Eight classes of gods and demons
The eight classes of gods and demons are a traditional classification of supernatural beings in Tibetan Buddhism and Bön. These entities—sometimes gods, sometimes demons—are believed to inhabit the natural and spiritual world and can have both benevolent and malevolent influence over human life.
Overview
The term "eight classes of gods and demons" refers to a fluid category of worldly spirits in Tibetan Buddhism and Bön, whose precise composition can vary depending on lineage, ritual purpose, or textual source. Originally grounded in indigenous Tibetan cosmology, the list of eight was later overlaid with Indian Buddhist terminology, resulting in partial overlaps with Sanskrit spirit-classes such as yakṣa, nāga, and rākṣasa. In some ritual contexts, this merger has led to expanded enumerations of ten, eleven, or even sixteen classes, as additional spirit types were integrated to preserve both systems. Despite these variations, the core eight are widely recognized in Tibetan ritual literature and continue to play a central role in offerings, exorcisms, and protector practices.These beings are invoked or warded against in a wide variety of Tibetan ritual contexts, including spirit offerings, exorcisms, protective rites, and tantric practices. Though the list varies somewhat, the eight classes commonly include:Lha – Gods or celestial deitiesSrin po – Demons or rakshasas Klu – Nāgas or serpent-spirits Tsen – Wrathful warrior spirits Gnod sbyin – Yakshas or harm-giving nature spirits Mamo – Wrathful female spirits or goddesses ’Dre – Ghosts or wandering spirits Btsan – Mountain or storm spirits, often associated with warlike energy
In tantric Buddhism, some of these beings are seen as worldly protectors after being ritually subdued or converted to the Dharma. In other cases, they are treated as obstacles to be pacified or expelled.