tulpah

A tulpa is a concept originating from Tibetan Buddhism, referring to a being or object created by the force of will or intense mental concentration. The term "tulpa" is Sanskrit and roughly translates to "emanation" or "creation." In its traditional context, tulpas were believed to be manifestations of the mind, capable of independent existence, though often illusory or temporary.

The practice of creating tulpas was sometimes associated with advanced yogic or meditative states, where practitioners aimed to consciously project their thoughts into tangible forms. These forms could range from animals to human-like figures. The purpose behind creating a tulpa varied, sometimes serving as a spiritual companion or a tool for meditation.

In modern Western subcultures, the concept of tulpa has been reinterpreted, often referring to imagined companions created through dedicated mental practice. Individuals who create these modern tulpas often describe them as distinct personalities with their own thoughts, feelings, and memories, with whom they can interact internally. This contemporary understanding generally falls outside the original religious and philosophical framework of Tibetan Buddhism.