WEEK 4 - Pahuaja Thao

Just because we do not see or think of our past does not mean it is never a part of us. So like the past, spirits are among us either we see them or we do not. Either we believe in them or we do not. They linger around us. Not as demons or any of the crazy things that the Media portray them to be. They can just be simple spirits that protects a certain tree or plant.

The tarot card "The Ghost", states that it is not a "demon, a haint, or Death" but our ancestors. It represents our past that will always be among us even if we do not physically see them. 

In the article "We Are Not Alone" The Shamans Of The World Tell Us", it talked about obtaining more knowledge of the world is not to find another scientific explanation or theory but to expand our mind and views into things that cannot not be proven by science. It is understandable as to why many people turn towards science since it is the only way to gain more knowledge by finding an explanation for what takes place in reality. So they forget their past and look towards the future, hoping to find some more scientific breakthrough. However, for New Zealand Maori, it is the total opposite for them. They turn to their past, their ancestors, who are now present as spirits, for guidance into the uncertain future. Shamanism embraces the fact that science cannot always explain every single thing that takes place on this planet. It embraces and expand the knowledge of a world not naked to any regular human eye but a chose medium. 

In the second reading, "Possessed by the Spirits-We Have Len Dong Too", the author states that "Outsiders to the religion often portray spirit mediums as selfish, deceitful, and materialistic."(Page 98). Some even stated that the religion is for those who are stupid enough to fall for it and is an unscientific religion based all on faith. 

To those who believes in Shamanism and Animism understands that there are spirits all around us even if it is not visible to the naked eye. However, to the modern world who are advance in technology and science cannot accept this since there is no clear explanation and it is not something physical we can see and touch. 

Question: If Shamanism can embrace the fact that science cannot explain everything, how come the modern world is so obsess with always trying to find an answer?