Magic and Mystery in Tibet Tibet, often referred to as the "Roof of the World," is a land deeply steeped in magic and mystery. Nestled high in the Himalayas, this remote region has long been shrouded in folklore, spirituality, and mysticism. One of the most intriguing aspects of Tibetan culture is its rich tradition of magic and sorcery. Tibetan magic, known as "trul khor," is a practice that combines physical movements, breathing techniques, and meditation to achieve spiritual enlightenment and harness supernatural powers. Practitioners of trul khor believe that by mastering these techniques, they can control the energy within their own bodies and connect with the unseen forces of the universe. Another fascinating aspect of Tibetan mysticism is the centuries-old tradition of oracle prophecies.
For centuries Tibet has been known as the last home of mystery, the hidden, sealed land, where ancient mysteries still survive that have perished in the rest of the Orient. Many men have written about Tibet and its secret lore, but few have actually penetrated it to learn its ancient wisdom. Among those few was Madame Alexandra David-Neel, a French orientalist. A practicing Buddhist, a profound historian of religion, and linguist, she actually lived in Tibet for more than 14 years. She had the great honor of being received by the Dalai Lama; she studied philosophical Buddhism and Tibetan Tantra at the great centers; she meditated in lonely caves and on wind-swept winter mountains with yogi hermits; and she even witnessed forbidden corpse-magic in the forests. Her experiences have been unique.
Magic and Mystery in Tibet tells the story of her experiences in Tibet, among lamas and magicians. It is neither a travel book nor an autobiography but a study of psychic discovery, a description of the occult and mystical theories and psychic training practices of Tibet. She tells of great sages and sorcerers that she met; of the system of monastic education; the great teachers and their disciples; Tibetan folklore about their spiritual athletes; reincarnation and memory from previous lives; elaborate magical rites to obtain siddhis; the horrible necromantic magic of the pre-Buddhist Bonpa shamas; mental visualization exercises to create disembodied thought forms (tulpas); visions; phenomena of physical yoga, control of the body heat mechanism; breathing exercises; sending "messages on the wind"; and much similar material.
An unusual aspect of Madame David-Neel's book is that she herself experienced many of the phenomena she describes, yet she describes them with precision and in a matter-of-fact manner, permitting the reader to draw his own conclusions about validity, interpretation in terms of psychology, and value. Particularly interesting for the modern experiencer are her detailed instructions for tumo (the yoga of heat control) and creation of thought projections.
It is neither a travel book nor an autobiography but a study of psychic discovery, a description of the occult and mystical theories and psychic training practices of Tibet. She tells of great sages and sorcerers that she met; of the system of monastic education; the great teachers and their disciples; Tibetan folklore about their spiritual athletes; reincarnation and memory from previous lives; elaborate magical rites to obtain siddhis; the horrible necromantic magic of the pre-Buddhist Bonpa shamas; mental visualization exercises to create disembodied thought forms tulpas ; visions; phenomena of physical yoga, control of the body heat mechanism; breathing exercises; sending messages on the wind ; and much similar material.
Another fascinating aspect of Tibetan mysticism is the centuries-old tradition of oracle prophecies. Oracles, known as "nechung" or "kuten," are individuals who can communicate with spirits and deities and provide insights into the future. These oracles undergo intense spiritual training and rituals to prepare themselves for possession by the spirits.
Magic and Mystery in Tibet - by Madame Alexandra David-Neel (Paperback)
A practicing Buddhist and Oriental linguist recounts supernatural events she witnessed in Tibet during the 1920s. Intelligent and witty, she describes the fantastic effects of meditation and shamanic magic -- levitation, telepathy, more. 32 photographs.
Book Synopsis
For centuries Tibet has been known as the last home of mystery, the hidden, sealed land, where ancient mysteries still survive that have perished in the rest of the Orient. Many men have written about Tibet and its secret lore, but few have actually penetrated it to learn its ancient wisdom. Among those few was Madame Alexandra David-Neel, a French orientalist. A practicing Buddhist, a profound historian of religion, and linguist, she actually lived in Tibet for more than 14 years. She had the great honor of being received by the Dalai Lama; she studied philosophical Buddhism and Tibetan Tantra at the great centers; she meditated in lonely caves and on wind-swept winter mountains with yogi hermits; and she even witnessed forbidden corpse-magic in the forests. Her experiences have been unique.
