Tag: spirituality

The Cross-Cultural Practice of Mirror Divination

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The practice of divination has long been embedded in the religious and esoteric traditions of cultures across the world. One particularly striking example is the use of mirror divination, or prasena, a ritual in which a prepubescent child gazes into a reflective surface to reveal hidden knowledge or foresee the future. This practice, as highlighted by scholar Sam van Schaik in a recent interview, appears in both Ethiopian and Tibetan traditions and has possible roots tracing back to ancient Babylonian magic. [1]

Such continuity across vastly different cultures raises compelling questions about the transmission and persistence of esoteric knowledge throughout history.

The Ritual and Its Cultural Manifestations

Mirror divination has been historically practiced in multiple religious traditions, often involving a spiritual mediator, typically a child, who, under the guidance of a ritual master, peers into a reflective surface to receive supernatural insights. In Ethiopian traditions, this practice is documented in both ancient manuscripts and contemporary ritualistic settings. In Tibetan Buddhism, it appears in esoteric texts and continues to be used in divinatory rituals conducted by monks and lay practitioners alike.

The use of children in such rituals is significant. Many cultures have believed that children, being less conditioned by worldly concerns, are more receptive to supernatural or spiritual forces. These divinatory practices align with similar practices found in the Greco-Roman world, where oracles and seers would enter trance states to communicate divine messages.

A Babylonian Legacy?

Van Schaik suggests that mirror divination may have originated in Babylonian magic before spreading both eastward and westward. Babylon, as a major center of esoteric learning, was home to extensive traditions of divination, astrology, and ritual magic. Texts from Mesopotamia describe forms of lecanomancy (divination using liquid in a bowl) and katoptromancy (mirror scrying), practices that share structural similarities with the Ethiopian and Tibetan rituals.

This hypothesis aligns with broader historical patterns of cultural diffusion. The Silk Road and other trade routes served as conduits for not only commerce but also religious and magical knowledge. Babylonian astrological systems influenced both Greek and Indian traditions, just as mystical and ritualistic practices traveled alongside Buddhist monks and lay merchants. The presence of mirror divination in both Ethiopia and Tibet suggests that it may be a fragment of a much older and interconnected system of spiritual technologies.

Esoteric Transmission and the Kundalini Connection

The cross-cultural presence of mirror divination raises intriguing parallels with other esoteric practices, including the concept of kundalini. Just as divination involves opening oneself to external spiritual influences, kundalini awakening in tantric traditions is described as an energetic activation that fundamentally alters consciousness. In both cases, the practitioner becomes a vessel for forces beyond the self, forces that can be interpreted as divine or, in some cases, as possessing spirits.

For those who have experienced kundalini awakenings through tantric or meditative practices, the sensation of an “other” presence taking control is strikingly similar to descriptions found in spirit possession traditions. The parallel suggests that some esoteric practices, whether labeled as divination, energy work, or spiritual awakening, may stem from the same underlying phenomenon, one that has been variously interpreted depending on cultural and religious frameworks.

Implications for Understanding the Occult Legacy

If mirror divination has indeed traveled from Babylon to the far reaches of Ethiopia and Tibet, it serves as a potent reminder that esoteric traditions are rarely confined to one religion or civilization. They emerge, transform, and persist across centuries, carried by those who practice them and reshaped by the cultures that adopt them.

For those exploring the intersection of ancient magic and spiritual deception, this historical continuity offers a crucial insight: many seemingly distinct mystical practices may share a common origin, one that predates organized religions and crosses the boundaries of geography and belief. As such, these traditions warrant deeper examination, especially for those who, like myself, have encountered their hidden dangers firsthand.

[1] Sam van Schaik, interviewed by Jonathan Samuels, Interview with Sam van Schaik (January 15-16, 2019), p. 12.

Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity: Traditions Very Much at Odds

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As a young person, I was assured by a respected Tibetan Buddhist rinpoche that one could be both Christian and Buddhist. [1] He acknowledged that many had faith in Jesus Christ and claimed there was no contradiction between the two traditions. Yet, this assertion directly contradicts biblical Christianity. Whether well-intentioned or deceptive, he was wrong.

Tibetan Buddhism is often presented in the West as a tradition of wisdom and compassion, sometimes compared to Christianity. However, its fundamental tenets conflict with Christian doctrine, not only in rejecting a Creator God but also in its deep commitment to tantric practices that diverge from biblical teachings. Tibetan Buddhism’s fusion of Indian Buddhist philosophy, tantric practices, and Tibetan shamanism has resulted in a system where esoteric tantric laws supersede even the historical Buddha’s teachings, let alone Christian principles.

Tantric Roots: Beyond the Buddha’s Teachings

It is important to note that Tibetan Buddhism is not solely derived from the historical Buddha’s teachings but incorporates various esoteric influences, including elements from broader South Asian tantric traditions. Scholar Jacob Dalton notes that early Buddhist tantra developed ritualized practices such as mantra recitation and yogic breath-control techniques. Over centuries, Tibetan Buddhist tantra evolved beyond the Buddha’s original teachings, shaped by ongoing ritual innovations and textual developments rather than direct continuity with the Buddha’s doctrine (Dalton, “On the Early Development of Sexual Union in Buddhist Tantric Practice”) [2]

The Buddha’s original teachings emphasized ethics, meditation, and wisdom, not esoteric rituals, deity invocations, or secret empowerments, which later became central to Tibetan Buddhist practice. The introduction of tantric elements centuries after his death fundamentally altered Buddhism, aligning it more closely with Hindu tantra than with its original foundations.

The Fusion of Buddhism, Tantra, and Tibetan Shamanism

Tibetan Buddhism is not a pure continuation of the Buddha’s teachings but a blend of:

  • Mahayana Buddhism: Contributed philosophical concepts like emptiness (shunyata) and the bodhisattva ideal.
  • Kashmir Shaivism & Indian Tantra: Introduced deity yoga, secret initiations, and esoteric sexual rituals.
  • Tibetan Bon Shamanism: Integrated animistic practices, spirit invocations, and sorcery.

This synthesis was fraught with contradictions. The Buddha’s ethical teachings often clashed with tantra’s disregard for conventional morality, which, according to tantric texts, must be transcended for enlightenment. Tantric laws ultimately took precedence over traditional Buddhist ethics, justifying actions that the Buddha explicitly condemned, such as ritual intoxication, sexual practices, and deceptive methods of control.

Dalton’s book, The Taming of the Demons: Violence and Liberation in Tibetan Buddhism, highlights how tantric law overshadowed Buddhist nonviolence, allowing for ritual violence against perceived enemies of the dharma (Dalton, The Taming of the Demons). [3] This unresolved tension continues in Tibetan Buddhist circles, where lamas justify behaviors the Buddha would have rejected.

Idol Worship and the Biblical Condemnation of Tibetan Buddhism

Christianity explicitly condemns the core practices of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly idol worship, sorcery, and reliance on spiritual intermediaries outside of God. Scripture warns against such practices:

  • Isaiah 42:8 “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.”
  • Galatians 1:8 “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”
  • Deuteronomy 18:10-12 “There shall not be found among you anyone who… practices divination, tells fortunes, or interprets omens… For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
  • 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 “The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.”

Tibetan Buddhism actively promotes deity worship, ritual magic, and tantric initiations that invoke spiritual forces, aligning it with practices the Bible condemns as deceptive and demonic.

Two Paths That Cannot Be Reconciled

Despite modern claims of compatibility, Christianity and Tibetan Buddhism are fundamentally irreconcilable. Tibetan Buddhism is rooted in tantric laws that contradict the teachings of both the Buddha and Christ. It is not merely a philosophy but an esoteric system steeped in idol worship, occult rituals, and doctrines opposed to biblical truth.

