Shanar: Dedication Ritual of a Buryat Shaman in Siberia

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: In an era of neo-Shamanism and cold-hearted anthropology, it is very nice to see an increase in books where the authors are both practitioners and scientists. Shanar is quite impressive. The ritual appears authentic, the photographs are remarkable, and the text is quite intriguing.

If you're the type who wants to have Shamanism presented in a non-threatening, non-cultural, easy-to-digest-as-a-Westerner, fluffy New Age way ... this isn't the book for you. This is a ride through a very important ritual and thru the Buryat culture. The average Western reader isn't going to understand everything on the first pass - and it isn't about perfection. Its about Human beings trying to connect with their ancestors and the Spirits of their world. Its a serious business.

Because the authors are well versed in Shamanims themselves they tend to treat the ritual with honor and respect.

This is not a how-to book of Shamanism, it is a chance to see the real thing in action. Five stars seems too few.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: In an era of neo-Shamanism and cold-hearted anthropology, it is very nice to see an increase in books where the authors are both practitioners and scientists. Shanar is quite impressive. The ritual appears authentic, the photographs are remarkable, and the text is quite intriguing.

If you're the type who wants to have Shamanism presented in a non-threatening, non-cultural, easy-to-digest-as-a-Westerner, fluffy New Age way ... this isn't the book for you. This is a ride through a very important ritual and thru the Buryat culture. The average Western reader isn't going to understand everything on the first pass - and it isn't about perfection. Its about Human beings trying to connect with their ancestors and the Spirits of their world. Its a serious business.

Because the authors are well versed in Shamanims themselves they tend to treat the ritual with honor and respect.

This is not a how-to book of Shamanism, it is a chance to see the real thing in action. Five stars seems too few.

Rating:
Summary: Describes all of the various aspects of the ceremony
Review: The collaborative effort of Virlana Tkacz, Sayan Zhambalov, and Wanda Phipps, and filled with a wealth of 175 gorgeous, full color photographs, Shanar: Dedication Ritual Of A Buryat Shaman In Siberia accurately depicts the dedication rituals, rites, and ceremony of a Buryat Shaman in Siberia. The informed and informative text describes all of the various aspects of the ceremony in wondrous, heartfelt, and painstaking detail, which combine to fully capture and present the this sacred rite with all respect and an appreciative humility. Shanar is a very highly recommended contribution to Comparative Religion and Anthropology reference collections and supplemental reading lists.