Books about Shamanism and Tibetan Buddhism

by Nicholas Breeze Wood

There is an old saying from Siberia:‘The shaman and the blacksmith come from the same nest.’ The blacksmith has always been a liminal figure, responsible for the transformation of raw ore into finished metal items.

In Tibet, the pre-Buddhist shamanic blacksmith spirit is Garwa Nakpo, who was absorbed into Tibetan Buddhism and then eventually migrated to Mongolia to become the shamanic blacksmith spirit - known as Damjin Dorlic - who is said to be responsible for all the metal that Buryat Mongol shamans use in their ritual equipment.

This fascinating book looks at the history of the powerful protector spirit Garwa Nakpo, as well as other spirits he is associated with, the theu’rang and btsen spirits, both warrior spirits from the Tibetan wilderness.

With practices for building a relationship with Garwa Nakpo and for pacifying the btsen if they become offended by human activity, this book gives a never before published guide to these spirits, for both shamanic practitioners and Tibetan Buddhists alike.

Garwa Nakpo is now considered to be a spirit responsible for mechanical and electronic equipment; from his deeply shamanic ancient roots, he truly is a spirit suited for our rapidly changing times.

Available May 2026

Published 2026

Visit Amazon to read a sample.