A World Beyond: The Paranormal in Tibetan Culture

In Tibetan culture, the supernatural is not a separate or distant concept, but an integral part of everyday life. This worldview is a rich blend of ancient indigenous traditions and Tibetan Buddhism.

At its core, the paranormal in Tibet is defined by a vast pantheon of beings, including hungry ghosts (Yidag), who are souls trapped by unfulfilled desires, and various nature spirits that inhabit mountains and rivers. There are also demons that represent both external threats and internal emotional obstacles. Interestingly, many of Tibet's deities are depicted in a fierce, wrathful form, which are not evil but rather powerful manifestations of enlightened energy used to combat ignorance.

Interaction with this spiritual world is a common practice, handled by shamans and through specific rituals. The belief in the Bardo—an intermediate state between death and rebirth—is central. During this 49-day period, a person's consciousness navigates a spiritual journey that ultimately determines their next life. This concept of reincarnation is a foundational belief, where one's actions, or karma, directly influence their future existence.