Shamans Rituals

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In some societies, religious rituals are performed by the members of the community. In some rituals, members would hire a religious specialist to cure someone who carries an illness. A shaman is classified as one of the following religion specialists. The term “shaman” has been used in different ways by different people. According to Rebecca L. Stein & Philip L. Stein, “the term shaman actually comes from the Tungus language of Central Siberia” (Stein & Stein, P. 120). “It refers to the religious specialists who use handheld drums and spirit helpers to help the members of their community by healing the sick, divining the future, and ensuring success in the hunt” (Stein & Stein P. 120). Members of these communities rely on shamanism to help …show more content…
According to Ashvind N. Singh, “The healing power of the shamans is tied directly to their cultural belief in the spirits of the dead and in the living spirits of the world in which they live” (Singh, P. 132). This shows that shamans connect with the living spirits include not just humans and animals but everything that exists in the universe. It is stated that shamans use direct communication with these spirits to understand the knowledge hidden and have the tools for healing. This type of healing process is based on the idea that everything in the universe is interconnected. Therefore, human beings are seen as being one with the universe, and in balance with nature. Shamans have a different perspective when it comes to examining a person with a disease or illness. Their belief system towards diseases is a disruption in the balance of life. For example, “When there is imbalance, there is suffering and pain, either of the body or the mind, or both” (Singh, P. 132). It proves that the poor state of one’s health is caused by a negative spirit. This is important because shamans can see differently from doctors. For example, “Shamans in many cultures believe that the cause of many ailments can be traced to an imbalance or disharmony of specific spirits” (Singh, P. 133). In some cultures, people believe that an epilepsy is caused by an angry spirit, and that the spirit

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