tulpa

Tulpa, from the Tibetan term thül pa meaning emanation or manifestation, refers to a consciously created being that is said to exist within the mind. In traditional Tibetan Buddhist and Bon contexts, a tulpa is formed through disciplined meditation and visualization to serve as a companion, guide, or aid for spiritual practice. It is typically described as having its own independent will and personality, distinct from the practitioner’s thoughts. While some describe a tulpa as a real mental entity, others emphasize it as a highly detailed yet internal construct that can function as a separate presence in the practitioner’s experiential world.

The concept has a long historical place in Tibetan traditions, where the creation of mental emanations was sometimes used to assist meditation, protect the practitioner, or develop discernment. In modern Western usage, tulpa has evolved into a generalized practice known as tulpamancy. Practitioners attempt to create one or more tulpas through sustained attention, visualization, naming, and the development of distinct personalities. They often report ongoing dialogue with the tulpa, described as inner speech or perceived external communication, and interactions that the practitioner experiences as autonomous and responsive.

Scholarly treatment is limited; most psychologists frame tulpa-like experiences as related to imagination, social cognition, or dissociative processes, and they are not clinically recognized syndromes. Tulpa practice is generally regarded as safe for many individuals, provided it remains voluntary and does not disrupt reality testing. Caution is advised for those with underlying psychosis or distress, and practitioners are encouraged to seek professional guidance if needed.