Week 2 - Pryanka Narayan

Pryanka Narayan

ASA 189B

Week 2

            The Pa Lor Story ­ The Journey between two Worlds is a highly intriguing article that discussed the practice of Shamanism. For instance, prior to this article and hearing our guest speaker, I had no idea entirely what a Shaman was. I had heard of the terminology of Shaman, and had once seen one in my neighborhood, but had no idea the integrity that was held behind the term. By reading this article, and hearing Pa Lor speak today, I learned about the large responsibility that Shaman’s hold amongst society, especially within the Hmong community. For instance, when medical science lets one down, Shamanism has been the last pillar of strength and resource for many. Shamans have helped individuals whose souls have been lost, weakened, or taken, and helped that soul back to the original owner. Personally, I find the entire faith of Shamanism to be highly intriguing, and Shaman’s to be people who have great strength. The journey to discover if you hold the essence of being a Shaman does not sound easy, or that it is for anyone. The path seemed to be paved for those who have the resiliency and the courage to help others from their suffering. One question I have, (and this purely from a standpoint of someone who follows the faith of being Agnostic, and a psychology major,);when one is being constantly let down from medical science regarding an illness, and when it is the shaman that ultimately cures that individual, is it truly the power behind Shamanism, or is it the power of placebo?