Tibetan Demonology

Discusses the rich taxonomy of gods and demons in Tibet, exploring connections with diverse activities, wrathful or otherwise.

This Element discusses the rich taxonomy of gods and demons encountered in Tibet. These spirits are often exhorted for diverse violent and wrathful activities. The author explores the role of divinities and demons in oracular possession, illness, astrology, ritual calendars, the landscape and as protectors of religious and political institutions.Tibetan Demonology discusses the rich taxonomy of gods and demons encountered in Tibet. These spirits are often the cause of, and exhorted for, diverse violent and wrathful activities. This Element consists of four thematic sections. The first section, 'Spirits and the Body', explores oracular possession and spirit-induced illnesses. The second section, 'Spirits and Time', discusses the role of gods in Tibetan astrology and ritual calendars. The third section, 'Spirits and Space', examines the relationship between divinities and the Tibetan landscape. The final section, 'Spirits and Doctrine', explores how certain deities act as fierce protectors of religious and political institutions.