  1. An honorific title used to refer to highly respected teachers.
  2. Jacob Dalton, On the Early Development of Sexual Union in Buddhist Tantric Practice, Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, vol. 32, no. 1–2, 2009.
  3. Jacob Dalton, The Taming of the Demons: Violence and Liberation in Tibetan Buddhism (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2011).

Rethinking Kundalini Awakening

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Kundalini has long been described as a latent energy residing in the root chakra, an evolutionary force waiting to be awakened. Across various esoteric traditions, this energy is believed to rise through the subtle body, purging karmic imprints, and ultimately merging with the crown chakra, culminating in what is often called spiritual enlightenment. But is this awakening truly a path to liberation, or is it something more insidious?

The Traditional Narrative of Kundalini

In Hinduism, kundalini is depicted as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine, lying dormant until activated through practices such as yoga, mantra recitation, or tantric rituals. Its ascent is said to be accompanied by profound energetic experiences such heat, visions, bodily tremors, and radical shifts in consciousness. Similarly, Tibetan Buddhism invokes powerful deities like Vajrayogini through tantric practice, where practitioners visualize and merge with these beings to achieve heightened states of awareness.

But what if kundalini is not simply an impersonal, evolutionary force? What if it is an entity, a being that takes possession of the initiate?

My Personal Awakening: The Force That Felt “Other”

During my three-year Tibetan Buddhist retreat, I engaged in rigorous tantric practices designed to accelerate spiritual transformation. I was instructed to visualize deities, recite mantras, engage in an extreme form of yoga and breath manipulation, replace my ordinary identity with that of the enlightened being, and then dissolve that conceptual construct into emptiness. At the culmination of my practice, I experienced a massive kundalini awakening, a phenomenon that, at the time, was being reported by many across various spiritual modalities, particularly in the nascent days of internet forums and search engines.

I was assured that kundalini was a benevolent force, the fuel for spiritual enlightenment, and a necessary purification process. But the experience was horrific. At its peak, in the midst of unbearable energetic torment, I saw the tantric deity I had been invoking appear above my head. She was trying to enter my body. I intuitively understood that what I was experiencing was her attempt to expand my nervous system so she could fully inhabit it. Whether that was for good or for ill I wasn’t sure. The kundalini energy always felt alien. Finally it dawned on me: it felt other because it is other. I have come to the conclusion that Kundalini is not just an neutral spiritual energy but a possessing spirit.

The Ancient Serpent Spirit Across Cultures

The realization that kundalini is a sentient force aligns with countless historical accounts of spirit possession in esoteric traditions. In Hinduism, Shiva and Kali are both associated with immense, transformative energy, often depicted in forms that suggest possession. Shiva’s wild, ascetic frenzy matches Kali’s violent, all-consuming nature. In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrayogini and some other tantric deities are depicted in a similar manner. They are summoned and merged with the practitioner, suggesting an external force taking control of the body.

The ancient Greeks spoke of the Python spirit, a demonic entity associated with divination and oracles. The Bible recounts how the Apostle Paul encountered a slave girl possessed by the “python spirit,” a demon of fortune-telling, and cast it out in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 16:16-18). The parallels between the descriptions of the python spirit and kundalini are striking. The spasms, altered states, and prophetic visions are all common signs of both kundalini awakenings and spirit possession.

Apostle Paul casting out the demon of divination from the servant girl.

Kundalini: The Spirit of the Serpent

What if kundalini is not the divine energy it claims to be? What if the spiritual transformations it promises are merely a baited hook leading to deeper and deeper possession? Many undergoing kundalini awakenings report disturbing symptoms: involuntary body movements, extreme heat, uncontrollable weeping, and even a complete breakdown of identity. These are not signs of enlightenment but of something powerful taking over.

In Christian theology, the serpent has always been a deceiver, from the Garden of Eden to the python spirit Paul cast out. In many indigenous traditions, serpent spirits are revered but also feared, as they often demand submission in exchange for their so-called “gifts.”

