Gyalpo spirits

De Nebesky-Wojkowitz characterizes this type of spirit as generally red in colour and of violent character, harassing mainly lamas and religious people,[2] but also laity and even animals.

[4] In religious meditation instructions texts attributed to Padmasambhava, he warns his disciples against magical displays of this class of spirits.

For example, Gyalpo Pehar is believed to be the main guardian of Samye, built at the time of Padmasambhava and King Trisong Detsen.

The outer way are very elegant temples with beautiful ornaments, crystal stupas and many offerings, rich with silver and gold, with well dressed monks giving teachings, full of charisma; their characteristic provocation is nervousness and confusion.

[6] Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1920–1996) wrote that as gyalpos often manifest as great masters, spiritual teachers, or enlightened beings, several highly realised practitioners of the past fell for their tricks.