Tag: philosophy

Anatomy of a Murder: Consciousness Destruction Ritual in Tibetan Tantra

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Hidden in the depths of Tibetan esoteric traditions, certain wrathful rituals exist that are rarely spoken of outside the inner sanctums of designated tantric practitioners. These rituals, designed for the destruction of a consciousness, are meant to dissolve its influence, perceived obstructive intent, or spiritual presence. While these practices claim to protect against malevolent spirits, they have, at times, been weaponized against living humans, including those who threaten to expose misconduct within Buddhist institutions.

The Ritual of Consciousness Annihilation

A specific type of tantric ritual involves an esoteric diagram, similar to the one depicted in the image above, where a human form is inscribed with powerful mantras, seed syllables, and esoteric symbols. There is a six-pointed blade weapon surrounding the victim. The six points of the blade correspond to the double triangle (hexagram-shaped) mandala of the chief deity in this lineage. If the deity and guru/s decide that the practitioner has broken the samayas (tantric laws), according to their system, the deity’s mandala turns into a horrific weapon that destroys the mind/consciousness of the victim. But this ritual doesn’t just affect the mind/consciousness, it also has a profound effect on the physical body. The victim’s body will be tortured extensively through a type of voodoo and the very shape of the person’s body will morph to resemble the figure in the diagram. This ritual serves to bind, neutralize, and dissolve a targeted consciousness, whether it be an external spirit, a human, or a “perceived” karmic obstruction. The ritual process follows a structured framework

  1. Creation of the Diagram
    • The targeted consciousness is symbolically bound within a mandala-like formation.
    • Protective and wrathful mantras seal off escape routes.
    • Crosses and sigils mark the finality of the destruction process.
  2. Invocation of Wrathful Deities
    • Mantras and visualizations call forth powerful, wrathful deities.
    • The deities are instructed to subdue, bind, and annihilate the “perceived” enemy.
    • The practitioner performing the ritual sees themselves as a manifestation of the deity, wielding its power.
  3. Execution of the Consciousness
    • The bound entity is pierced, burned, or dissolved into emptiness.
    • Ritual implements, such as a phurba (ritual dagger), are used to cut through the energy ties of the target.
    • The ritual often ends with the destruction of the paper or material that carried the sigils.

The Four Wrathful Deities that Could be Used in Consciousness Destruction Rituals

1. Mahākāla (The Black-Cloaked Guardian)

Mahākāla is the supreme protector of the Dharma, known for his fierce nature. In the context of destructive rituals, Mahākāla is invoked to crush obstacles and eliminate spiritual threats. His iconography often features a black body, fiery aura, and skull garland, symbolizing the destruction of ignorance and negative forces.

  • Origins: Derived from Hinduism’s Shiva, Mahākāla was integrated into Buddhism as a Dharma protector.
  • Role in Rituals: Practitioners visualize Mahākāla’s fire consuming the obstructive consciousness, reducing it to emptiness.

2. Vajrakīlaya (Dorje Phurba, The Slayer of Demonic Forces)

Vajrakīlaya is one of the most feared wrathful deities in Vajrayana Buddhism. He is depicted holding a three-bladed phurba dagger, which symbolizes his power to penetrate and destroy negative karmic influences and malicious forces.

  • Origins: Introduced into Tibetan Buddhism through the great master Padmasambhava.
  • Role in Rituals: Vajrakīlaya’s phurba is symbolically plunged into the obstructive consciousness, shattering its energy and dispersing it into the void.

3. Dorje Legpa (The Enforcer of Vows)

Dorje Legpa is a lesser-known but highly effective Dharma protector, often depicted riding a snow lion. His primary role is to punish those who violate spiritual oaths and disrupt the Dharma.

  • Origins: A native Tibetan deity later assimilated into Buddhist protector pantheon.
  • Role in Rituals: He is invoked to hunt down malevolent forces, bind them in the diagram, and neutralize their influence.

4. Ekajati (The One-Eyed Protector)

Ekajati is a wrathful female deity, feared for her ability to cut off the life force of negative beings and obstructive forces. She is depicted with one eye, one tooth, and one breast, symbolizing her singular focus on eradicating spiritual threats.

  • Origins: A key protector in the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions, linked to Padmasambhava.
  • Role in Rituals: Practitioners visualize Ekajati severing the energy threads of the targeted consciousness, ensuring complete destruction.

Historically, these rituals were supposed to be used to eliminate spiritual and karmic obstacles, not to harm innocent people. However, in some cases, they have been repurposed as tools of suppression within Buddhist institutions. When fear, secrecy, and power dynamics come into play, these ancient magical practices can be wielded as weapons.

There are instances where individuals who were never a true threat to the Dharma were nonetheless targeted. Some have been subjected to these rituals simply because they possessed knowledge that could expose wrongdoing, particularly cases of sexual misconduct and abuse within monastic settings. Instead of facing accountability, certain powerful tantric figures within these circles have used their esoteric knowledge to attack those they feared might reveal the truth.

