Powerful Hero (Dpa 'rtsal): Protective Deity from the 19th century Amdo and his Mediums

Abstract

This is reprinted version of an article from 2018 with minor edits. It discusses a case of deity-medium from contemporary Amdo, and rather detailed events leading to his recognition as a monastery oracle.

Historical background and origin of the possessing deity Powerful Hero are also discussed.

Keywords

• Tibetan oracles
• deity-medium
• possession by deities
• Kirti monastery
• Amdo