Haunting Spirits

Haunting Spirits (btsan)

• A class of armour-clad haunting spirits, who cause colic and intestinal disorders, headed by Tsimara, the protector of bSam-yas, and Yam-shud dmar-po. They are generally depicted as red in colour, brandishing a red lance with a red flag in the right hand and throwing a red-coloured snare (btsan zhags) with the left hand, while riding a red horse. See Nebesky-Wojkowitz, Oracles and Demons of Tibet, pp. 166-176. GD (from the Glossary to Tibetan Elemental Divination Paintings)