Karmic Consequences of Weaponized Tantra

From a Buddhist perspective, the intentional use of spiritual power to harm others, especially for self-serving reasons, carries immense karmic consequences. Perhaps this can explain why certain prominent lineages in Tibetan Buddhism face overwhelming obstacles, such as vicious infighting and shocking treachery.

  • If such a ritual is performed with malicious intent, the negative karma generated will eventually return to the practitioner.
  • Those who use these practices risk invoking their own downfall.

Consciousness destruction rituals are horrific tools of suppression and spiritual manipulation. The existence of these rituals, the fact that they abide within the sacred confines of the so-called Buddha Dharma, raises an important ethical question: Who decides what constitutes an “enemy of the Dharma” and how does this practice line up with the teachings of the historical Buddha that emphasize ahimsa or non-violence? And why aren’t spiritual seekers told the truth about these destructive practices before they sign their names on the proverbial dotted line. Even the most beatific seeming Rinpoche must know this sort of thing goes on behind the scenes. Withholding the truth about the dark side of Tibetan Buddhism is very wrong as it puts innocent people in harm’s way.

Moreover, for those who have been targeted, these rituals represent not just an abuse of spiritual power but a deep betrayal of the very teachings they were meant to uphold. Ultimately, any attempt to silence or destroy others through dark esoteric means will eventually meet its own hellish reckoning.

Betrayed by Tibetan Buddhism: A System of Silencing, Gaslighting, and Abuse

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For many seekers, Tibetan Buddhism presents itself as a path of compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment. The colorful rituals, profound teachings, and the promise of an awakened state draw thousands into its fold. Yet, I found that beneath this altruistic exterior lies a deeply disturbing reality that has left many devoted practitioners feeling shattered and betrayed.

The Ignored Epidemic: Sexual Abuse and Victim Blaming

Sexual abuse within Tibetan Buddhist communities is not an isolated phenomenon, it is a systemic issue that has been ignored, dismissed, and, at worst, facilitated. Victims who come forward are met with disbelief and outright hostility. Rather than holding perpetrators accountable, institutions protect the accused, often elevating them to near-divine status, making any accusation seem like an attack on Buddhism itself. Survivors who speak out are gaslit into questioning their own experiences and sanity.

Many have spent years of their lives in service to Buddhist centers and teachers, sacrificing their time, finances, and personal aspirations in the belief that they were contributing to something greater than themselves. But when they are exploited or harmed, they are left with nothing to show for their time and effort.

Devotion Without Reward: The Disillusionment of Lifelong Service

Many who enter Tibetan Buddhist communities do so with sincere intentions, offering years, sometimes decades, of unpaid or underpaid labor to their teachers and centers. They are told that serving a lama is a privilege, a form of spiritual merit that will bring them closer to enlightenment.

But the stark reality is that this so-called merit often leaves people impoverished, physically exhausted, and emotionally drained. The promised rewards of spiritual progress and personal transformation rarely materialize in any meaningful way. Instead, the real benefits accrue to the teachers, who gain wealth, power, and unchallenged authority while their followers struggle to sustain themselves. Those who finally wake up to this exploitation often find themselves discarded, ostracized, and in some cases, actively harmed.

The Dark Side of Tibetan Tantra: Black Magic and Suppression

Tibetan Buddhism is often presented to the world as a practice rooted in loving-kindness and compassion. However, what is rarely discussed is the hidden world of tantric practices that extend into the realm of manipulation and harm.

There exist rituals and practices, known only to initiated insiders, that can be used to attack, suppress, or even destroy those who pose a threat to an abusive teacher. These methods are supernatural and are employed with impunity, while the broader community remains willfully unaware. Advanced practitioners in the know choose to look the other way, refusing to intervene even when witnessing outright harm. Worse, they glorify the abusers, reinforcing their power through public displays of devotion and praise.

The Complicity of the Buddhist Community

The silence and complicity of Tibetan Buddhist institutions and practitioners enables abuse to persist, both mundane and supernatural. In dharma communities where a lama is acting harmfully, those who know the truth either fear retaliation or believe that questioning a lama is a sign of spiritual failure. This culture of submission and blind faith creates a vacuum where predators thrive, shielded by the very people they exploit.

For those who leave, the road to healing is long and painful. The betrayal cuts deeply, not just from the teachers themselves but from the entire community that was supposed to uphold compassion and integrity. The disillusionment is profound, and the scars left behind serve as a haunting reminder of the dangers hidden behind the serene facade of Tibetan Buddhism.

Breaking the Silence

The only way to dismantle this system of abuse is to expose it. Survivors must be heard, their stories believed, and perpetrators held accountable. Blind devotion must give way to critical thinking. The world must recognize that behind the elaborate ceremonies and teachings, a toxic power structure thrives, one that has left too many people in ruins.

