Creating Consciousness: Tulpas and Slenderman

09/14/23 • 27 min

In the late 1800s, Alexandra David-Neel embarked on a remarkable quest for forbidden knowledge. From Freemasonry to Theosophy, from opera singing to anarchist pamphleteering, her life was a whirlwind of intrigue. Her fascination with the mystical and the unknown led her to Asia, where she delved into the secrets of Tibetan monks and their astonishing practice of creating tulpas—sentient thoughtforms born from the fusion of Tibetan Buddhism and ancient shamanic traditions. Alexandra created her own tulpa, a journey that blurred the lines between thought and reality. Discover how her merry monk evolved beyond her control, morphing into something sinister and disturbing.

Slenderman is a faceless entity that emerged from the depths of the internet. Explore the collaborative storytelling that breathed life into this modern urban legend and learn how the fear of the unknown and the uncanny play a pivotal role in Slenderman's psychological allure.

Dive into the psychology of collective belief and shared dread as I dissect the Slenderman phenomenon. Discover how a fictional creation can have real-world consequences and why it continues to captivate and unsettle those who encounter it in the digital labyrinth of the internet.

Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of tulpas and Slenderman, where imagination blurs the line between fiction and reality. Tune in to "Psychology of the Strange" and prepare to unravel the shadows of the mind.

https://www.theawl.com/2014/11/all-my-friends-are-in-my-head/

http://anomalyinfo.com/Stories/1929-pre-alexandra-david-neel-and-tulpas-tibet

https://www.theawl.com/2014/11/all-my-friends-are-in-my-head/

http://anomalyinfo.com/Stories/1929-pre-alexandra-david-neel-and-tulpas-tibet

Previous Episode

DownThe Rabbit Hole: Alice in Wonderland Syndrome and Beyond

Take a trip down the rabbit hole with me with the curious and sometimes perplexing world of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS). Imagine lying in bed, ready to sleep, when suddenly, the room around you starts to twist and change. Everyday objects seem to warp in size, and you might even feel like your own body is transforming. We'll delve into personal accounts from individuals who've experienced AIWS, offering a glimpse into their surreal adventures.

Uncover the science behind AIWS, exploring why it happens and how it affects those who experience it. From the way AIWS distorts perception to its emotional impact, you'll gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating neurological condition.

Could Lewis Carroll, the mastermind behind Alice's adventures, have had AIWS himself? I explore this intriguing theory and uncover the evidence that suggests a connection between Carroll's own experiences and the whimsical world he created.

I also dissect some of the psychological themes hidden within the Wonderland books. From the fluidity of identity to the boundless power of imagination, discover how Lewis Carroll's tales offer insights into the human mind.

Join me for a trip behind the looking glass into the world of AIWS, Lewis Carroll, and the psychology hidden within Wonderland's pages.

Next Episode

Beyond the Stars: Alien Abductions and Encounters

Exploring alien encounters and the mysteries that surround them. I tell the account of John, a truck driver, when one fateful night his life took an inexplicable turn. Hear the eerie details of his encounter with beings from beyond, leaving him haunted by the unknown.

Are we alone in the universe? From benevolent extraterrestrials to sinister invaders, considering recent claims of mummified aliens found in Peru

But what about the early cases of alleged abductions, like that of Antonio Villas Boas, the Brazilian farmer who claimed an otherworldly liaison in 1957? And the iconic tale of Betty and Barney Hill, who unearthed memories of alien examinations through hypnotic regression? These stories, while captivating, also raise questions about the reliability of memory.

Then, in 1987, two game-changing books thrust the world of alien encounters into the limelight. Whitley Strieber's "Communion" and Budd Hopkins' "Intruders" pushed the boundaries of belief. And even Harvard Professor John Mack weighed in, declaring these experiences as real, igniting a debate that continues today.

I explore the concept of false memories and the traits that make some individuals more susceptible to these vivid recollections. Sleep paralysis emerged as a bridge between our dreams and the tales of alien abductions, connecting the dots in the realm of human consciousness.

The uncanny valley theory shed light on the eerie familiarity of humanoid aliens, whose subtle differences create a profound sense of disquiet and fascination. These beings stand at the intersection of the familiar and the profoundly alien.

As we navigated this intricate web of human experience, I couldn't help but contemplate Arthur C. Clarke's words: "Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying." The quest to answer this question fuels our curiosity, even in the face of warnings from luminaries like Stephen Hawking.

Hawking cautioned against initiating contact with extraterrestrial civilizations, fearing unforeseen consequences. Yet, our insatiable curiosity drives us to seek answers, to scan the cosmos for signs of life, and to imagine a future where our understanding of the universe is forever transformed.

In this episode, traverse the boundaries of reality and imagination, venture into the uncanny, and glimpse the infinite possibilities that await us in the cosmos. Join me on this remarkable journey to explore the mysteries of the universe and the enduring quest to answer the age-old question: Are we truly alone in the universe?

Thank you for tuning in to this captivating episode. Until next time, keep your eyes on the stars and your mind open to the wonders of the unknown.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/alleged-aliens-corpses-displayed-to-mexican-congress-did-not-convince-scientists-180982900/

Psychology of the Strange - Creating Consciousness: Tulpas and Slenderman

Transcript

00:00:10.460

In the 18 seventies, Alexandra David Neil lived in the charming city of Brussels. She was a woman of mystery and intrigue and had a deep fascination with forbidden knowledge. Alexandra was not your typical young woman. She dabbled in a wealth of unconventional pursuits from freemasonry to theosophy. From the grand stages of opera singing to anarchist pamphleteering.

00:00:47.750

She would often wear disguises when infiltrating these secret societies