The Nature-Deities of Tibet: A discussion on the tale “The Subduing and Putting under Oath of Tibet’s Malignant lha 'dre” in Padma bka' thang

Authors

• Thupten K. Rikey

Abstract

This paper presents a discussion on the nature-deities depicted in the tale “The
subduing and putting under oath of Tibet’s malignant lha 'dre” in the 14th-century
work Padma bka' thang. The tale depicts the eighth-century Indian tantric Buddhist
master Padmasambhava on his way to Tibet on the then Tibetan king’s invitation
on one side and a host of nature-deities all set to fend him off from entering
Tibet on the other; and therewith both the parties entering into battles of fierce
supernatural feats against each other. By studying those main characters and the
confrontation, the paper attempts to interpret what the whole scenario reflects.