Can a group of people living in isolation create a unique reality paradigm? I'm thinking of, for example, a Tibetan monastery where astounding feats such as levitation, teleportation and the ability to adjust one's own body temperature to withstand any external conditions have all been witnessed on numerous occasions and are seen as the result of diligent practice.

How much of a role does the firm belief held by all local inhabitants factor in these successes? How easily are such results duplicated outside of such an environment? My take - not very!! Lastly, how much can be attributed to the fact that given the environment and the lack of worldly distractions, anyone can accomplish these things, regardless of any local paradigm?

I suspect that while the environment plays a large part, the supporting cast plays a highly valuable role in creating a reality where such breakthroughs are possible. Of course, once one has succeeded at such astounding feats, they should be repeatable in any setting.