Please search the Glossary for unfamiliar terms.

Core:

What is a tulpa?
A tulpa is an autonomous entity within a person's mind. They walk and talk like people, and are virtually separate from the host. A more detailed explanation is beyond the scope of this answer, but "No-one can say for sure" is the best summary.

Are tulpas mental disorders?
They aren't disorders at least. Typically, they aren't harmful nor do they cause instability if the process is treated maturely. We don't take any responsibility for any damage you cause by going through the process.

Is this magic (etc.)?
No. We think of tulpas as being entirely within the bounds of standard psychology.

What can a tulpa do?
Anything within your imagination. They can also take control of your body (consensually).

Can a tulpa hurt you?
Physically no, nor can they 'sap your life essence'. They can call you names and so on.

Can a tulpa become physical like in my horror stories?
No.


Creation:

How do I make a tulpa?
See How To Tulpa.

What do I need to make a tulpa?
Your mind, some patience, determination and a positive attitude toward it.

How long does it take to make a tulpa?
The time it takes to make a tulpa varies hugely between different people, and can be anywhere from a few days to a few months (or longer).

What are the risks involved in making a tulpa?
You run the risk of damaging your mind permanently, though such effects are generally not reported. Just be aware that the long-term effects of having tulpas are not well understood.

Should I make a tulpa?
If you want one, think you are responsible enough to go through with the process and are aware of the potential risks, go ahead.

I have a mental illness, can/should I make a tulpa?
Most mental illnesses do not make the process impossible. Making a tulpa can be beneficial for some with certain illnesses (including schizophrenia, reportedly), but it could also be detrimental; it's down to you to decide.

How old do you have to be to make a tulpa?
It's more a question of maturity, whether you can handle the responsibility and treat the process seriously. In any case, it's up to you to decide whether you are old/mature enough or not.

Can I get rid of a tulpa?
Yes, though not particularly easily in most cases.

Can I have more than one tulpa?
Yes. In fact, making subsequent tulpas is typically easier than the first.

Can I make a tulpa of an existing person/character?
It is common to have a tulpa with the form of an existing fictional character, but their personality tends to be different from said character. Making a tulpa exactly like a pre-existing character can lead to identity issues or crises later on. It is generally considered a bad idea to make a tulpa of an existing human being, but it is done.

Can I make a tulpa using only 'passive forcing'?
Yes, although it may be more difficult and take longer than with active 'forcing' since active forcing is usually said to be the best kind of forcing. A mixture of both is generally considered to be the best approach.


General:

Can my (or my tulpa's) form be x?
Yes.

My tulpa hates me, what should I do?
Figure out why they hate you and sort it out between you. This is a relationship issue that you need to handle yourself.

What is the 'mind's eye'/How do I visualise?
Imagine a green field with black and white cows grazing in it. You just visualised a green field. Congratulations.

What do I do when things go wrong in my imagination?
Ignore it, or make it stop. It's your mind and you are able to control it.

I heard a voice that isn't my tulpa, do I have another tulpa?
Not necessarily. You may hear things that are not your tulpa, but that doesn't make them new tulpas unless you treat them as such. Odd things happen in your mind, especially after tulpa creation.

My tulpa isn't speaking to me any more, did they die? What do I do?
This is quite common. It does not mean they're dead, and is no reason to panic. Be patient and keep forcing, and eventually you should be able to hear them again.

I've been forcing for months with no results, am I doing something wrong?
Probably not. For some people getting responses takes a very long time, while the creation process itself is very difficult to get wrong. You might want to try new methods, but most important is to persevere and remain confident in your eventual success.

Can my tulpa enter my dreams?
Presumably, yes. It has been reported that tulpas can enter the host's dreams and interact with, and even adapt them, but this is very hard to test. The best way of knowing would be to ask your tulpa.

There are a few simple rules on this forum.

• No spamming/advertising.
  
  
• No illegal content, be it attachments or links to elsewhere. US laws define what is illegal here.
  
  
• Try not to post solely off-topic replies in on-topic threads.*
  
  
• Don't post a controversial statement without expecting to be asked to support it. You can qualify with "It's just my opinion", but opinions can be criticised too.
  This applies especially to metaphysical/parapsychological/supernatural/psychic/magic(k)al ideas, as this is forum is intended for looking at tulpas within the view of standard science.*
  
  
• You shouldn't really use anything except the subaccount system to indicate who is talking with regards to tulpa/host. 'Badges', e.g., "Host[Tulpa]", are explicitly banned, and other methods discouraged.
  
  
• Don't be monumentally stupid. I don't mean a bit stupid; everyone can be stupid sometimes. I mean really, really stupid. The kind of stupid that asks "Guys, where do I find the guides" in Q&A. And if you think there are no stupid questions, see this.*
  

*These do not apply in Off-Topic.

Board-specific rules, which you can find in the stickies on each board, also apply. Follow these and we'll all get along well.

The guides section is for guides to various aspects of tulpa creation. If you want to submit your own, please make sure your guide sticks to the following rules:

• It should be well-written: this includes good use of English and sensible content.
• It should have the broad topic clearly stated in the title. The topics are "creation" (i.e. sentience-building such as a 'forcing' guide), "visualization", "imposition", "possession", "switching", "imagination" (i.e. a guide related to your 'wonderland' or something similar) and "general" for a guide that encompasses more than one topic. Miscellaneous guides - i.e. guides that do not fit into any of the above categories - do not need to follow this rule.

Guides shouldn't be just symbolism that happened to work for you, or some tips that you found. Those can be posted in General Discussion, or maybe just not posted at all.

In addition, you are welcome to post in reply to others' threads, be it suggestion, praise or criticism.

Gotta test those topics.
Gotta test those edits.