Magic and Mystery in Tibet Tibet, with its rich cultural heritage and spiritual practices, has fascinated people from around the world for centuries. The land of snow-capped mountains and serene monasteries is known for its deep connection to magic and mystery. One of the most intriguing aspects of Tibetan culture is its belief in magic. Tibetan Buddhism, which is deeply in rooted in the region, is known for its mystical practices and rituals. From the chanting of mantras to the creation of intricate sand mandalas, magic is seen as a means to enlightenment and spiritual transformation. Tibetan magic often involves the use of mystical symbols and objects.
First published in France in 1929, Magic and Mystery in Tibet tells the story of the author's experiences in Tibet, among lamas and magicians. Alexandra David-Neel's memoir offers an objective account of the supernatural events she witnessed during the 1920s among the mystics and hermits of Tibet--including levitation, telepathy, and the ability to walk on water! She tells of great sages and sorcerers that she met; of the system of monastic education; the great teachers and their disciples; Tibetan folklore about these spiritual athletes; reincarnation and memory from previous lives; elaborate magical rites to obtain enlightenment; the horrible necromantic magic of the pre-Buddhist Bonpa shamas; mental visualization exercises to create disembodied thought forms (tulpas); visions; phenomena of physical yoga, control of the body heat mechanism; breathing exercises; sending "messages on the wind"; and much similar material. An unusual aspect of her book is that she herself experienced many of the phenomena she describes, yet she describes them with precision and in a matter-of-fact manner, permitting the reader to draw his own conclusions about validity, interpretation in terms of psychology, and value. Particularly interesting for the modern experiencer are her detailed instructions for tumo (the yoga of heat control) and creation of thought projections. This deluxe edition has all of the original photographs plus additional photos and maps, as well several introductions. Chapters include: Tibet and the Lamas; A Guest of the Lamas; A Famous Tibetan Monastery; Dealing with Ghosts and Demons, Disciples of Yore and their Contemporary Emulators; Psychic Sports; Mystic Theories and Spiritual Training; Psychic Phenomena in Tibet--How Tibetans Explain Them; more.
Particularly interesting for the modern experiencer are her detailed instructions for tumo the yoga of heat control and creation of thought projections. An unusual aspect of Madame David-Neel s book is that she herself experienced many of the phenomena she describes, yet she describes them with precision and in a matter-of-fact manner, permitting the reader to draw his own conclusions about validity, interpretation in terms of psychology, and value.
Tibetan magic often involves the use of mystical symbols and objects. The Tibetan dorje, a small, double-pronged metal scepter, is believed to hold magical powers and is used in ritual ceremonies. Prayer flags, adorned with sacred symbols and mantras, are hung in the wind to spread positive energy and protect against evil spirits.
Magic and Mystery in Tibet - by Madame Alexandra David-Neel (Paperback)
A practicing Buddhist and Oriental linguist recounts supernatural events she witnessed in Tibet during the 1920s. Intelligent and witty, she describes the fantastic effects of meditation and shamanic magic -- levitation, telepathy, more. 32 photographs.
Book Synopsis
For centuries Tibet has been known as the last home of mystery, the hidden, sealed land, where ancient mysteries still survive that have perished in the rest of the Orient. Many men have written about Tibet and its secret lore, but few have actually penetrated it to learn its ancient wisdom. Among those few was Madame Alexandra David-Neel, a French orientalist. A practicing Buddhist, a profound historian of religion, and linguist, she actually lived in Tibet for more than 14 years. She had the great honor of being received by the Dalai Lama; she studied philosophical Buddhism and Tibetan Tantra at the great centers; she meditated in lonely caves and on wind-swept winter mountains with yogi hermits; and she even witnessed forbidden corpse-magic in the forests. Her experiences have been unique.
Magic and Mystery in Tibet tells the story of her experiences in Tibet, among lamas and magicians. It is neither a travel book nor an autobiography but a study of psychic discovery, a description of the occult and mystical theories and psychic training practices of Tibet. She tells of great sages and sorcerers that she met; of the system of monastic education; the great teachers and their disciples; Tibetan folklore about their spiritual athletes; reincarnation and memory from previous lives; elaborate magical rites to obtain siddhis; the horrible necromantic magic of the pre-Buddhist Bonpa shamas; mental visualization exercises to create disembodied thought forms (tulpas); visions; phenomena of physical yoga, control of the body heat mechanism; breathing exercises; sending "messages on the wind"; and much similar material.
An unusual aspect of Madame David-Neel's book is that she herself experienced many of the phenomena she describes, yet she describes them with precision and in a matter-of-fact manner, permitting the reader to draw his own conclusions about validity, interpretation in terms of psychology, and value. Particularly interesting for the modern experiencer are her detailed instructions for tumo (the yoga of heat control) and creation of thought projections.
