Shamanism is the term that Westerners use for the ancient spiritual beliefs of Mongolia and Siberia.
A more accurate name for these beliefs is Tengerism. Tengerism means a reverance for the spirits while “Shamanism” seems to mean reverance toward shamans. Shamans are not to be worshiped but merely respected as priests of Tengerism. Calling our beliefs “Shamansim” would like be like calling Christianity “Priestism” or Judaiism “Rabbiism”.

In Tengerism, the world is alive. The plants, animals, rocks, and water all have spirits. These spirits must be respected and cared for or the land would become hostile or barren. Therefore, protection and balance of one’s environment is of utmost importance.

Personal responsibility is the second main tenet of Tengerism. Tengerists believe in a concept called buyan that is very close to the belief of karma. Being responsible for one’s own actions is the mark of an upright human being.

The third tenet of Tengerism is balance. Balance is important to keep harmony within oneself, the community, and the environment. When things get out of balance, there are harmful effects. This is when a shaman is needed.


The Shaman

Many Westerners try to categorize a shaman as a “medicine man” or “witch doctor”.
Mongolian/Siberian spiritual beliefs are far more sophisticated than that. There are many kinds of healers that are specialists in their field. There are otoshi (healers), barishi (bone-setters), and bariyachi (mid wives). All of these specialists are believed to have some form of help from the spirit world.

It is the shaman, however, that is the true master of the spirit world. The shaman is chosen by the spirits at birth and an extra soul called an udha enters them. This soul helps them gather other spirit helpers that protect the shaman. Without this protection, rituals and other world journeys are dangerous and foolish to attempt.

The main function of the shaman is to restore and maintain balance in his community. Shamans conduct blessings, rituals of protection, hunting magic, and divination. They also cure sicknesses that have spiritual causes such as spiritual intrusions, spiritual pollution, soul loss, and curses. Shamans are also the caretakers of traditional culture. Because of their knowledge of ancient tradition, their counsel has been sought throughout the ages.


Persecution

Tengerism dates back to the stone age. Petroglyphs have been found showing shamans doing ritual. It is amazing how little has changed over the millennia that this tradition has existed. Tengerism has had it’s troubles, however. Over the last few centuries it has suffered persecution.

Since the time of Chinggis Khaan, only people who were of his royal lineage were allowed to rule Mongolia. This frustrated many would-be rulers who were not of this line. Altan khan was the most destructive of these usurpers. In 1577 he became Buddhist. He perceived that through the Buddhist faith he could gain legitimacy by claiming to be a reincarnation of Khublai Khaan. He had the Tibetans proclaim him to be legitimate and in return he gave their highest Lama, Sonam Gyatsho, the title of “Dalai Lama”. Dalai means “oceanic” which is also the meaning of Chinggis Khaan’s name. This added more “legitimacy” to Altan khan’s claim.

Altan khan then proceeded to order the burning of shamanic equipment and the building of Buddhist temples on sacred shamanic sites. Lastly, and most horribly, he turned on the shamans. Because shamans were traditionalists and symbolized the indigenous faith, they were burned alive. These purges in Mongolia were fairly successful as most people converted to Buddhism.

In Communist Russia, shaman’s possessions were confiscated, and shamans were often imprisoned or killed. Because of the vast size and remoteness of the land, the purges in Siberia were unsuccessful. In many places throughout Siberia, the faith continued on as it has since the beginning of man.

Now, with the end of Communism in both Mongolia and Siberia, freedom of religion has returned. Many people who once were afraid to practice their beliefs have returned to their ancient, traditional faith.