Eight classes of gods and demons

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Eight classes of gods and demons (Wyl. lha 'dre sde brgyad) — a classification of worldly spirits. There are many different classifications; one of them is:

  • dü (Wyl. bdud; Skt. māra)—see four maras
  • mamo (Wyl. ma mo; Skt. mātrika)
  • naga (Skt. nāga; Tib. lu; Wyl. klu)
  • ging (Tib. & Wyl.)
  • rahula (Skt. rāhula)
  • tsen (Wyl. btsan)
  • rakshasa (Skt. rākṣasa; Tib. sinpo; Wyl. srin po)
  • yaksha (Skt. yakṣa; Wyl. gnod sbyin)

On an inner level, they correspond to the eight consciousnesses.

Alternative Classifications

Alternative classifications include gods and demons such as:

  • gods (Skt. deva; Wyl. lha)
  • yama (Skt.; Wyl. gshin rje)
  • gyalpo (Wyl. rgyal po)
  • sadak (Wyl. sa bdag)
  • miamchi (Wyl. mi'am ci)
  • teurang (Wyl. the'u rang)

Further Reading

  • Revue d'Études Tibétaines, Number 2, April 2003 - Numéro spécial Lha srin sde brgyad