I might find. [Chorus] I follow ancient roads through lands unknown, Searching for the roots I call my own. Through foreign lands, through mountains, stone and snow, I follow knowledge wherever I may go. [instrumental interlude] [Verse 2] From Egypt on to Baghdad, far away from home, Across Persia and Central Asia I would roam. Past Kabul, Lahore and Kashmir, eastward bound, At last the mountain lands of Ladakh I found. [Pre-Chorus 2] In Zanskar I began Tibetan words to read, A learned Lama gave the guidance I would need. Through mountain winters, working line by line, I learned the language and its intricate design. [Chorus] I follow ancient roads through lands unknown, Searching for the roots I call my own. Through foreign lands, through mountains, stone and snow, I follow knowledge wherever I may go. [instrumental interlude] [Verse 3] In Calcutta I continued with my quest, And gave my years of scholarship their test. My grammar and my dictionary went to press, The fruits of years of labour and success. [Pre-Chorus 3] I studied Buddhist texts and Sanskrit there, And worked among Tibetan manuscripts with care. Yet still the question that had led me from my door, Called me to seek the Magyar past once more. [Chorus] I follow ancient roads through lands unknown, Searching for the roots I call my own. Through foreign lands, through mountains, stone and snow, I follow knowledge wherever I may go. [Verse 4] I left Calcutta, heading north once more, Toward distant Lhasa and the lands beyond its door. The Magyar question still remained in mind, Beyond Tibet I hoped the truth to find. [Pre-Chorus 4] Through the Terai I made my northern way, In Darjeeling fever brought a final stay. The Magyar origins remained beyond my view, But Tibetan studies opened pathways new. [Final Chorus] I followed ancient roads, so far from home, Still seeking ancient roots, I ceased to roam. From Transylvania to Himalayan snow, I found new worlds, but not the one I sought to know.
