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T'ai chi | Tao | Yoga | Shamanism
What is shamanism?
As the most ancient form of mystic practice, shamanism has been described as 'the bedrock of all religions'. In ancient times, a shaman was an individual who was singled out by a tribe as a gifted visionary; someone with special powers who could access other dimensions. The shaman aimed to break free of his physical identity and enter the spiritual world. He would do this by becoming immersed in a powerful trance, performing rituals, drumming and singing and concocting hallucinogenic brews. Today, shamanism is still practised throughout the world – from Siberia to Mexico.
What's the big Idea?
Shamans seek to act as a link between the physical world and the spiritual world. Communities often see them as their representative from this world to the next. The shaman's fundamental belief is that man and nature are one and need to work in partnership to achieve greater harmony and understanding. Life is seen as transitory and reincarnation is a given. Facing up to the idea of death is a major aspect of shamanism. Death rituals encourage individuals to conquer their fear of dying and in so doing, allow them to transcend their 'limited' physical self by freeing them from fear. Rituals can involve participants going off alone to dig their own graves where they will lie all night. Shamans also mix hallucinogenic potions using plants, which are drunk with the view that they will open the mind to the wonder of nature.
What can shamanism do for the body?
Unlike other mystic philosophies, shamanism does not centre on a series of physical moves. However, fasting is often undertaken in order to achieve spiritual and physical purification. Abstinence from sex and other stimulants, coupled with meditation, in the weeks leading up to rituals will also have the effect of cleansing mind and body. Participants will therefore be physically alert to the experiences they are about to face.
What can it do for the mind?
Shamanism promotes exploration of the mind and the quest to realise its potential to help us achieve spiritual fulfilment and to have a greater sense of our existence. Shamanism believes that fear exists only in the mind and that learning to conquer fear will free us from psychological restraints. Shamanism celebrates the power of life in all its forms.
Words of wisdom
'Peace comes within the souls of men when they realise their relationship with the universe and all its powers; and when they realise that at the centre of the universe dwells the oneness of the Great Spirit that is within each of us.' (Black Elk, Native American shaman).
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