Religions of Ancient Asia

Instructor Pacas

Shamanism Prehistory to Present

• Shamanism is an ancient religious belief that seeks to create harmony between human beings (of a tribe) and the natural world around them.

• The entire tribe is held subject to the ‘laws’ that bind the physical world (this world) and the spirit world (‘other world’ and the beings, geographical spots, and animals that are considered sacred in this world).

Shamanism cont’d• Shamanism believes that all things whether

living or geographical locales have an inherent spirit.

• Rocks, lakes, rivers, trees, groves, animals, etc. all have spirits.

• Only gifted and highly spiritual individuals are able to commune with this spirit world and guide the tribe/leader of the tribe in the correct path.

Shamanism Cont’d• Shamanism is an extremely ancient

religion that dates as far back as the Last Ice Age and perhaps further back.

• Shamanism in its diverse forms was practiced in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

• Presently it is still practiced by tribal groups in Asia, Americas, Africa, and Australia.

Shamanism in Siberia circa 2000 CE

The Shaman: Ancient Neolithic cave painting

• Archaeologists believe that this painting was created to ensure a good hunt.

• Symbolizes a ritual of the hunt.

Shamans in North America

Shamanism cont’d

• Shamanist believe that the spirit world and our physical world interact on a daily basis.

• Our physical world is subservient and influenced by the world of the spirits.

• It is therefore wise to be aware of the influence of spirits in our world and seek guidance from ‘shamans’ so that harmony between our physical lives and the spirits can be achieved.

• Certain places and certain animals are links to maintain or achieve this balance.

Nomad Art: Shamanism Inspired

Tengri/Tengra-ism

• Tengri or Tengra was the nomadic name given to the most powerful deity that the steppe nomadic tribes of Eurasia worshipped from prehistory to 1300 CE (some people in Mongolia still are active Tengri-nists)

• Tengri/Tengra- is the everlasting sky-everything under heaven is subservient to it.

Tengri/Tengra-ism

In the steppes all you see is open pastures and everlasting sky.

Tengri/Tengra

• Although the concept is a bit abstract some sources seem to suggest that the everlasting sky is viewed as having the ability to also assume human form.

• Tengri/Tengra-ism- is a religious belief indigenous to the Eurasian people particularly Turkic and Mongolic steppe tribes but possibly even Iranian steppe nomads also worshipped Tengri/Tengra.

Tengriism

Drum used by Tengri shamans to enter trance.Stone monuments erected by steppe nomadsCarved ones are in memory of fallen comrades.

The Religion of the Indo-Aryans: Zoroastrianism/Mazdaism

• Religion associated with the Indo-Aryans that settled Persia and gave their name to the region (Iran).

• The ‘prophet’ Zoroaster or Zarathustra is believed to have lived between 1500 BCE – 1000 BCE and developed this belief in two forces in the world good (light) vs. evil (dark) who were constantly at odds with each other.

Zoroastrianism Cont’d

• The force of good comes from the creator Ahura Mazda (Translates to Great Light)

• Evil is the force created by Drug/Druj trying to destroy the light or Mazda (light).

• Ahura Mazda’s greatest allies are humanity itself and their works to preserve Mazda through religious ceremony, right action, doing good and forgoing acts that are evil.

Zoroastrianism Cont’d

• Became the religion of the Persian Empire of the Achaemenid Persians in the 6th century BCE to the Sassanid Persian 7th century CE.

• The priestly class of Zoroastrians were known as Magi.