If kundalini is truly a possessing spirit, then its widespread activation in modern spiritual movements is not a path to liberation but a global initiation into deception. Esoteric traditions have long venerated the serpent, but history and scripture warns against it.

For those undergoing kundalini awakenings, it is crucial to question the nature of this force. Is it truly an impersonal divine energy, or is it an entity seeking a vessel? And if so, how can one break free from its grip?

The time has come to reconsider the nature of kundalini, not as an evolutionary force but as the ancient spirit of the serpent who, as deceiver, has masqueraded for centuries under the guise of enlightenment.

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.

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.

Why Christianity is the True Religion

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For years, I was ensnared in the world of Tantric Buddhism, believing its practices held the key to enlightenment. But instead of finding peace and liberation, I encountered spiritual torment on and off for years, first with sexual abuse by a lama and then when the kundalini energy went completely awry. My guru, whom I had trusted, placed a curse on me, and the so-called enlightened deities of Tibetan Buddhism revealed themselves as tormenting demons. The suffering I endured was beyond anything I could have imagined.

After the linga annihilation ritual, I thought there was no hope. I had been completely immersed in their tantric system for most of my adult life. Thanks to a suggestion from a young man I met who was going through a devastating kundalini awakening, I had the idea to contact a Catholic exorcist. I read his book called Diary of an American Exorcist that came out in 2021 , and for the first time in my life, I started to think I might actually be possessed by the tantric deities I had practiced for years. I had been taught they were perfectly enlightened buddhas, so why had they turned against me, manifesting as demonic forces bent on my total destruction? How could I overcome these forces that seemed so powerful, so intransigent? The answer was something higher, greater, and infinitely more powerful than the tantric magical system. In order for it to work, it had to be completely outside of their deceptive system. That answer was the Biblical God and his son Jesus Christ.

The Power of Christ Over Dark Forces

Tibetan Buddhism presents itself as a perfect path to enlightenment, but what I experienced was a system built on deception and control. The practices I had been taught that used rituals, empowerments, and deity visualizations, brought many experiences, both blissful and horrible. When I started to have grave doubts and investigated the origins of tantra, to question and examine, it became obvious that was not allowed. Then came punishment and the bloody realization that these forces would never let me go.

But ever since I turned to Jesus Christ, slowly, gradually, things have changed. His power is greater than any so-called tantric magic or divine blessing from a guru. The name of Jesus brings healing and casts out demons. He has authority over all the small “g” gods.

Tibetan Buddhism teaches that its deities are compassionate buddhas and bodhisattvas, but in the end, I found them to be nothing but oppressive spirits masquerading as wisdom beings. They were powerless against Christ. The moment I surrendered to Jesus, they started to lose their grip on me. This was not psychological; it was spiritual warfare. I am not unique; many others have experienced the same freedom from demons and darkness.

Evidence in My Own Life: Healing, Hope, and Peace

If Tibetan Buddhism had been the true path, I would have found healing through it. Instead, it nearly destroyed me. The fact that I am now very much recovered, that I am healing and have hope, happiness, and peace, is proof that Christ is real and that He reigns above all. No Buddhist deity, no tantric ritual, no guru’s power is more powerful.

As Psalm 91:13 declares, “You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” This scripture became real in my life as Jesus granted me victory over the kundalini spirit and the guru. Although I am not completely free, they still have some control over my dreams and my body, I am so much more healed. I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Why Christianity is the True Religion

  1. Christ’s Power Over Darkness: No tantric deity or Buddhist practice could free me. Only Jesus could break the chains that bound me spiritually.
  2. A Relationship, Not Rituals: Christianity is about knowing a living God, not engaging in endless rituals to appease deities that ultimately bring suffering.
  3. True Healing and Transformation: The peace, hope, and healing I have now are real and lasting. No Buddhist practice ever gave me that.
  4. The Dominion of Christ: The fact that Jesus Christ is triumphing over all the forces that tormented me proves His supremacy over all spiritual powers.