Tibetan Buddhism, as it is practiced today in many corners of the world, is not what it claims to be. Until it confronts its dark underbelly, it will continue to betray those who place their trust in its teachings. The truth must be spoken, no matter how uncomfortable it makes those still deceived by the illusion.

Do All Spiritual Paths Lead to God?

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The hexagram symbol on the right depicts the mandala of an important Tibetan Buddhist female deity.

I was having a discussion with a former tantric Buddhist practitioner, and it got me thinking about the popular notion that all roads lead to God and that it doesn’t matter whether or not one has practiced in occult traditions as long as they are trying to live virtuous lives. This idea is comforting to many, but from a theological standpoint, it is deeply flawed. Not all spiritual paths lead to God, and certain practices, no matter how well-intentioned, can take people further away from Him rather than closer.

The Illusion of “Enlightenment”

Many believe that high-level Buddhist teachers or gurus have a special ability to perceive the karma of others. This belief leads followers to trust their guidance blindly, assuming they possess supernatural wisdom. But from a theological perspective, what these figures claim to see and know is not divine insight but a form of spiritual deception. The power they wield does not come from God but from spiritual forces that oppose Him.

The very concept of enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism is fundamentally at odds with Biblical teachings. In this system, enlightenment is not about growing closer to God, but about achieving a state of being that makes one a vessel for spiritual forces that are hostile to Him. The gurus who have attained the so-called spiritual height of “enlightenment” have not reached divine truth but have instead become “perfectly possessed” by the spirits that fuel the tantric path.

The Reality of Spiritual Pacts

Participation in tantric initiations is not merely symbolic. The promises made in these rituals have serious spiritual consequences. When one makes commitments during empowerments, even unknowingly, they are entering into agreements that give authority over their soul to forces that do not serve God.

This is not a matter of personal interpretation. The laws governing these spiritual transactions are real, and those who understand the theology behind them recognize that they operate within a strict legalistic framework. The idea that someone can engage with these practices while remaining spiritually “safe” is misguided. The demons involved do not care whether a person understands what they have agreed to; once the ritual is completed, the spiritual consequences are set in motion.

The False Hope of Virtue Alone

A common misconception in modern spiritual thought is that simply being a good or virtuous person is enough to secure salvation. But righteousness apart from God does not lead to eternal life. If someone is actively engaging in spiritual practices that align with forces opposed to God, no amount of virtue can undo that.

As written in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” Tibetan Buddhism’s reliance on occult rituals, divination, and spirit invocations falls into this category.

This is why it is crucial to educate people about these realities. Many well-intentioned individuals are being led into spiritual traps without realizing it. They are promised wisdom, peace, or power, but in reality, they are binding themselves to forces that seek to separate them from God permanently.

The good news is that no one is beyond redemption. Those who have unknowingly or knowingly engaged in these practices can still turn back to Jesus Christ, who alone has the power to break these spiritual bonds. The key is to recognize the deception, reject it, and seek salvation in Christ alone.

Our responsibility is to share this knowledge with others, so they, too, can be set free. It is not enough to hope that people will figure it out on their own. We must share the truth and help guide others away from deception and into the light of God’s salvation.

Flies at the Gate: A Kundalini Awakening and the Hidden Dangers of Tantric Buddhism

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For some years, I lived in a small retreat house at a Tibetan Buddhist center, nestled in a quiet, wooded landscape. It was a new, meticulously clean space with no rotting food or garbage. There was nothing that should have attracted swarms of flies. Yet, there they were: clinging to the screens on the front of the house, a dark, buzzing mass that never seemed to disappear. It didn’t matter the season, the weather, or my efforts to get rid of them.

At the time, I was undergoing what many in the spiritual world would call a Kundalini awakening, an intense, often overwhelming process where powerful spiritual energy rises through the spine, the chakras, and the channels of the subtle body. But there was nothing peaceful or transcendent about what I was experiencing. Instead of clarity and enlightenment, I suffered intensely. My body burned, my mind was tormented, and I felt under siege.

During that time, I was receiving visits, both physically and astrally, from various gurus and deities associated with Tibetan Buddhism. They would appear in dreams and visions, and in ways that were difficult to explain in rational terms. Despite these encounters, my suffering deepened. My body felt like it was being torn apart, my mind filled with fear, and my energy drained to the point of collapse.

As I struggled, I began to suspect that the flies weren’t just a coincidence. In spiritual traditions across the world, flies have long been associated with decay, demonic forces, and sorcery. In Christianity, Beelzebub, one of the chief demons, is known as the “Lord of the Flies.” In some indigenous shamanic practices, swarms of flies indicate spiritual corruption or an entity feeding off suffering.

