Asian Shamanism -

Asian shamanism is a vast complex of diverse ritual practices and beliefs rather than a single unified religion. It is most prominently associated with , often called the "homeland of shamanism," where the term "shaman" originated from the Tungusic languages. These practices revolve around a "shaman"—a specialized ritual practitioner who serves as a mediator between the human and spirit worlds, often through an ecstatic, altered state of consciousness . Core Concepts and Functions Gary Snyderís American-Asian Shamanism - Project MUSE