𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺: 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻?

In today’s digital age, the word “shaman” has become increasingly popular. A simple search on the internet reveals countless articles, videos, and posts that claim to teach how to become a shaman, how to beat a drum, light incense, or perform basic rituals. After reading or watching such materials, some people begin to present themselves as “shamanic teachers” or “healers.” But the truth is, such surface-level knowledge cannot make someone a true shaman. Becoming a shaman is not just about acquiring information or attending a formal course for a week or some month. It is a life-long process ; a deep spiritual journey of inner transformation where one has learned through suffering, faced the shadow of death, reawakened the soul, and formed a living connection with nature and supernatural entities. Books or online workshops may offer some theoretical structure, but the vibration of the soul, the movement of consciousness, and the depth of perspective can only arise through direct experience. That said, this does not mean that all shamanic books are useless. Many are written by researchers or authors who have interviewed experienced shamans. Such books can provide important insights into shamanic worldviews, practices, and traditions. For those with initial curiosity, these resources can offer helpful guidance. However, this knowledge remains external and superficial. The true essence of shamanic wisdom can only be received through a qualified teacher—a guru—who not only has the ability to teach, but who has reached the level where they can transmit spiritual energy (initiation). A book may open the door, but it cannot show the way forward. To understand this, let us look at a simple yet powerful example. Imagine someone who reads a book about how to drive and then immediately gets behind the wheel and drives on a busy road. They may understand how to shift gears, brake, and follow traffic rules in theory, but without hands-on training, they are likely to cause an accident , or imagine someone who reads about swimming and then jumps into a deep river. Without knowing how to breathe, float, or move properly in water, drowning becomes highly likely. Learning to become a shaman is even more complex than driving or swimming—because it’s not just about physical skill, but about surrendering the soul, tuning into subtle realms, and working with invisible forces. Mistakes here don’t just lead to injury—they can lead to mental or spiritual harm, for oneself and even for others. Another important point is that secret methods are rarely included in books. And even if they are, they are usually simplified outlines. Once such methods start getting printed and widely sold, their authenticity and power may diminish. That is a whole other topic of debate. Moreover, a single mantra can be used in dozens of ways, and dozens of mantras can serve the same purpose. Even for the same purpose and the same mantra, the method of use may vary depending on the client’s gender, age, or life situation. For example, the ritual of soul retrieval must be done differently for men, women, and children. Some rituals are meant only for the elderly, while others are meant only for youth or children. Certain practices are for men alone, and others for women. And there are hundreds of methods to invoke and work with various deities—something no book can fully cover. An often-overlooked but crucial part of shamanic activity is its relationship with time and energy. Shamanic practices are not done randomly or anytime. The hour of the day, the day of the week, the lunar phase (such as full moon or new moon), and even the month all influence the effect of the ritual. In addition, what one eats or avoids eating before certain practices matters a great deal. Some rituals must be done at specific times only, while others require the practitioner to follow physical and energetic discipline. These subtle timings and conditions are deeply woven into traditional practices and cannot be learned from books or YouTube videos. At the heart of all authentic shamanic traditions lies the “Bombo-Bonchhar” (guru-disciple) relationship. This is not just a system of teaching through words, but of transmitting consciousness and spiritual vibration. A seasoned teacher transforms the student not only through knowledge, but through their living energy, discipline, and grace. This kind of inner awakening cannot happen through online courses or reading alone. And without the guidance of a qualified teacher, surface-level imitation can become dangerous. Lighting incense, beating drums, or using herbs just by reading about them is often mere acting. Such imitation lacks spiritual depth. Practicing half-baked rituals in this way can create confusion in the mind, and sometimes even lead to spiritual or psychological harm for both the practitioner and others. Being recognized as a shaman is not about creating a stylish identity or aesthetic expression. It is a courageous and profound path—one that brings a person face to face with their shadow self, teaches them how to sit with fear, and forces them to fully surrender before the forces of nature. A true shaman is someone who has passed through suffering, learned from the shadow of death, and only then reached the level where they can truly guide and heal others. In conclusion, books and online content may reveal the outer shell of shamanic knowledge, but the deeper path can only be entered through living tradition, direct experience, and spiritual initiation. If you truly wish to become a shaman, you must be ready to go beyond surface information—to devote yourself to the guidance of a qualified teacher, to deep personal discipline, to the tests of life, and to complete inner surrender. Becoming a shaman is not about collecting tools or performing rituals on the surface. It is about restoring a living connection with the invisible world ; a journey that is not written in books, but carved into the soul through direct experience.