Tibetan Buddhism, for all its outward beauty and mystical allure, is deeply entwined with tantric and shamanic practices that most Westerners don’t fully understand. Tantric rituals involve elaborate visualizations, empowerments, and the summoning of deities. But these deities are not mere symbols but are powerful spiritual forces. When a practitioner takes part in these rituals, they are essentially opening doors to these entities, inviting them into their lives, their minds, and their bodies.

I came to realize that I was not simply experiencing the effects of Kundalini awakening, nor was I being guided by compassionate, enlightened beings. Instead, I was being attacked, manipulated, and drained by forces I had unknowingly allowed in. The gurus I had once trusted, who claimed to be working for my spiritual liberation, were not what they seemed. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, they had unleashed something dark into my life.

The flies at my retreat house were more than just a physical nuisance. They were an omen, a manifestation of the unseen forces at play. They clung to my house as the spiritual attacks intensified, seeming to feed off the energy of my suffering. Eventually after two or three years, the flies dropped off, but my troubles had only begun.

For those drawn to the mystical allure of Tantra and Tibetan Buddhism, I offer a warning: things are not always what they seem. Beneath the beautiful rituals, the elaborate thangkas, and the poetic teachings lies a world that can be deeply dangerous. The spiritual forces summoned in these traditions are real and they do not always have your best interests in mind.

If you find yourself suffering inexplicably, if you are experiencing intense spiritual distress, and if strange phenomena, like the endless buzzing of flies, begin to manifest around you, pay attention. Sometimes, it’s a warning that demons have been summoned to destroy your life.

Tantric Astral Projection: The Guru’s Power to “Enlighten” or Condemn

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“The guru can send you to hell.”

This was one of the first things I read when I began studying Tantric Buddhism. It was a shocking statement, yet it carried the weight of an esoteric truth known to practitioners of the Vajrayana path. In the most advanced forms of Tantra, the guru is not merely a teacher; he is the gateway to “enlightenment” or the architect of one’s destruction. Through astral projection, a guru can enter the mind of a disciple, influence their thoughts, and direct their spiritual trajectory.

Avesa: The Guru’s Entry Into the Disciple

The Sanskrit concept of avesa (आवेश) refers to divine or spiritual possession, when a being, such as a deity, spirit, or guru, enters and takes hold of another person’s body or consciousness. In Tantric Buddhism, avesa can occur through astral projection, where an adept guru, having mastered yogic siddhis (supernatural abilities), can merge his subtle body with that of the disciple. This ability allows the guru to read the disciple’s thoughts, observe their karmic imprints, and even modify their spiritual path.

A compassionate guru may use this power to guide a disciple toward enlightenment, removing obstacles and transmitting realization directly into their mindstream.* However, a wrathful or corrupt guru may do the opposite, inflict suffering, confusion, and even damn the disciple to lower realms through curses or negative empowerment.

The Snake in the Bamboo Tube: Ascending or Falling into Hell

Tantric lore often compares the disciple’s spiritual journey to a snake trapped in a hollow bamboo tube. The snake has only two directions it can go: upwards, toward enlightenment, or down into the depths of hell. This metaphor illustrates the danger and intensity of the Tantric path: there is no middle ground or safe plateau where one can pause or exit the path.

If the guru possesses mastery over astral projection and avesa, he can act as the force that propels the disciple upward or, conversely, drags them downward. This is why the relationship with a guru is considered the most critical aspect of Vajrayana practice. It is said that an enlightened master can lead one to Buddhahood in a single lifetime, while a false or wrathful teacher can bring utter ruin.

The Power and Danger of Guru Astral Projection

Stories abound in Tantric Buddhist and Hindu traditions of gurus using subtle forms of possession to test, guide, or manipulate their disciples. Some accounts tell of masters who enter their students’ dreams or consciousness to impart wisdom. Others describe darker encounters where a guru, angered by disobedience or perceived betrayal, sends nightmares, sickness, or madness to a disciple through subtle-body manipulation.

It is said that once a disciple has given their trust to a guru, their mind becomes an open book. The enlightened guru, through avesa, can see their past actions, hidden thoughts, and future circumstances. A corrupt teacher may use it for personal gain or control.

The Razor’s Edge of Tantra

Tantric Buddhism is often called a “razor’s edge” path because it offers both the quickest path to enlightenment and the greatest risk of spiritual downfall. The concept of avesa, coupled with astral projection, reveals just how profound and perilous the guru-disciple relationship can be. Whether the snake in the bamboo tube ascends to liberation or falls into hell depends on the guru’s intent and the disciple’s discernment.

*From a Christian point of view, “enlightenment” is little more than “perfect possession.” This means total at-one-ment with the meditational deity (yidam) and the guru. This is similar to intentional Satanic possession.

