Sidney Siu- Week 3
Sidney Siu
Week 3
Spirit Healers
In Chapter 1 of Chongho Kim's Korean Shamanism: The Cultural Paradox, the author notes how shamanism is often used in the context of misfortune by ordinary people. This means that many people turn to shamans for guidance, healing, etc. in times of misfortune, such as death or illness. Though this reading focuses on Korean shamanism, a lot of the observations and analysis are similar to the Chinese traditions that I am familiar with. As Buddhism is a religion practices by people all over the world, many cultures share similar traditions and beliefs. Kim explains that because shamanism is stigmatized in the Korean society, people often disguise the practice as Buddhism. For example, shamans will put Buddhist terms outside their place of practice instead of shamanism terms. Another example is that ordinary people will sometimes say they are going to temple, rather than simply saying that they are going to see their shaman.
Referring back to the topic of turning to shamanism in times of misfortune, it is not surprising that people would do so. There are 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Looking at the order and types of grief, it is somewhat obvious why shamanism is so popular in times of misfortune. In the bargaining stage, many people look to faith and spiritual healing as a resort to benefit them somehow. For example, most people pray or bargain with their god in hopes that it will help or save their situation. Shamanism is also used to help heal people, which can lead to the last stage of grief-- acceptance.
How can shamanism be destigmatized in society?
Week 3
Spirit Healers
In Chapter 1 of Chongho Kim's Korean Shamanism: The Cultural Paradox, the author notes how shamanism is often used in the context of misfortune by ordinary people. This means that many people turn to shamans for guidance, healing, etc. in times of misfortune, such as death or illness. Though this reading focuses on Korean shamanism, a lot of the observations and analysis are similar to the Chinese traditions that I am familiar with. As Buddhism is a religion practices by people all over the world, many cultures share similar traditions and beliefs. Kim explains that because shamanism is stigmatized in the Korean society, people often disguise the practice as Buddhism. For example, shamans will put Buddhist terms outside their place of practice instead of shamanism terms. Another example is that ordinary people will sometimes say they are going to temple, rather than simply saying that they are going to see their shaman.
Referring back to the topic of turning to shamanism in times of misfortune, it is not surprising that people would do so. There are 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Looking at the order and types of grief, it is somewhat obvious why shamanism is so popular in times of misfortune. In the bargaining stage, many people look to faith and spiritual healing as a resort to benefit them somehow. For example, most people pray or bargain with their god in hopes that it will help or save their situation. Shamanism is also used to help heal people, which can lead to the last stage of grief-- acceptance.
How can shamanism be destigmatized in society?
Comments
Post a Comment