Questions and Answers
What has the word 'shaman' been erroneously used as?
What roles can a shaman fulfill?
Magician, medicine man, priest, mystic, poet
Where is shamanism predominantly a religious phenomenon?
Siberia and Central Asia
What is one definition of shamanism?
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What happens during the shaman's trance?
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What are two chief methods of recruitment for shamans?
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What does gaining knowledge equivalent to for a shaman?
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Illness is a permanent condition for a shaman.
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What is the role of a shaman in terms of community's religious life?
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Study Notes
Shamanism Overview
- The term "shaman" is often mistakenly equated with "medicine man," "sorcerer," and "magician."
- A shaman serves multiple roles: magician, medicine man, priest, mystic, and poet.
Definition and Context
- Shamanism primarily originates as a religious phenomenon in Siberia and Central Asia, derived from the Tungusic word "saman."
- The shaman holds a dominant position in the magic-religious life, emphasizing ecstatic experiences.
Techniques and Practices
- Shamanism can be defined as a "technique of ecstasy," with healing practices unique to the shaman, referred to as shamanic healing.
- Not all ecstatic experiences are considered shamanic; their significance varies across cultures.
Trance Experiences
- A shaman specializes in entering a trance, during which their soul may leave the body to access spiritual realms.
- Unlike others, a shaman does not become possessed by spirits but maintains control while communicating with them.
Characteristics of Shamanism
- Central Asian and Siberian shamanism exhibits universal traits, including relationships with spirits, magical flight, and mastery over fire.
- While shamans have access to sacred regions, they do not establish the mythology, ideology, or rites of their communities.
Role of the Shaman
- Shamanists prioritize the ecstatic experiences of their shamans, viewing them as essential for personal and communal connections.
- The shaman acts as a mediator, guiding individuals and the community in spiritual matters, including soul journeys.
Recruitment of Shamans
- In Central and Northeast Asia, shamans are typically recruited through hereditary transmission or spontaneous vocation.
- Recognition as a shaman requires two forms of education: ecstatic experiences and traditional teachings in shamanic practices.
Knowledge and Initiation
- Gaining shamanic knowledge involves initiation, regardless of the individual’s mental state.
- A dual process of ecstatic and didactic initiation is essential for one to be considered a shaman.
Shamanism and Psychopathology
- Illness can signal shamanic election but is temporary; many shamans have healed from their own ailments.
- Unlike the sick, a shaman is viewed as someone who has cured themselves and possesses extraordinary neurological abilities.
Concentration and Control
- Shamans demonstrate heightened concentration and the ability to control their ecstatic experiences, engaging in exhausting practices while maintaining stability.
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Description
Test your knowledge of shamanism with these flashcards. Explore key terms and definitions that outline the role of the shaman, the essence of shamanism, and common misconceptions surrounding this practice. Perfect for students or anyone interested in spirituality and religion.
