

Ep319: Mystery of T Lobsang Rampa - R.B. Russell
Aug 8, 2025
Ray Russell, founder of Tartarus Press and author of 'T. Lobsang Rampa And Other Characters of Questionable Faith,' delves into the enigmatic life of T. Lobsang Rampa. Once Cyril Henry Hoskin, Rampa claimed to channel a Tibetan Lama, stirring debates on authenticity and cultural impact. Russell explores the psychological allure of faith and the motivations behind fictional narratives. They discuss Rampa’s legacy in popularizing Tibetan Buddhism and the ongoing fascination with myth and belief, questioning how hoaxes shape our understanding of spirituality.
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Origins Of Faith Are Cultural
- Ray Russell says his RE teacher showed him that different religions conflict, suggesting most are culturally inherited.
- He found faith puzzling and saw religion as a cultural explanation rather than an empirical truth.
Less Dogmatic After Research
- Ray Russell says he became less dogmatic after researching Rampa and related phenomena.
- He accepts mystical experiences can be meaningful without being factually true.
Rampa Exposed As Cyril Hoskin
- Ray Russell recounts discovering Rampa was actually Cyril Hoskin from Devon.
- The press exposed him and he doubled down on his invented Tibetan persona.