Conversion

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I spent a lifetime in Tibetan Buddhism, immersing myself in it. My spiritual journey took me to places I never imagined in the search for ultimate truth. I experienced expansive states of consciousness, and feeling a deep and blissful connection to the divine. But which “divinity?” What I didn’t know then, and what I have come to realize, is that there is a darkness woven into the fabric of tantric practices. What appears to be ascension, enlightenment, and higher understanding is, in reality, an ingenious, demonic hack of consciousness.

The Tibetan Buddhist teachings I followed, deeply rooted in ancient tantric rituals, promised transcendence through their intense and elaborate practices. I absolutely believed that I would be completely enlightened in this life, in the bardo (the period between lives) or in the next life. But sadly this was not to be because I angered my first lama, and later on my second guru, by taking issue with the sexual abuse by lamas of their students. It had happened to me many years ago by my first lama and had been deeply traumatic; I never completely recovered from it. Then a few years ago, I was the victim of a “linga annihilation ritual,” a highly secretive and disturbing process, led by two gurus who used their power to sever my connection with the divine. These gurus were attempting to bring about spiritual “death” through the destruction of my mind and body, but what they did was far worse than anything I could have imagined. The ritual shattered my consciousness, left me stripped of my spirit, and plunged me into a terrifying, hellish reality.

Before this happened to me, I believed that the tantric rituals, no matter how painful or intense, were a part of the path to enlightenment. I knew that the sexual abuse by the lamas of their students was very wrong and destructive, but I thought that the teachings themselves were pure. The sexual abuse, however common, must just be an aberration, I thought. But the linga annihilation ritual that occurred after my first lama was publicly exposed for predatory sexual abuse after many years left me spiritually completely hollow and cut off from any sense of peace or hope. I was literally attacked day and night by the gurus and their demons. This went on for years, and continues in a lesser form even up to the present day. It is obvious to me now that for all those years, I had been deeply deceived. In the guise of spiritual awakening, I had been led into the deepest form of spiritual manipulation. The guru, with his promise of divine power and liberation, became little more than an agent of destruction, using a deep knowledge of tantra to exploit, control, and then destroy my very being.

This devastating crisis led me to search for an answer beyond the confines of Tibetan Buddhism, something that could provide true healing, hope, and redemption. After a lot of suffering, I eventually found my way back to Catholicism, the faith of my childhood that I had left so many years ago in search of something more powerful and profound. I came to realize that Christianity, and Catholicism in particular, offers a truth that tantric practices could never deliver. The love of God, the grace of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit were waiting for me all along, not in the dark corners of esoteric rituals, but in the simplicity and purity of Christ’s message of salvation.

Returning to Catholicism has not been easy. The process of re-entering the Church after years of living in a completely different spiritual system has been humbling, and at times, disorienting. The Church has had many upheavals of Her own. But as I embrace the sacraments, pray with sincerity, and allow God’s healing grace to wash over me, I am starting to feel a deep sense of peace that I have not known in years. The darkness that has clouded my mind is slowly lifting.

I know now that tantra, with its promises of spiritual power and transcendence, is not a path to liberation but a detour that leads one further away from God. Its manipulations of consciousness, through rituals and doctrines, are not about divine union but about yielding to spiritual forces that are in reality dark entities seeking to enslave and destroy. I can see it now for what it is, an elaborate trick of the enemy, gussied up as enlightenment. It took my mind, spirit, and soul sinking to a place of the deepest despair before I could finally see the truth.

To anyone reading this who may feel lost or deceived in their spiritual journey, I urge you to seek truth, not in hidden, mystical practices, but in the clear, unwavering love of Christ. He is the only way, the truth, and the life. After all these years, I finally understand the symbolism of the crucifix: Jesus Christ sacrificed himself to pay the deep debt of all of humanity. As I continue to make progress on my journey and engage in spiritual warfare against the enemy to become completely free, I hope to document this process as I engage in the biggest battle of my life.

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.