𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡, 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧? 𝐀 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭?

𝗠𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 :-

My dear friends , in recent years, I have noticed a growing tendency among some friends to strongly believe that an “original shaman” never calls themselves a shaman and never teaches shamanism to anyone. At first, such a statement may sound wise and profound and it may even reflect a fragment of truth in some cultural contexts. Yet, if we examine it carefully, this notion is far more idealistic than practical. It may arise from a romanticized idea of what a shaman should be rather than an understanding of what a shaman truly is in living traditions. But here , I agree that a genuine shaman does not engage in unnecessary show off or imitation. After all, a filled vessel makes no noise, it is the empty one that rattles. Within our own shamanic lineage, an original shaman does in fact identify themselves as a shaman. This is not an act of ego or pride but an affirmation of one’s role, responsibility and sacred duty. Our ancestors clearly spoke and acted with this understanding. Let us reflect sincerely for a moment. If a person is a shaman, how should they refer to themselves? Should they pretend to be a teacher, a doctor, an engineer, a carpenter, a pilot, a police officer or a minister ? Should they deny their identity altogether and live in silence? True spiritual identity is never something to be hidden. It is not arrogance to speak one’s truth with humility. In fact, it is an essential part of responsibility toward the community. A shaman serves their people through their spiritual gifts. Denying that identity is not a sign of authenticity. Rather, it may reflect confusion or fear of judgment. The quality or authenticity of a practitioner can never be measured by their willingness or unwillingness to use the title of shaman. This is an impractical standard, often promoted by people who have not experienced shamanism deeply from within. The true measure of a shaman lies in their knowledge, their years of practice, their lived experiences, their ability to heal, guide, protect and the trust their community places in them. These qualities are not born overnight. They are earned through long dedication, training, spiritual encounters and service. I cannot speak for other shamanic traditions, nor do I claim to. Each lineage has its own rules, its own ways of transmission and its own sacred language. But in our Tamang Bombo (Shaman) tradition, a shaman is openly called a shaman. This is how it has always been. We are not thieves, outlaws or traitors to our nation, so why must we hide our identity ? The community recognizes the shaman and the shaman accepts that responsibility with humility. It is also true that not everyone who holds a drum, chants a few mantras, performs rituals or claims to have visions is a genuine shaman. The outer performance alone is not enough. One must pass through many stages of spiritual practice and testing. In our culture, there have always been clear standards, rigorous practices and profound spiritual experiences that must be achieved before anyone is accepted by the community as a true Bombo (Shaman). This process takes years, often decades and requires both personal transformation and public recognition. It is not a title one gives to oneself lightly, nor is it a mask one can wear casually. It is a sacred responsibility carried with devotion and discipline. The idea that a true shaman should always remain hidden is not applicable to our tradition. If someone hides their identity and introduces themselves with any other profession, does that make them more genuine? Of course not. A person becomes authentic through their inner integrity and their work, not through their silence or denial of identity. Another idea that often circulates is that an original shaman never teaches others. This belief also does not align with historical reality. If shamans had never shared their knowledge, how would hundreds of shamanic traditions across the world have survived for thousands of years? How would sacred songs, healing techniques, rituals and ceremonial knowledge have reached our generation? The survival of shamanism itself proves that teaching and transmission have always been a vital part of every living tradition. However, it is equally true that sacred knowledge is not given to just anyone, at any time, without careful consideration. In our tradition, teachings are shared only with individuals who are spiritually prepared, culturally grounded and socially responsible. A teacher must recognize the readiness of the student. A student must carry the weight of the teachings with respect, discipline and humility. Not every person has the same capacity to receive or hold spiritual knowledge. This is why both identity and transmission hold sacred importance. A shaman does not claim the title out of pride but out of duty. A shaman does not teach out of ego but to keep the lineage alive. Both are acts of service and continuity, rooted in respect for the ancestors and love for the community. If we misunderstand these principles, we risk losing the very heart of our living traditions. Our elders have always reminded us that shamanism is not a secret locked in silence. It is a living path carried forward through generations. It lives because those who walked it before us had the courage to name their path and the generosity to pass it on to those who were ready. We honor them not by hiding who we are, but by walking with integrity, humility and responsibility.            

Thujechhe