Most people around the world have heard of werewolves. The terrifying creature that is a wolf and human hybrid that preys on the blood of unsuspecting victims during the full moon. However, other cultures of the world do not know the werewolf. In India, for example, they know the Were-Tiger! Further, unlike the werewolf, the were-tiger is not a fearsome and bloodthirsty creature. On the contrary, it is a highly revered inter-dimensional being of protection.
Animism
The belief that a soul resides in all living things is a paramount aspect of spiritual understanding. This means everything from rocks, to plants, to animals possess at least one soul. Further, the power of the soul is far greater than any person’s willpower.
For the Khasi tribe, a belief in Ka Rngiew is a component of human embodiment. The human soul, as Western tradition calls it, is composed of three elements in tribal belief. The Ka Rngiew, Ka mynsiem, and Ka met. The Ka rngiew is the essence which shapes mankind’s actions, motivations, and thoughts. This energy cannot die or change. As such, in many villages, there are those who possess tiger power as an aspect of their Ka rngiew.
Tigers in India
The tiger. A beautiful, yet ferocious carnivore who feasts by the light of the moon. Common in India, they feature prominently in folktales of the area. Although the story is out of England, who can forget the fearsome Shere Khan of Rudyard Kipling’s, The Jungle Book?
In many areas of Asia, the tiger is the king. They symbolize strength, virility, and speed. For those who live in remote jungle villages, there is a deep spiritual tie between nature and humans.
To them, the souls of animals are an important part of daily life. Many tribal communities throughout India believe that the tiger is simultaneously man’s bitterest enemy and greatest benefactor. This juxtaposition has created a supernatural belief amongst the tribes. It is that of the tigerman or were-tiger.
The Were-Tiger
Those who have the ability to transform into a were-tiger are called Khla Phuli. As the soul is a key component of spirituality for the tribal people of India, it is no surprise that to become a were-tiger one must astral travel to the realm of not only the ancestors, but that of the tiger world.
Traditionally, this is accomplished while one is asleep. The path to the tiger world is over a body of water. During the day, the were-tigers live as ordinary members of the community. By night, they transform into were-tigers and in such guise often guard the village.
Inter-dimensional
Today, the concept of inter-dimensional beings is a hot topic. However, to these tribes, it is a natural part of their belief system. The were-tigers exist in the astral plane while their human bodies remain at home sleeping in bed.
Consider the news about CERN opening portals. Or the elusive dire wolf of Skinwalker Ranch that disappears into thin air. Numerous Indigenous American tribes have similar creatures in their folklore. Perhaps this is a normal part of our world that has not been examined and completely understood as of yet?
References
1. Kaiser, Kharmawphlang, Laloo, Interviews with Tigermen, 1997.
2. An Analysis of Malay Magic, Oxford, 1970.
3. Gurdon, PRT: The Khasis.
4. Endicott, K. 1973, Batek Negito Religion, Oxford 1979.
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