Is Shamanism a Path or religion?

[MonSno_LeeDra]

Please, I know it can be both depending upon the individual but I'm just trying to get some different perspectives. As I stated to me I know it can be indiviudal or both.

Does having a religious connection make one a better Shaman?

Does the lack of a religious connection open more possibilities?

Does the "Shamanic Death" actually have to be a physical session of life or can it be more metaphysical? The fact I nearly died a number of times in my youth has definatley colored my perspective on this one.

Does the family lineage of being called make a better shaman than to be self called?

[Simply Puzzled]

Please, I know it can be both depending upon the individual but I'm just trying to get some different perspectives. As I stated to me I know it can be indiviudal or both.

It depends on the way you define religion, but in the traditional sense, it is not a religion. It is a vocation that operates within a religious framework. For example, everyone in the village might believe in the Sky Father and Earth Mother. It's the shamans job to go chill with them.

Does having a religious connection make one a better Shaman? Does the lack of a religious connection open more possibilities?

I guess it would depend on how you see religion. If you mean adherence to very specific dogma, then yes, I can see how that would be limiting. But you also have to have some sort of religious assumptions to interpret your experiences through. Otherwise, you'll probably just think you are quite mad and seek medical help. Personally, I think just throwing out religious beliefs on the assumption it will make you a better shaman would be A Very Bad Idea (tm).


Does the "Shamanic Death" actually have to be a physical session of life or can it be more metaphysical? The fact I nearly died a number of times in my youth has definatley colored my perspective on this one.

Just because you have nearly died a number of times does not necessarily have anything to do with shamanism. The shamanic death is usually a serious illness with specific characteristics that is best diagnosed by a shaman. I'm not aware of any requirement for temporary cessation of life, merely being extremely sick. Moreover, the shamanic death is not universal and is only required in some traditions. Other cultures have initiations that are less physical and more spiritual.

Does the family lineage of being called make a better shaman than to be self called?

Just because someone is a shaman does not necessarily mean their offspring will be. Often times spirits do choose to work through family lines, but that is a choice not a requirement. You can't, however, be self called. Being called to something requires, well, a third party to call you. You can choose to take up the role of shaman, but there is no guarantee that it will work. You offer yourself up and hope it works. If it does, hang on for the ride, keep all arms and legs within...

[MonSno_LeeDra]

Simply Puzzled wrote:


It depends on the way you define religion


To my thoughs I think the religious dogma would be with the majority of the tribe (Collectively). I think the Shaman would be more spiritual in essence. Yes some of the dogma of the tribal perspective yet not as constrained in his / her actions.

Yet is also goes to how one defines religious against Spiritual.


You can't, however, be self called. Being called to something requires, well, a third party to call you


I agree. I wrote this at work and didn't get a chance to complete it before the mundane jumped in with both feet.

What I ment by self called is when someone reads a book or story on Shamanism then decides they are supposed to be a Shaman. No external stimilus in respect to a family calling or receiving a spiritual calling simply I read therefore I think I am.

[Simply Puzzled]

To my thoughs I think the religious dogma would be with the majority of the tribe (Collectively). I think the Shaman would be more spiritual in essence. Yes some of the dogma of the tribal perspective yet not as constrained in his / her actions.

I think this is a mistake made by projecting modern views of spirituality onto shamans to fit in with the mold. Do you know why most cultures don't even have a name for their religion? It's because it's not religion: it's the way things are. Think about it. What did the Celts call their religion? They didn't. It was just what was done. And in this sense, the shaman is more constrained because he is closer in touch with the spirits and lives life under increased taboos and restrictions.

[Shanti]

For me it is neither. It is an ability.

[Shosha]

I think I do agree that Shamanism is a job...
within or without a religion.
I see it like kind of being an ambassador.

Do you know why most cultures don't even have a name for their religion? It's because it's not religion: it's the way things are. Think about it. What did the Celts call their religion? They didn't. It was just what was done. And in this sense, the shaman is more constrained because he is closer in touch with the spirits and lives life under increased taboos and restrictions.



EXACTLY!

[WolfWhoSings]

For me it's ... um, something you do like eating?

*Looks around furtively*

I guess that's a path? My "allegiance" if you will is to the lifeforce, to my "tribe." Religious-wise, I have respect for all the gods and incarnations of primal forces. It's not my place to say who's on top and who's "for real."

My place is to petition and facilitate what my "tribe" needs.

I may not be the most useful one to answer.

*Pops back in hidey hole.*

*Pops back out. Grabs snack.*

*Back in hole.*

[Terra Mater]

Shaman, like god, is a job title. Once it was a title that had to be bestowed upon you. Now it seems anyone with a library card and some spare time can call themselves a shaman.

Makes me think of a scene in the Earth's Children series where Ayla is being evaluated by the Mamutoi Mamuts and Ayla is introduced as a healer and one of the Mamuts repled, "Its for us to decide if she is a healer or not. Just because she knows willowbark is good for pain doesn't make her a healer. Most of the people know a few remedies and techniques."

[David19]

For me it's ... um, something you do like eating?

*Looks around furtively*

I guess that's a path? My "allegiance" if you will is to the lifeforce, to my "tribe." Religious-wise, I have respect for all the gods and incarnations of primal forces. It's not my place to say who's on top and who's "for real."

My place is to petition and facilitate what my "tribe" needs.

I may not be the most useful one to answer.

*Pops back in hidey hole.*

*Pops back out. Grabs snack.*

*Back in hole.*

I'm not a shaman, but I wanted to say, thanks for your post, it's, again, really interesting :).

[David19]

Shaman, like god, is a job title. Once it was a title that had to be bestowed upon you. Now it seems anyone with a library card and some spare time can call themselves a shaman.

Makes me think of a scene in the Earth's Children series where Ayla is being evaluated by the Mamutoi Mamuts and Ayla is introduced as a healer and one of the Mamuts repled, "Its for us to decide if she is a healer or not. Just because she knows willowbark is good for pain doesn't make her a healer. Most of the people know a few remedies and techniques."

Again, really cool and interesting post :).