Authored by Master Himala Pahadi
Shamanism, a practice as old as time itself, holds secrets that have been concealed and misunderstood throughout history. In this exploration, we delve into the true history and origins of shamanism, seeking to unravel the mysteries that surround it. We also delve into the various definitions of being a shaman and the social and political implications that have excluded certain shamans from recognition.
Shamanism, an ancient practice that spans countless generations, serves as a conduit between the earthly realm and the spiritual world. Shamans, the masters of this art, possess the ability to connect with the spiritual realm, seeking guidance and wisdom. Even in modern times, shamans employ rituals and ceremonies to establish contact with the spirit world and gain insights into the future. This sacred tradition, developed by ancient cultures, continues to thrive in different corners of the world, providing guidance and healing through humanity's magical journey.
The origins of shamanism have long been a subject of debate among scholars. Paleolithic art from Europe and South Africa suggests the presence of shamanic practices dating back over thousands of years. The archaeological record offers glimpses into the ancient world, with the earliest recognized evidence of a shaman dating back approximately 12,000 years in Israel. However, these discoveries only scratch the surface of a tradition that extends far beyond what is currently acknowledged. Prehistoric cave paintings from the Upper Paleolithic era hint at a shamanic legacy spanning at least 30,000 years.
Recent revelations challenge established timelines and suggest that shamanism has an even more ancient history. While authorities struggle to grasp a comprehensive understanding of its origins, evidence from various sources indicates that shamanism has existed for at least 10,000 years. Yet, there are those who refuse to acknowledge the possibility of even older timelines due to the confines of a rigid narrative. To uncover the truth, one must delve deep into the annals of history. For instance, the masters of Ahpay Amah, an animistic magical system from the lofty mountains of Nepal, claim that animism and the use of altered states of consciousness date back at least 250,000 years—a testament to the mastery of complex shamanic magic in deep prehistory.
The term "shaman" carries various definitions and interpretations. The masters of Ahpay Amah assert that their use of Direct Knowing led to the birth of the term "One Who Knows," eventually evolving into "shaman." The existence of Ahpay Amah, concealed for countless millennia, challenges the narrative surrounding shamanic origins. It begs the question: have we been deceived about the true history of shamanism, even within the academic community?
The ancient shamans of Ahpay Amah were guardians of their knowledge, preserving it amidst threats of persecution from regional warlords and kings. Their wisdom, originating in prehistoric Africa, found refuge in the Himalayan mountains. It remained hidden until a master emerged, bringing this ancient practice to light and making it accessible to those who seek it. Could it be that the words Ahpay Amah were the seeds from which "shaman" eventually blossomed?
To understand the etymology of the term "shaman," we must delve into its roots. Originating from the Tungus language, the word "shaman" derives from "saman," meaning "one who is excited, moved, raised." Some suggest that it may have also originated from an ancient Indian word denoting self-healing and ascetic practices or a Tungus verb meaning "to know." All these translations potentially trace back to the concept of direct knowing, which Ahpay Amah translates to in English.
While the exact beginnings of shamanism remain a subject of debate, the definition of a shaman encompasses various roles, such as healing, altered states of consciousness, and communication with spirits to acquire knowledge for the purpose of healing. Over the years, shamanism has eluded a singular definition but has reached a level of consensus. At its broadest, a shaman can be described as any practitioner who enters controlled altered states of consciousness, regardless of the specific altered state. This inclusive definition allows for mediums and yogis to be considered shamans, although it may not align with their preferred self-identifications due to varying levels of societal prestige.
Michael Harner, an anthropologist who immersed himself in Amazon tribes during the 1950s and 1960s and later became a shaman himself, offers a definition that resonates with many. He describes a shaman as "a man or a woman who enters a conscious state at will to contact and use a concealed reality to gain knowledge, power, and assist other people." However, Master Goddess Nava, the master of Ahpay Amah who imparted her wisdom to Master Himala Pahadi, provides an even more comprehensive and descriptive definition:
"The mastery of shamanism entails various rituals that necessitate shifting mental states, transcending the depths of meditation. The mind disconnects from the constraints of time, becoming formless. Through these rituals, masters establish connections with other dimensions and beings, or tap into the consciousness that permeates the cosmos. The original purpose of Ahpay Amah's ancient masters was to ensure healing and longevity for their bonded community. Animism's origin never revolved around selfishness or self-consciousness."
While specific definitions can offer clarity and aid in distinguishing shamans within a community, it is important to recognize that shamans themselves may not adopt the label. Jews, Christians, Wiccans, and other native shamans do not refer to their practices as shamanism, nor do they view their beliefs as such. The label "shamanism" is an academic construct used to comprehend specific aspects of religious observance. Moreover, many shamans, including the masters of Ahpay Amah, vehemently assert that their techniques should not be treated as dogmatic religious practices.
In conclusion, shamanism defies a singular definition, encompassing a wide range of altered states of consciousness, experiences, and goals. Shamans themselves often avoid labels, recognizing their potential to limit personal and cosmic growth. As seekers of power within the cosmos, they strive to transcend boundaries and expand their understanding of the spiritual realm, guided by ancient wisdom passed down through the ages.