Click here (NBC) to get a glimpse of shamanism's resurgence in portions of Mongolia...
What factors are motivating some people to return to shamanic traditions? How might these behaviors interact with institutional religions, such as Islam and Christianity?
What factors are motivating some people to return to shamanic traditions? How might these behaviors interact with institutional religions, such as Islam and Christianity?
7 comments:
From the short article, my understanding is that the changing economic climate - which is shifting traditional ways of life - is one of the underlying causes for the return to shamanism in Mongolia. To me, one of the most interesting things about shamanism is the fact that shamanistic practice often involves valuing those things which a modern industrial society does not. In that, I think that shamanistic behaviors could easily be (and have been) seen as undermining or disregarding established constructs such as institutional religions and the "advancement" of societies.
Sophie
One of the most interesting things I'm finding about shamanism is the importance placed on spirituality and tradition over materialistic values found more commonly in modern society. (as Sophie also mentioned)
I think that part of the reason shamanism has seen resurgence in recent years in Mongolia is due to the fact that the rituals and beliefs serve as a way of connecting with the natural, undeveloped, and untainted earth – which, in Mongolia and most places around the world, seems to be rapidly disappearing due to the evolution and industrialization of society (ex - the "burgeoning mining industry"). So, shamanic practices serve as a way of clinging onto and connecting with the remaining natural world.
Lauren Cavanagh
One interesting thing I found in this short article is in both Christianity and Shamanism things are revealed to people through visions and dreams and if they follow them generally their life improves.
Lisa
I felt that this article is evidence that the "old ways" are slowly returning and when Governments leave their citiaens alone in the area of religious belief that the people find what works for them and will follow their cultural history and beliefs.
Bob
Good observations regarding the 'cultural nostalgia' that shamanism taps into, placed in tension with the 'progressive' dynamics of modern civilization, with all of the attendant benefits and drawbacks.
pdk
I think it has something to do with the oppression that this place has been under for centuries. The people have been so pushed down that they are looking for something bigger and greater than the world that they have been forced to live in.
Michael
Michael and Sophie make relevant observations. Periods of discontent are often followed by returns to one's spiritual rooting. The emergence of a shamanic resurgence would, in a reasonable argument, sit fitfully with the two established religions. Why would two hegemonic religions desire a third to lay stake within their territory?
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