Shamanism in Bhutan

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Even after the advent of Buddhism in 8th century, some traces of Bonism or shamanism still exists in some rural pockets in Bhutan. But in the years to come such practice is going to die as most of the practitioners are very old. Young people would never follow their footsteps. Recently, I have captured this video of 74 years old lady Shamanist in north of Thimphu.

Sources say that Vajrayana tradition is the refined form of Shamanism -- meaning some elements of it is been integrated into Vajrayana Buddhism. For example, Bon or the Shaman culture uses prayer flags with iconographies and later on used by Vajrayanas with holy mantras in them. Prayer flag culture came to Bhutan from Tibet in a form of cultural export. Similarly, if you look at this lady Shamanist, she holds small bell and a drum, which is also used by Lamas today during the rituals.

Its very interesting to note what the shamans say in their rituals. Infact, I have been to her with the other people to perform rituals of a sick in the family. As the sick was 76 old orthodox person, he forced me to go to this Shaman to perform a ritual in a hope to get him cured. So I went to her and captured this video. She says in her rituals......that its been late now because his soul is already been taken by some evil spirits, he even got married and has 1 daughter. And his internal organs are all rotten and will be difficult to cure. Anyways, she will perform some rituals and save rescue him from the evil domains. Back home in the Hospital, the doctors have had already diagnosed with a stomach cancer but something very interesting is that this old Shaman never know that the sick has gone to hospital to consult doctors.

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