Tantric Yantra and the Power of Linga in Vajrayana Buddhism

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Tantric effigies, often referred to as linga, play a significant role in Vajrayana Buddhism, especially when used as instruments of spiritual protection or tools for overcoming various obstacles and enemies. These symbolic figures, primarily drawn or carved, are part of an extensive arsenal designed to affect not just the environment, but also entities and humans.

What is a Linga?

The term linga (or lingam) refers to a symbolic representation of divine power, often associated with Shiva in Hinduism, but in the context of Vajrayana Buddhism, it has taken on broader meanings. In Buddhist Tantra, linga effigies are intricately designed symbols or blockprints that serve as consecrated figures infused with spiritual potency. These are often drawn with profound intention and purpose, and they may be used in ritual contexts aimed at safeguarding the practitioner, overcoming internal or external obstacles, or exerting influence over other individuals.

The Role of Yantra and Linga

The creation of these effigies falls under the broader category of yantra, a Sanskrit term that means a mystical diagram, generally consisting of geometric patterns, sacred geometry, and other spiritual symbols. Yantras are central to Tantric practices across various traditions, including those found in Vajrayana Buddhism.

While the primary purpose of these yantras is to facilitate communication with higher spiritual realms, their scope extends further. They are also utilized to overcome real-world challenges and enemies. The designs, which often incorporate powerful symbols and mantras, carry potent energies capable of affecting the lives of living beings. Their geometric formations have a unique power to influence reality in profound ways.

The Darker Use of Yantra: Targeting Living Humans

While many tantric practices appear to be centered on positive transformation, some yantras, especially the one depicted in the image above, are created with a more malicious intent. These may be used as a means to control, manipulate, or incapacitate a living person. Often, these designs are invoked when a practitioner feels threatened, when they believe someone is working against them, or when they wish to remove or neutralize an opponent.

In the darker aspects of Tantric Buddhism, these images become tools of spiritual warfare. The effigies, with their precise, intricate diagrams, are said to unleash energies capable of affecting the target at a very deep level, interfering with their mental state, their health, or their circumstances. In this sense, the use of such yantras can be likened to a form of spiritual attack, though it is often viewed through the lens of the practitioner’s need for protection or redress.

The image above is an example of such designs. Similar images may be viewed here. They range from those that depict complex, concentric patterns to those that show figures bound by chains, limbs twisted into unnatural positions, and surrounded by ominous symbols. The repetitive nature of the patterns, often arranged in a triangular, circular, or star-shaped structure, is indicative of their purpose to concentrate and focus spiritual energy. Whether drawn on paper or inscribed on talismans, these figures are sometimes used in rituals specifically designed to target a human being.

Why Use Linga and Yantra Against Living Humans?

The reasons for using these powerful symbols against another human are varied. In Tantric Buddhism, as in other forms of esoteric spiritual practice, the belief exists that the power of the mind can utilize demonic forces to directly affect the material world. When someone faces extreme opposition or malefic influence, or for other reasons, they may turn to these symbols for relief or to change their reality.

These rituals, however, are not without ethical consequences. While some view the use of yantras as a form of spiritual justice, others consider it malicious, especially when the symbols are used to manipulate or harm people for personal reasons. It is important to note that such practices fall outside the bounds of mainstream Buddhist teachings but are definitely used in Tibetan Buddhist tantra. This poses the question: how “Buddhist” are the practices in tantric Tibetan Buddhism, really?

The Power and Potential of Yantras

Whether used in defense or as an act of aggression, the power of linga and yantra comes from their ability to channel spiritual energy and demonic entities. They are meticulously created and charged with specific intentions. The geometric precision and intricate design are not merely aesthetic but are believed to carry profound spiritual repercussions.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that the effigies and yantras used in Vajrayana Buddhism represent more than just spiritual protection. These powerful drawings, blockprints, and talismans are active spiritual forces that, when used effectively, can bring about profound harm. As these ancient Tantric practices continue to spread throughout the world, it is essential to understand their darker uses. Only through knowledge and wisdom can these traditions be fully comprehended. Aspirants should take care and not stumble blindly into spiritual esotericism, even if it is cloaked in an appearance of compassion and light.

Refer to the images on this HAR (Himalayan Art Resources) linga effigy page: https://www.himalayanart.org/search/set.cfm?setID=3150

Sources:

  1. Tantric Effigies in Vajrayana Buddhism, Himalayan Art Resources (HAR), www.himalayanart.org.
  2. Yantras and their Role in Tantric Practices, Tantra and Esotericism Journal, 2023.

Parallels Between Tibetan Buddhism and Satanic Ritual Abuse

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The following article explores perceived similarities between Tibetan Buddhism and Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) in terms of control mechanisms, ritual practices, and psychological manipulation. The comparisons drawn are based on specific interpretations and are not intended to generalize or misrepresent either tradition as a whole.

