Tibetan Demonology

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

Christopher Bell (Author)

9781108712675, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 July 2020

75 pages
12.5 x 18 x 0.7 cm, 0.12 kg

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.

1. Introduction
2. Spirits and the body
3. Spirits and time
4. Spirits and space
5. Spirits and doctrine
6. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Alternative belief systems [HRQ], Aspects of religion [non-Christian HRL], Other non-Christian religions [HRK], Religion: general [HRA], Religion & beliefs [HR]