Protection.
Why humans aren't enough just by relying on themselves and why they search for external help, guidance, and protection?
From Imaginary Friends to Tulpas (Inner Voice).
Imaginary friends are an integral part of many children's lives. They provide comfort in times of stress, companionship when lonely, someone to boss around when feeling powerless, and someone to blame for misdeeds. Most importantly, an imaginary companion helps young children make sense of the adult world.
For adults, the concept of tulpas—originating from Tibetan Buddhism and later traditions of mysticism—serves a similar purpose. Tulpas are materialised beings or thought-forms created through spiritual practice and intense concentration. Modern practitioners, or "tulpamancers," consider tulpas to be sentient and relatively independent, serving as psychological companions that provide emotional support and guidance or distraction. This practice overlaps with therapeutic concepts like 'inner child or inner critic” from Internal Family Systems therapy, highlighting the role of imagined entities or voices in our heads in providing psychological comfort and coping mechanisms.
Need for Leadership and Community
Humans evolved in environments where threats were common, and survival often depended on being part of a group. In modern times, the need for leadership and community support remains vital. Leaders, whether political, spiritual, or community-based, provide guidance and protection, offering a sense of stability and control in the face of uncertainty. This need is deeply embedded in our psychological, social, and cultural fabric, reflecting our inherent desire for connection and protection.
Spirit Guides
Shamanic cultures assign spirits as helpers and supporters due to their animistic worldview, which sees all things as having spiritual essence. Spirits are believed to provide healing, guidance, and protection, reinforcing interconnectedness with nature and cultural traditions. This practice empowers individuals, explains natural phenomena, and is central to rituals and ceremonies, ensuring communal and individual well-being.
Seeking external protection is a natural human response to fear and uncertainty. This practice is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history of our survival, psychological needs, social structures, and cultural traditions. Whether through imaginary friends, tulpas, community leaders, or spirit guides, humans find comfort, guidance, and protection in external sources, enhancing their ability to navigate life's challenges and fostering a sense of belonging and security.