Both Tibetan Buddhism and Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) represent complex systems that involve ritual, hierarchical structures, and psychological influences. While they originate from different cultural and spiritual frameworks, certain similarities in their use of control tactics, dualistic personas, and ritualistic practices warrant closer examination. This article explores these parallels, particularly in the context of mind control, fear-based manipulation, and the use of dual identities in both systems.

1. Mind Control and Psychological Manipulation

In accounts of SRA, mind control plays a pivotal role, often involving the deliberate fragmentation of an individual’s psyche to create multiple alter personalities. These alters are frequently compartmentalized into ‘front’ and ‘back’ personalities, serving different purposes based on the handler’s intent. Demonic entities are often assigned to control these alters, reinforcing obedience and perpetuating fear.

Tibetan Buddhism, while traditionally viewed as a spiritual path toward enlightenment, contains elements that can be interpreted as psychological manipulation. The use of fear tactics, such as warnings of karmic retribution or spiritual downfall, serves to maintain authority within the monastic hierarchy. Additionally, initiations into various deities, some peaceful, others wrathful, can create psychological dichotomies within practitioners. These deities, which could be perceived as symbolic representations of different mental states, play roles that parallel the concept of alters in SRA.

2. The Use of Dualistic Personas: Peaceful and Wrathful Entities

A significant parallel between SRA and Tibetan Buddhism lies in the use of dualistic personas. In SRA, handlers create front alters that appear functional and benign, while back alters may be programmed for destructive or hidden purposes. This duality fosters confusion and reinforces the handler’s control.

Similarly, Tibetan Buddhism employs the concept of peaceful and wrathful deities. Figures like Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the deity of compassion, embody the peaceful aspect, while wrathful manifestations like Mahakala represent fierce, protective energies. The Mahasiddha, an enlightened being considered beyond good and evil, can manifest these dual personas depending on the circumstances. In some cases, a spiritual teacher (or Root Guru) may embody a compassionate demeanor publicly, but exhibit wrathful behavior when “necessary” for spiritual subjugation or destruction. This duality can create cognitive dissonance in disciples.

3. Ritual Practices and the Role of Fear

Both systems incorporate ritualistic practices designed to reinforce psychological control. In SRA, rituals often involve symbolic or literal acts of violence, aimed at instilling fear and breaking down individual resistance. The presence of demonic entities within these rituals further amplifies the psychological trauma and sense of helplessness in victims.

Tibetan Buddhism’s rituals, while usually viewed as spiritually transformative, can also be interpreted through this lens. The rituals of subjugation, for instance, are designed to exert control over both human and spiritual entities. Wrathful deities are invoked to overcome obstacles, enemies, or internal psychological barriers, often through complex ceremonies that may include visualizations of violence or destruction. For disciples who are vulnerable or questioning, these practices can evoke fear and reinforce the guru’s power over their spiritual and personal lives.

4. The Guru as a Central Authority Figure

In both Tibetan Buddhism and SRA, the central authority figure, whether a Root Guru or a handler, wields significant control over individuals. The guru, much like the SRA handler, is often viewed as infallible, possessing superior knowledge or spiritual insight that justifies their behavior, whether compassionate or wrathful. The disciple’s trust in the guru’s wisdom can lead to unquestioning obedience, even in the face of apparent contradictions or abuse.

The Mahasiddha’s role, being beyond conventional morality, mirrors the handler’s manipulation in SRA, where actions are justified as necessary for the victim’s transformation or initiation. This dynamic can trap individuals in dangerous situations and tortured mental states.

While Tibetan Buddhism and Satanic Ritual Abuse arise from distinct cultural and spiritual backgrounds, their methods of control, use of dual personas, and ritualistic practices reveal striking similarities in how they can manipulate individuals psychologically and spiritually. Recognizing these parallels is crucial for understanding the broader mechanisms of power that aim to trap and curtail individual freedom and agency.

The Syncretic Nature of Tibetan Buddhism: Black/White Magic, Tantra, and the Buddha’s Teachings–Do they Mix?

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Tibetan Buddhism is widely admired in the West for its profound philosophical teachings, its meditative depth, and its association with peace and compassion as exemplified by figures like the Dalai Lama. However, there is a lesser known and far more complex aspect of Tibetan Buddhism that intertwines its spiritual practices with white and black magic, divination, and tantra. Sam van Schaik’s Buddhist Magic: Divination, Healing, and Enchantment through the Ages provides a fascinating lens into these practices, showing how Tibetan Buddhism is not a monolithic tradition but a syncretic amalgam of divergent systems.

This blog post aims to shed light on the magical underpinnings of Tibetan Buddhism, comparing them to Western grimoires, and questioning their alignment with the teachings of the historical Buddha. It also highlights the often overlooked fact that Tibetan Buddhism is not one system, but a hybrid of at least three distinct traditions: early Buddhist teachings, Hindu tantra (including influences from Kashmir Shaivism), and indigenous Tibetan shamanistic practices.

