Expert: Alex Wilding - 7/15/2008

Question
I'm writing a book on a dark paranormal entity called a Shadow Person. This entity is usually described as a blacker-than-night, sometimes two-dimensional, human-shaped figure that can be as passive as simply walking through a room, and as aggressive as physical attacks and possession. I'd like to know if there are any such figures in Buddhism and, if so, what are the Buddhist interpretations of these entities?

The main points of this book are to, 1) point out these dark entities exist, and 2) tell the reader what they can do to protect themselves from the darkness. If you can help, I appreciate your knowledge.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jason Offutt

Answer
Dear Jason,
Tibetan Buddhism is rich in dark, threatening entities. The teaching is that although they really do exist "out there", they only affect us through the power of our true demons: hatred, stupidity, pride, grasping, envy. They can be defeated by 1) appealing to something better, like the Buddha of compassion 2) fearlessness and 3) abandoning hatred, stupidity, pride, grasping and envy.
The subject is huge - you could do worse than looking for the teachings of Machig Labdron.
All the best
Alex Wilding