Shamanism is a type of traditional belief and practice involving diagnosis, treatment and other abilities. It sometimes causes people's suffering because of their special relationship with the soul or the control of the soul. Shamans (shamans) were once believed to have the ability to control the weather, prophesy, dream interpretation, astrology, and travel to heaven or hell. Shamanic traditions began in prehistoric times and have spread throughout the world.
Existential Roots and History
Shamanism is based on the premise that the visible world is filled with invisible forces or spirits that influence the lives of living organisms. Unlike any other form of animism or animism (which is usually believed by all members of society), becoming a shaman requires specialized knowledge and abilities. However, shamans do not form full-time ritual or spiritual organizations like priests.
"Shaman" comes from Manchu and other Tungusic languages. As for the origin of this word, there are different opinions in the academic world. Some scholars believe that "shaman" comes from the Sanskrit sramana "shaman" and may have been borrowed into the Tungus language through Chinese, while other scholars believe that this word is a native word of the Tungus language family. , the same root as the verb sa-mbi "to know". Buddhism became popular among ethnic groups who believed in shamanism such as Tibetans, Mongols, and Manchus after the 14th century. The religious form that combined shamanic rituals with Tibetan Buddhism was institutionalized as the state religion in China during the Yuan and Qing dynasties. Although shamanism almost disappeared in the century after the Republic of China overthrew the Qing Dynasty, you can still find the temple (Kunning Palace) where the royal family worshiped shamanism and performed rituals in the Forbidden City in Beijing. Shamanism is believed to precede any organized religion, apparently dating back to the Neolithic Age. Shamanism's later encounters with organized religion were basically caused by its mysterious and symbolic rituals. Greek mythology has been influenced by shamanism, as reflected in the stories of Tantalus, Prometheus, Medea, Calypso and other myths. The same goes for the Eleusinian Mysteries, which suggest that hallucinogenic substances can be used to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Forms of practice
In some societies shamanic powers are believed to be adopted from other "spirited" shamans: the behavior of Siberian shamans may be interpreted by Western physicians Depicted as a psychopath, Siberian culture interpreted it as a spirit possession, while among South American natives and Tapirape shamans were represented in dreams. In other societies, shamans have found their lifelong vocation: primitive peoples look for religious groups who can communicate with spirits for "prospect consultation", and the indigenous Shuar people of South America seek the power to resist their enemies and protect their families, thus training themselves to be extremely accomplished. shaman.
Shamans are able to communicate with spirits and treat people who have been harmed by evil spirits: some societies distinguish between shamans who can heal and shamans who do harm (white shamans and black shamans); others It is believed that all shamans have the power to heal as well as cause harm; that is, in some societies shamans are also considered to have the power to cause harm. Shamans often enjoy great power and prestige within the community but may also be suspected of harming others and incur fear. Most shamans are men, but there are societies where women become shamans (in Old Norse culture, as mentioned above, only women could do so, and it was considered unseemly for men to be shamans).
Based on the fact that this word comes from a specific place and ethnic group, not all traditional ethnic groups agree to use "shaman" as a general term. It appears in Old English as "witch doctor" - a highly general term that embodies two of the shaman's stylized characteristics: magical knowledge and other knowledge; and the ability to heal and change situations.
Shamanism continues to spread all over the world, not only in the countryside, but also in cities, towns, suburbs and shantytowns, whether in the tundra, jungles or deserts.
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