The Magical Practices of Tibetan Buddhism

Van Schaik’s book reveals the prevalence of magical practices in Tibetan Buddhism, ranging from divination to enchantment and healing. These practices are codified in texts that resemble Western grimoires, (manuals that prescribe rituals, mantras, and symbols to achieve specific outcomes such as protection, wealth, healing, or destruction). In Tibetan Buddhism, these texts often attribute their power to the blessings of deities or enlightened beings, yet their focus on manipulating outcomes through ritual actions aligns them with the magical traditions of the West.

Such practices include:

1. Divination: Techniques for predicting the future using symbolic tools such as dice, mirrors, or astrological charts.

2. Healing Rituals: Invocations of deities and spirits to cure illnesses, often involving complex rituals that parallel Western ceremonial magic.

3. Protective Charms: Talismans and mantras designed to ward off negative influences, akin to the sigils and spells of Western occultism.

4. Black Magic for the Destruction of Enemies: Rituals and spells aimed at causing harm or misfortune to perceived adversaries. These practices often involve invoking wrathful deities or spirits to unleash destructive energies, creating symbolic effigies or representations of enemies to channel harm, and performing rites designed to summon curses or disrupt the lives of opponents. These practices, though justified in some texts as a form of “compassionate wrath” to subdue harmful beings, bear a stark resemblance to the malevolent workings of Western grimoires and are a significant departure from the Buddha’s teachings of nonviolence and compassion.

While the first three categories are often framed as compassionate and benevolent, they reveal a focus on material and worldly outcomes that stands in contrast to the Buddha’s original teachings on renunciation and liberation from samsara. The fourth category is clearly destructive.

The Historical Buddha vs. Tibetan Magic

The teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, emphasize the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means of transcending suffering and achieving enlightenment. These teachings encourage ethical conduct, mindfulness, and wisdom, rejecting reliance on supernatural interventions or rituals. In the early Buddhist texts, the Buddha explicitly warns against using his teachings for worldly gain, emphasizing liberation over manipulation of the material world.

In contrast, the magical practices detailed in Tibetan Buddhist texts often prioritize worldly benefits, from health and wealth to protection and influence. While these practices may offer immediate relief or benefits, they risk diverting practitioners from the Buddha’s core message of liberation through self-discipline and insight.

The Influence of Tantra and Shamanism

Tibetan Buddhism’s integration of magic is largely due to its synthesis with other traditions, including:

1. Kashmir Shaivism and Hindu Tantra: Many tantric elements in Tibetan Buddhism, including the use of mandalas, mantras, and deity yoga, can be traced directly to Hindu traditions. These practices focus on harnessing esoteric energies and often include rituals that bear striking similarities to magical ceremonies.

2. Indigenous Tibetan Shamanism: Before Buddhism arrived in Tibet, the indigenous traditions were steeped in shamanistic practices involving spirit invocations, exorcisms, and divination. As Buddhism merged with these local traditions, it absorbed many of their magical elements.

3. Early Buddhist Teachings: The foundational teachings of the Buddha provide a third, distinct layer. While these teachings aim for transcendence and ultimate freedom from suffering, their integration with tantric and shamanistic practices in Tibet has created a system with seemingly contradictory goals.

Two (or Three) Systems at Work

In Tibetan Buddhism, these diverse influences coexist uneasily under the same umbrella. On one hand, we have the Buddha’s path of ethical discipline, meditation, and wisdom. On the other hand, we have the tantric and magical systems, which often emphasize power, ritual mastery, and worldly results. The attempt to merge these systems has resulted in a unique yet conflicting spiritual tradition.

For Western audiences, the peaceful and compassionate image of Tibetan Buddhism often obscures these darker, magical elements. It is crucial to recognize that beneath the veneer of benevolence lies a tradition that includes practices reminiscent of Western occultism. This highlights the importance of discernment and understanding the true nature of this tradition.

A Warning for Seekers

In conclusion, Buddhist Magic: Divination, Healing, and Enchantment through the Ages, serves as an essential resource for those seeking to understand the complex and multifaceted nature of Tibetan Buddhism.

Western practitioners and admirers of Tibetan Buddhism should approach the tradition with open eyes. While the philosophical and meditative teachings of Tibetan Buddhism offer profound insights, the magical practices described in van Schaik’s book represent a different domain, one that often contradicts the Buddha’s core message. Understanding the historical and cultural layers that make up Tibetan Buddhism can help people avoid a potential minefield of dangerous spiritual practices.