For centuries Tibet has been known as the last home of mystery, the hidden, sealed land, where ancient mysteries still survive that have perished in the rest of the Orient. Many men have written about Tibet and its secret lore, but few have actually penetrated it to learn its ancient wisdom. Among those few was Madame Alexandra David-Neel, a French orientalist. A practicing Buddhist, a profound historian of religion, and linguist, she actually lived in Tibet for more than 14 years. She had the great honor of being received by the Dalai Lama; she studied philosophical Buddhism and Tibetan Tantra at the great centers; she meditated in lonely caves and on wind-swept winter mountains with yogi hermits; and she even witnessed forbidden corpse-magic in the forests. Her experiences have been unique.
Magic and Mystery in Tibet tells the story of her experiences in Tibet, among lamas and magicians. It is neither a travel book nor an autobiography but a study of psychic discovery, a description of the occult and mystical theories and psychic training practices of Tibet. She tells of great sages and sorcerers that she met; of the system of monastic education; the great teachers and their disciples; Tibetan folklore about their spiritual athletes; reincarnation and memory from previous lives; elaborate magical rites to obtain siddhis; the horrible necromantic magic of the pre-Buddhist Bonpa shamas; mental visualization exercises to create disembodied thought forms (tulpas); visions; phenomena of physical yoga, control of the body heat mechanism; breathing exercises; sending “messages on the wind”; and much similar material.
An unusual aspect of Madame David-Neel’s book is that she herself experienced many of the phenomena she describes, yet she describes them with precision and in a matter-of-fact manner, permitting the reader to draw his own conclusions about validity, interpretation in terms of psychology, and value. Particularly interesting for the modern experiencer are her detailed instructions for tumo (the yoga of heat control) and creation of thought projections.
Another important aspect of Tibetan mysticism is the belief in supernatural beings. Tantric deities, such as Tara and Avalokiteshvara, are revered in Tibetan Buddhism, and their images can be found in monasteries and temples across the region. These deities are thought to possess powers and can be invoked through ritual practices. Tibetan monks, often seen as the keepers of ancient knowledge, are believed to possess magical abilities. From healing to divination, these monks are seen as channels through which supernatural forces can manifest. Tibetan oracles, who are believed to be possessed by deities or spirits, are consulted for advice and predictions. The esoteric teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, known as Tantra, further add to the mystique of Tibet. Tantra encompasses various practices, including meditation, yoga, and visualization, aimed at harnessing the energies of the body, mind, and spirit. These practices are seen as a path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering. In addition to its magical traditions, Tibet is also known for its mysterious landscapes. The remote Himalayan mountains, vast grasslands, and serene lakes create an otherworldly atmosphere that captivates the imagination. The remote location and harsh climate have contributed to the sense of mystery that surrounds Tibet. In conclusion, magic and mystery are deeply embedded in Tibetan culture and spirituality. From the rituals and practices of Tibetan Buddhism to the majestic landscapes of the region, Tibet continues to captivate the world with its enchanting allure. Exploring the magic and mystery of Tibet is an invitation to delve into a world that is both awe-inspiring and spiritually transformative..
Reviews for "The Power of Tibetan Magic: Tales of Miracles and Supernatural Feats"
- John - 2/5 - I found "Magic and Mystery in Tibet" to be quite disappointing. The book promised to delve into the secrets and mystical practices of Tibet, but it fell short in delivering that. Instead, it was filled with long-winded philosophical discussions and esoteric concepts that were hard to grasp. I was hoping for a more immersive and engaging read, but this book felt more like a tedious academic textbook. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it to those looking for an accessible introduction to Tibetan mysticism.
- Sarah - 1/5 - "Magic and Mystery in Tibet" was a complete waste of my time. The author seemed more interested in showcasing his own philosophical views than actually providing any substantial information about the magic and mysticism of Tibet. The book was filled with convoluted metaphors and abstract ideas that I struggled to comprehend. It felt like I was reading the ramblings of a pretentious philosopher rather than a well-researched exploration of Tibetan spirituality. Save yourself the frustration and skip this one.
- Michael - 2/5 - As someone who has a keen interest in Tibetan mysticism, I expected "Magic and Mystery in Tibet" to be a fascinating read. However, I was sorely disappointed. The author's writing style was dry and detached, making it difficult to immerse myself in the subject matter. The book lacked depth and failed to provide any real insights into the magical practices of Tibet. It felt more like an intellectual exercise than a genuine exploration of mysticism. I would recommend looking for alternative books on the topic for a more satisfying reading experience.
- Laura - 2/5 - I found "Magic and Mystery in Tibet" to be quite pretentious and inaccessible. The author used overly complex language and convoluted explanations that made it difficult for me to grasp the concepts being discussed. It felt like he was trying to impress readers with his erudition rather than genuinely sharing knowledge about Tibetan mysticism. I was left feeling more confused than enlightened after reading this book. I would advise seeking out other sources for a clearer understanding of the subject.