The Shaman
THE WORLD OF THE SHAMAN
The Shaman in all the continents in the world, throughout time, have been sought by their local people to perform the role of teacher, healer and counsellor. The bedrock foundation of love and respect for the earth and connection to all things are fundamental to Shamans the world over and yet each tradition has developed its own gloriously unique ways of working when called upon to give guidance for the benefit of the people.
If one studies the shamans on many of the continents of the earth one comes to certain understandings about the customs, the philosophy, the spirituality of the shamanic traditions. It becomes clear then, that there are certain core beliefs and fundamental knowings that are common to all, which are at the very heart of shamanism.
One example of this is that the shamans know that although the things on this earth might be put together and look differently to us, in essence, man and everything around us is made of the same stuff - energy. If everything is energy then we are connected to everything else. We are not separate. We are part of everyone and everything. On the shamanic level there is no difference between a man, a tree, a rock, a dog, a cloud or a fish. We are all connected and are all part of the same system - Planet Earth. It was only the emergence of modern religions that tried to tell man that he was superior, in charge, and therefore had all other things to use for his benefit, as he thought fit. As a result, to achieve certain things, we poison the air, the rivers, the sea and the earth. The Shamans of the world including the Hawaiian Kahuna Shamans and the Native American Spiritual Leaders, have no idea, no comprehension at all about how we in the modern world can do this. It is so clear to them that because we are all connected, if we poison even one tiny stream, we poison ourselves. I use this as but one example of the many many teachings and learnings that are common to all the shamanic traditions of the world.
With a clear understanding of these fundamental truths, it is possible to take a glimpse at how specific traditions built on their understandings in order to develop their unique customs and rituals for life. Now we can learn about the powerful techniques they use for spiritual harmony, community development, emotional health and personal growth. We can study and take immense benefit from the wonderful practices from this fascinating world of shamanic diversity. To take that glimpse is to become open to another way and to walk a new spiritual path in a world that has almost forgotten the glory of what it means to be human.