Books
Working with the Elemental Spirits
The Five Elements and Shamanism in Nepal
Author: Bhola Nath Banstola
Presents step-by-step, illustrated instructions for authentic Himalayan shamanic practices, including physical and spiritual healing, shamanic journeys and ceremonies.
Includes direct teaching and experiential practices related to the Elements and associated Spirits, Nagas, Devas and Devis.
Rulings Of The Night
An Ethnography Of Nepalese Shaman Oral Texts
Author: Gregory G. Maskarinec
Professor Gregory G. Maskarinec wrote a groundbreaking and award-winning book, on Indigenous Khaas people of West Nepal with a specific reference to the Bishwakarmas (the celestial architects as blacksmiths-BK). The BK Dhami Shamans told him the myths how Mahadeva’s consort, Mahadevi/Parvati went to collect cucumber (we have planted pumpkins) but instead, she plucked flowers, pre-mature tender ones, etc. and how that is explained as the cause of untimely, pre-mature transitions in a poetic way. Then Mahadeva transmits sacred teachings to different people to protect humans from diseases, planetary effects, etc.“In order to distance the planets I will put Kalu Jaisi, he will calculate auspicious moments, calculate exact time, will calculate the position of planets, will calculate the sign of planets. I will put Hunya Bahun who will read the stories, will perform a ritual, will recite the Rudri texts, will diminish the effect of planets on men. I will put Ramma Purancan, Jhankri Jhingratam (shaman) who will postpone messenger of death, untimely deaths, untimely children’s crisis, etc”.In the book “The Rulings of the Night”, an Ethnography of Nepalese Shaman Oral Texts by Prof Gregory, there is a beautiful recital on how shamanic healing is a collaboration between the healer-Dhami-Jhankri and the patient; the regulations to be followed; the harmony to be maintained and promises to be kept. The shaman’s recitations take the patient to visit and re-live the mythical times and recover the memories.The shaman speaks to the patient after the healing session:“Did you eat the green grass, the freshwater? Yes, did you see the nine suns, the nine moons? Yes, did you cross the seven-star obstructions, the seven heavenly barriers? Yes, if you ascend to the sky, I’ll pull you back by your feet. If you descend to hell, I’ll pull you by your topknot”.Deep gratitude, respect and thanks to Prof Gregory who spent twenty-one years in studying in the field, collecting data, learning the language and sacred teachings. This fetched him one of the highest awards by the government of Nepal and the then King himself King Birendra Bir Bikram Shaha Deva as ‘Birendra Prajyalankar’.
Faith-healers in the Himalayas
Author: Casper J. Miller, SJ
This is also a first-hand account of the multiethnic and multicultural district of Doolkha District of East Nepal. Hearty gratitude for the beautiful fieldwork and sharing the experiences during the pilgrimages and everyday lives of the local. “Jhankri-shaman’s role is complementary to both priest and doctor. The priest (whether Brahamana or Lama) and his services are required for the predictable aspect of man’s relationship to God, with religion as such, and so there is no direct competition with the Jhankri who does not deal with life-cycle rituals except in some groups and communities where the Jhankri is also a priest. As regards the doctor trained in Western methods of diagnosis and treatment, though he may at first view the Jhankri as his rival, I believe that a closer look would reveal to him that, at least according to the world-view of his villager patients, he the doctor is treating symptoms while the Jhankri is getting to causes. There are a room and need for both. The doctor will certainly realize that a shared world-view between the patient and physician can be a powerful factor leading to a cure; he should also realize that his modern medical education, based on the secular view of the world, has deprived him of this advantage which the Jhankri continues to possess. Idealistic scheme to train Jhankri to a doctor’s co-worker could be a great idea, but the conventional medical system should also learn how the world of the Jhankri shaman’s works”.
Trance, Initiation and Psychotherapy in Nepalese Shamanism
Essays on Tamang and Tibetan Shamanism
Author: Larry G. Peters
This book contains articles of the first-hand experience by the author with a focus on Aama Bombo, Buddhimaya, whom most of you know either by direct contact when you came to study with us in Nepal or through international conferences.
The Dozing Shaman
The Limbus of Eastern Nepal
Author: Philippe Sagant
It is an ethnographic description of the daily life of the Limbu group, from daily life to the rituals and ceremonies that accompany "the cross-over". The writer must have used the word not as "a dream" but a state of deep trance during the scenes of recovering life essences.
Tunsuriban
Shamanism in the Chepang of Southern and Central Nepal
Author: Diana Riboli
Through extensive research, Prof Diana Riboli has conducted a study of the semi-nomadic Chepang group, providing an in-depth study of the social, cultural and religious life of the Nepalese. Moreover, Prof Riboli has focused mainly on aspects of healing by local shamans.
Body and Emotion
The Aesthetics of Illness and Healing in the Nepal Himalayas
Author: Robert R. Desjarlais
The author explores and presents the worldview of health and healing of the local people of Yhalmo, an area north-east of Kathmandu. This small poetic statement by a local shaman tells the story of most aspects of suffering and sorrow: If we stay, our hearts will hurt If we go, our little feet will hurt. The sadness of little feet hurts, who can we tell? (Song of pain).
Spirit possession in the Nepal Himalayas
Practices for Negotiating the Spirit World
Editors: John T. Hitchcock, Rex L. Jones
This book covers various ethnic groups and cultures from east to west Nepal and north to the southern plains. The well-researched nineteen articles make this book one good source for those interested in Nepal and shamanic practices.