Magic and Mystery in Tibet tells the story of her experiences in Tibet, among lamas and magicians. It is neither a travel book nor an autobiography but a study of psychic discovery, a description of the occult and mystical theories and psychic training practices of Tibet. She tells of great sages and sorcerers that she met; of the system of monastic education; the great teachers and their disciples; Tibetan folklore about their spiritual athletes; reincarnation and memory from previous lives; elaborate magical rites to obtain siddhis; the horrible necromantic magic of the pre-Buddhist Bonpa shamas; mental visualization exercises to create disembodied thought forms (tulpas); visions; phenomena of physical yoga, control of the body heat mechanism; breathing exercises; sending "messages on the wind"; and much similar material.
An unusual aspect of Madame David-Neel's book is that she herself experienced many of the phenomena she describes, yet she describes them with precision and in a matter-of-fact manner, permitting the reader to draw his own conclusions about validity, interpretation in terms of psychology, and value. Particularly interesting for the modern experiencer are her detailed instructions for tumo (the yoga of heat control) and creation of thought projections.
During a trance-like state, the oracles deliver prophecies and guidance to seekers, offering a glimpse into the hidden realms beyond the physical world. The creation of intricate sand mandalas is another unique Tibetan practice that showcases the intricate connection between art and spirituality. These mandalas, composed of brightly colored grains of sand, are incredibly detailed and can take weeks or even months to complete. Once finished, they are ritually destroyed to symbolize the impermanence of life and the transcendence of material existence. Tibetan Buddhism, with its deep roots in mysticism, also plays a significant role in the region's magical traditions. Tantric practices, secret rituals, and sacred texts are fundamental to Tibetan Buddhism. The belief in the existence of hidden realms and deities, such as the mythical land of Shambhala, adds to the enchanting allure of Tibetan spirituality. Even the landscape of Tibet holds a sense of otherworldly magic. Punctuated by towering mountains, vast grasslands, and sacred lakes, this terrain has inspired countless legends and tales of mystical encounters. Tibetan folklore is replete with stories of yetis, phantom horses, and hidden treasures, adding to the air of mystique that pervades the land. In conclusion, magic and mystery are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Tibetan culture. From mystical rituals and prophecies to the vibrant art of sand mandalas, Tibetan traditions reflect a profound connection to the supernatural and the unseen. Whether through the practice of trul khor, the prophecies of oracles, or the belief in hidden realms, Tibet continues to captivate the imagination of those seeking to delve into the mystical depths of this enigmatic land..
Reviews for "Tibetan Buddhism: Paths to enlightenment"
1. John - 1 star
This book was a complete disappointment. I was expecting an intriguing adventure filled with magic and mystery in Tibet, but instead, I got a dull and poorly written mess. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth, and the plot was confusing and hard to follow. The author seemed more interested in impressing readers with their knowledge of Tibetan culture rather than telling an engaging story. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
While the concept of exploring magic and mystery in Tibet sounded intriguing, this book failed to deliver on its promise. The writing was overly descriptive to the point of being tedious, and the pacing was incredibly slow. The plot lacked excitement, and the characters felt wooden and unrelatable. Additionally, the author's attempt to incorporate Tibetan culture felt forced and unnatural. Overall, I found this book to be a struggle to get through and was left feeling disappointed.
3. Alex - 1 star
"Magic and Mystery in Tibet" was a complete waste of my time. The story was incredibly dull and lacked any sense of intrigue or excitement. The characters were forgettable and lacked any development, making it hard to invest in their journey. As someone interested in Tibetan culture and spirituality, I was disappointed by the shallow representation presented in this book. The author's attempt to capture the magic of Tibet fell flat, and it felt like a missed opportunity. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and well-written story.