One variety of Shamanism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

One variety of shamanism - Essay ExampleThese are the needs, which paved the way for Shamans and Shamanism.Since the earliest Homo sapiens, hundreds of cultures or so the humanness have developed different varieties of shamanist customs which have fascinated generations of scholars and researchers. The traces of shamanism can be found in every continent. Some of the varieties of Shamanism are the Celtic Shamanism, Vedic Shamanism, Siberian Shamanism, Mongolian Shamanism, Tibetan Shamanism, Chinese Shamanism etc. what is common to all these manifestations of Shamanism is the healing of the body, mind and mind - a kind of purification. The study of these aboriginal traditions broadens our understanding of Shamanism as a whole.The evidence of the fact that Shamanism is an age-old tradition can be found in ancient literary texts such as The Rig Vedas. Vedic Shamanism, which flourished in the East and Central Asia is very similar to the other Shamanistic traditions, and believed in an animating principle that permeates through all things and all beings. That unseen essence of being is called the soul. The Shamans used roots and barks and produced a rattle sound dapple healing. It is believed that the Shamans made the rock paintings of Bhimbetaka in India. The meditative tradition in Asia that advocates Yoga is an offshoot of the Vedic Shamanism.Yoga attempts to set the mind in a thoughtless z nonpareil. This meditative tradition explores the ancient wisdom that an unseen energy flows through all beings and is connected directly to the quality of life. By trapping that life force, physical, emotional and purposeual public assistance can be ensured. Although the process is spiritual in nature, it is not confined to any religion. The Yoga masters suggest that it is necessary to have a clear acquaintance of the Self. Unless one recognizes the inherent energy, the pilgrims progress towards eternity will be obstructed. How does one come to become a ShamanAccording to Robert M. Huff, a Shaman may have received his calling to become a shaman as a result of a near-death experience in which he was carried into the spirit world and met teachers who helped them to learn healing songs, medicines, and revelations about the future. A shaman may also be born into the role, or be trained for it after demonstrating some surplus aptitude for healing. Every generation expects someone to take on the role of the shaman.The Roles of a ShamanMichael Harner tells us that Shaman is a Tungis word which originated in Siberia. It means one who can see with eyes closed or in the dark. The Shaman can be either a man or a woman. The principal(prenominal) role that the Shaman plays is that of a healer, as he knows the pragmatic techniques of diagnosis. Another important role of the Shaman is dealing with the spirits, because he is the one who can reckon lost souls and banish the intruding souls. Davidson, in his book Gods and Myths of Northern Europe, writes, The shaman acts as intermediary between the world of men and the gods, and has the power to descend into the realms of the dead. His spirit is believed to journey forth from his body, which remains in a state of trance. Sometime the long journey which it takes is described by him in a chant. (118). A crucial role of the shaman, according to