The Nature of Shamanism: Substance and Function of a Religious Metaphor
Anthropology of Consciousness June 1, 1996 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1525/ac.1996.7.2.28
Summary
This book examines shamanism as a universal religious phenomenon, arguing that it is grounded in the neurobiology of the human brain and serves as a fundamental source of religious metaphor. The author traces shamanic practices across cultures, exploring their role in healing, ritual, and the formation of spiritual beliefs. The work synthesizes anthropological, historical, and neuropsychological perspectives to present shamanism as a coherent system of thought and practice that arises from altered states of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Shamanism is a universal religious phenomenon rooted in human neurobiology that generates core religious metaphors across cultures. |
Abstract
The Nature of Shamanism: Substance and Function of. Religious Metaphor. Michael Ripinsky‐Naxon. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1993. xi. 289 pp. $19.95 (paper). $59.50 (cloth).