| |
|
Shamanism in China
by Wesley Kawato
Shamanism is alive and well in China. It is closely related to animism, which is the belief that the natural world is a living entity, made up of several interconnecting parts and elements-human and spiritual beings included.
Animists believe that harmony is a key element for the whole universe to function properly. Therefore, seeking balance between human beings, spiritual forces and the surrounding environment is absolutely essential to the ebb and flow of existence. As a corollary, anything that disrupts this harmony must be dealt with-usually through the mediation of an individual, known as shaman.
A shaman's role has to do with restoring peace and harmony to the universe. He or she often will be involved in healing, counseling and spiritual travels, in order to fulfill his/her calling by the spirits. As such, a shaman is highly respected by all and sought after by leaders and common people alike.
Shamanism in China
Ancestor veneration often is associated with shamanistic beliefs and practices. Ancestors are believed to have power to interfere with and to influence the daily existence of the "living." Therefore, appeasing the ancestors and honoring them is of paramount importance to those who are on this side of life.
Taoism, another Chinese religion which strongly emphasizes the maintenance of harmony in the world, has blended well with shamanistic beliefs and practices among the Chinese peoples. On the other hand, the well-known terms "Ying" and "Yang" -opposing elements in traditional Chinese dualistic philosophy, - applied to the idea that the imbalance of opposing spiritual forces leads to disease, often are used in healing practices. The shaman may enter into a spiritual trance as a way of establishing the connection between the forces of light and darkness that are necessary to promote healing and wholeness.
The arrival of Buddhism absorbed and reinforced shamanism. Buddhism teaches the need to attain moral perfection through a series of reincarnations in order for a person to experience nirvana-absolute peace and absolute nothingness. Contrary to what many outsiders believe, Buddhism is strongly shamanistic in its popular versions. Shamans are especially active in Tibetan Buddhism.
Shamanism under Attack
The Chinese government, under Mao Zedong, adopted a similar practice of repression of popular beliefs. Shamans were either executed or sentenced to forced labor in prison camps.
After the death of Mao, China's new leaders realized that shamanistic beliefs and practices can go underground and easily return to the surface, when persecution subsides. They saw that persecution or repression per se does not change people's beliefs as easily as might have been supposed.
Shamans are respected and sought after in many places in China today. They are influential figures in several layers of society. As people grow disillusioned with communism, shamanism has all the potential to come back with full force and offer an alternative to the problems of life for many people. For those who feel a void in their hearts and minds, shamanism is one of several options that promise to replace communist ideology with a time-honored form of spirituality.
Dealing with shamanism is a serious challenge for Christian workers in China both foreigners and nationals. People seek after spiritual power regarding their deepest felt needs. However, we know that the unique power of Jesus to heal, to protect and to "destroy the works of the devil" is the same today as it always has been and will always be. Chinese peoples need to discover this truth for themselves, and come to experience the redemption that is available only in Jesus Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God for all peoples of the world.
Prayer Requests
|