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Foreigners in Korea have conflicting views about Korean shamanism, some believing it may meet spiritual needs and serve a useful purpose while others see it as a superstition.Whatever their views on its effectiveness, most foreigners, like many contemporary Koreans, see Korean shamanism ..."
Foreigners in Korea have conflicting views about Korean shamanism, some believing it may meet spiritual needs and serve a useful purpose while others see it as a superstition.Whatever their views on its effectiveness, most foreigners, like many contemporary Koreans, see Korean shamanism or ``musok,’’ the first and most ancient of the religions of Korea, as a cultural treasure that should be preserved.I first became aware of the presence of shamanism in Korea in May when I was celebrating Buddha's birthday at Magok-sa Buddhist Temple near the City of Kongju about two hours drive south of Seoul. There in a tranquil forest near a hermitage some distance from the maintemple one of the Buddhist nuns unlocked a half-hidden little shrine for me and showed me a little idol representing the spirit of the mountain.
I was taken
aback.
Despite the coming of Buddhism about 2,500 years ago and the
arrival of Christianity about 200 years ago, shamanism lives on, even
at the center of an ancient Buddhist temple. In fact some say Korean
shamanism is flourishing. By some estimates, 120,000 shamans practice
in South and North Korea.
Professor Yoon Ye-heum of Seoul National University said nobody knows
for sure how many people practice shamanism here but he estimates
between two and three hundred thousand. However, that figure jumps to
the millions if it is based on how many people are influenced by
shamanism.
Perhaps the majority of Koreans turn to shamanism and fortunetellers
when life-changing events occur or big decisions are to be made_
marriage, birth, buying a home, sickness or financial investments.
David Mason, a 20-year resident of Korea, has written a book called
``Spirit of the Mountains” (www.san-shin.org) about how Korea’s
mountain shamanism fits in with the other faiths of Korea.
He says he doesn’t personally believe in spirits, but he has witnessed
first-hand the impact shaman ceremonies have on individuals, families
and communities and he says the religion definitely has value.
``The ceremonies can have a transforming effect,” he said. ``It can
resolve family conflicts and bring about a sense of unity both at a
family level and at a village level.”
He said that typically at the village level, a ceremony takes place,
sacrifices are made and then people drink, celebrate and dance.
``People are often exhausted but they feel in harmony with one
another,’’ hesaid.
He add......
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The 'rain' man
'Voodoo-cursed' woman is jailed
Voodoo History
'Spy' used voodoo to shield general from Taliban
Voodoo Day celebrated in Benin
Rainmaker ritual helps date ancient droughts
The mystical experience of shamanism
Peru shamans perform protective ritual
Voodoo priest: "My exorcisms get results"