Revealing the Overlooked Connection Between Kashmir Shaivism and Tibetan Buddhist Tantra

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The rich interplay between Hindu and Buddhist Tantric traditions has been a subject of rigorous scholarly inquiry, yet much of this relationship has remained obscured in popular understandings of Tibetan Buddhism. Three seminal works, Francesco Sfewa’s “Some Considerations on the Relationship Between Hindu and Buddhist Tantras”, Alexis Sanderson’s “Vajrayāna: Origin and Function in Buddhism”, and Robert Mayer’s “The Figure of Maheśvara/Rudra in the rÑiṁ-ma-pa Tantric Tradition,” shed light on the foundational role of Kashmir Shaivism in shaping the Yoginītantras of Tibetan Buddhism. These articles offer compelling evidence that Tibetan Buddhist Tantras, particularly the Yoginītantras, were heavily influenced by Saiva texts and practices, directly linking Tibetan Buddhism to the figure of Śiva himself.

In the transmission of Tibetan Buddhism to the West, Tibetan masters often downplayed or ignored this profound connection. Instead, they ascribed the Tantras to the Buddha himself, claiming that he taught these esoteric teachings in a transcendent form after his parinirvāṇa (passing away). According to traditional accounts, these teachings were revealed at specific sacred locations, such as Mount Malaya, situated in present day Sri Lanka. These teachings, it is said, were preserved in the realms of gods and nāgas (serpentine spirits) before being transmitted to humanity through visionary masters. By presenting the Tantras as originating from the Buddha rather than acknowledging their Saivite roots, Tibetan masters aimed to establish their authority and distinguish their tradition from external influences.

However, as Sanderson, Sfewa, and Mayer document, the Yoginītantras in Tibetan Buddhism were not created in isolation. They borrowed extensively from Saivite texts like the Brahmayāmala, Siddhayogeśvarīmata, and Picumata, incorporating not only ritual frameworks but also mythological narratives. This borrowing represents what scholars call “pious plagiarism,” where Saivite materials were recontextualized to align with Buddhist soteriological goals. The myths, rituals, and iconography of the Yoginītantras, which are central to Tibetan Buddhist Tantra, thus owe their origins to Śiva and his Tantras.

Recognizing this connection does not diminish the uniqueness of Tibetan Buddhism but rather situates it within a broader, interconnected spiritual landscape. It underscores how traditions evolve through dynamic cultural exchanges, offering a deeper understanding of Tantra’s history.

Shared Foundations and “Pious Plagiarism”

Francesco Sfewa’s analysis highlights the undeniable overlap between Hindu and Buddhist Tantra. He suggests that this commonality arises not from coincidental similarities but from deliberate borrowings. Sfewa notes the phenomenon of “pious plagiarism,” where texts from the Hindu Saivite tradition were adapted into Buddhist contexts, particularly the Yoginītantras. He emphasizes the need to move beyond vague notions of a “shared religious substratum” and instead examine direct textual dependencies.

Alexis Sanderson: Tracing Scriptural Borrowings

Sanderson’s meticulous philological work underscores this dependency. He demonstrates how Buddhist Vajrayāna texts, especially the Yoginītantras, borrowed heavily from Saiva sources such as the Brahmayāmala and the Siddhayogeśvarīmata. For example, he shows that ritual frameworks and mythic narratives in Buddhist texts like the Hevajra Tantra align closely with Saiva models. Sanderson argues that these borrowings are not isolated but reflect a systematic incorporation of Saivite elements into Buddhist Tantra.

Mythology as a Lens: Robert Mayer’s Insights

Robert Mayer takes a mythological approach, examining the narrative of the “Taming of Maheśvara/Rudra.” This myth, central to many Buddhist Tantras, portrays the subjugation of Saiva deities by Buddhist figures, symbolizing the assimilation of Saivite practices into Buddhist frameworks. Mayer sees this narrative as a “charter myth” that legitimizes Buddhist Vajrayāna’s adoption of Saiva elements. He also highlights how Tibetan Buddhist traditions reinterpreted these myths, assigning Buddhist meanings to Saivite symbols while acknowledging their origins.

Reconciling Differences: A Shared Soteriology?

Despite their doctrinal differences, Sfewa, Sanderson, and Mayer point to a shared soteriological framework underpinning both traditions. Both Hindu and Buddhist Tantras emphasize liberation through a union with the divine, facilitated by initiations, meditative practices, and ritual. This common ground enabled a seamless exchange of ideas, even as each tradition reinterpreted borrowed elements to align with its goals.

Implications for Modern Scholarship

The work of these scholars challenges us to rethink the boundaries between Hindu and Buddhist Tantric traditions. Rather than viewing them as isolated systems, we see them as part of a dynamic cultural and religious interplay. This perspective not only clarifies our understanding of Tantra but also offers broader insights into how religious traditions evolve through interaction. This, in turn, calls into question the myth that tantric Buddhism came directly from the Buddha himself.

Recognizing the historical and cultural debts of Tibetan Buddhism to Kashmir Shaivism, particularly in the Yoginītantras, does not detract from its significance. Instead, it situates Tibetan Buddhist Tantra within a tapestry of spiritual exchange, affirming the adaptability of religious traditions across time and space.