Do Tibetan Buddhists believe that it's possible to develop magic or psychic powers?

Some of them may believe that it is possible to develop natural* powers, but that it is unlikely that "high ranking" buddhists have them, since these powers are seen as a distraction from the practice of the Dharmma. Note that this is not a central idea in tibetan buddhism and it is even less important in other (non-religious) forms of buddhism. Anyone can be a tibetan buddhist with or without these beliefs. ---------------------- * In the sense that they are subject to karma and impermanence like everything else.

Most Buddhist traditions mention the idea of siddhis, which often take the form of what we traditionally call extrasensory or psychic powers, telekinetic abilities, ability to control one's body temperature or other autonomic processes consciously, etc. The stuff that seems like magic but may just be out of the realm of scientific explanation right now. They're considered side effects of practice, not measures of progress, and most teachers warn students against investing too much energy into their cultivation. I have had certain experiences of my own that convinced me they can develop, but after playing around a bit, I kept on down my path.

Yes, and most meditators have experiences that seem like special powers. My first teacher said, "Oh, that's nice, but it's not meditation. If it happens, notice it, let it go, and go back to counting your breaths."

I am a born Tibetan Buddhist, so it would be reasonable for me to answer this question. FYI, I read about extrasensory powers and how they aren't proven true by the scientific community, but, I do believe that magic might exist, it could be a force in which scientists haven't figured out how to explain yet, like the dark matter of the universe. Buddhist monks could go through special training and end up developing abilities that ordinary people don't possess like extreme temperature regulation (AKA, being able to fall asleep in the HIMALAYAS and wake up as if this is no uncommon feat) and (possibly, I am in doubt over this power) levitation. I know that extreme temperature regulation can be accomplished because I have a grandmother who, before starting a family, was a highly dedicated nun and managed to learn the technique of temperature regulation. And, yes I do believe that high ranking Tibetan Buddhists (Like lamas and whatnot) may possess unusual abilities so that's that. I hope you're happy now.

I have read that psychic phenomena sometimes occurs at some point during the spiritual evolutionary process. Not sure as to what causes such "powers". O speculate that such powers simply come with either self control or accumulated merit through many life times of selflessly motivated action. however, as others have mentioned, psychic powers are considered to be a distraction, along with all phenomena. Psychic Phenomena is considered an obstacle because it is a distraction for achieving the ultimate goals of Buddhism, to put an end to all phenomena/existence in order to put a stop for once and for all to all sentient beings suffering. The ultimate goal is even harder for most people (including buddhists especially self help western buddhists) to get their heads around. As the ultimate goal is to cause the end of existence for all. I guess not many people consider not existing as a particular positive progression in our materially driven pleasure seeking mind set. But from a pure buddhist perspective, even pleasure that we seek so much is another form of suffering, even if a lot more subtle in nature. In essence, from a pure Buddhist View All phenomena is a distraction/ illusion which prevents us from achieving the ultimate goal of full cessation of existence It is my personal opinion that psychic phenomena is a real pain in the ass, as it fills ones head with not less but more thoughts, especially if the psychic phenomena is spontaneous and uncontrollable. Imagine, for example. To be able to know the thoughts of others that you know when their thoughts relate to you. Especially in the west, where ego, selfishness and other negative emotions are so common and where the minds are even less controlled than monks. Imagine trying to meditate then? When thoughts pop into your head about what people think of you and negative events which are happening in the real world which you have no control over. I think that would be a nightmare instead of something that is worth desiring. It is better to be ignorant than gifted with such a skill. In the west, if you had such a gift, people would treat you as mentally ill, instead of taking you seriously.  Just because it is an area that the scientists do not have a good enough understanding of. Be careful what you wish for.