Hi, John- I'm very interested in learning more about Native American shamanism. Are there any particular authors or web sites you could direct me to? Submitted by Gene on May 1, 2007 John Kain: Gene,

Thank you for your inquiry. First, the word "shaman" comes with a bit of controversy. Some anthropologists and historians believe "shaman" and "shamanism" are culturally specific and refer only to the traditional healers of the Turkic-Mongol regions. Other anthropologists and historians believe the term cuts across cultural lines and defines a certain type of person that functions as a conduit between the material and spiritual worlds.

Since the Indian tribes in North America were quite diverse and had many different spiritual traditions--both in form and function--I like to be as specific as possible in referring to Indian religious beliefs. Iroquois (or "Six Nations People") are quite distinct from, say, the Hopi and so on. Although the “teachings” of Black Elk—the great Lakota-Dakota-Nakota medicine man ("Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux" by John G. Neihardt) have been adopted by many tribes as a primary source for Indian spirituality.

So this issue is, to say the least, quite complex and comes with many intersecting and diverging opinions. Much sensitivity and respect should be given to the subject and the various Indian cultures who are its source. That said, Black Elk's words are a great place to start an exploration of Lakota-Dakota-Nakota (Sioux is more of a non-native label for the Lakota Nation) spiritual beliefs. I would also recommend anything from Vine Deloria, Jr., particularly "God is Red: A Native View of Religion." Also, "The North American Indians" by the photographer Edward Curtis with text by Joseph Epes Brown is a great resource.

"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West" by Dee Brown should also be on anyone's list who is exploring this subject. "Wisdomkeepers: Meetings with Native American Spiritual Elders" by Steve Wall and Harvey Arden is a solid book on a diverse collection of Indian spiritual elders. I'd also recommend "White Buffalo Teachings" by Arvol Looking Horse, who I profile in my book "A Rare and Precious Thing." Arvol is a staunch advocate for the protection of the Lakota-Dakota-Nakota way of life.

There is quite a lot of information out there so your search should be a rich one. Be careful not to confuse New Age nostrums with actual Indian spiritual beliefs and practices--there has been a lot of damage done over the years by often well-meaning "spiritual types" (both native and non-native) who misinterpret and even corrupt Indian spiritual practices for personal gain and profit.

I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey.

Best,

John

How does one go about finding a spiritual teacher? I guess what I'm really asking is, what should I be asking of myself to get the most from their guidance? Submitted by Sharon on Mar 16, 2007 John Kain: Dear Sharon,

The fact that you're asking these questions at the beginning of your search means you're off to a very good start. The more questions we ask of ourselves (and others), particularly in relation to our spiritual journey, the better. It's not that the answers will blossom immediately, if ever, but that these type of questions eventually lead to a deeper understanding of our place in the world.

Often spiritual teachers speak of the importance of intention. What is our intention in studying with a teacher? What do we intend to gain, to lose on our spiritual journey? Why do we want to study with a teacher in the first place? Why do we want to study with a Zen teacher instead of a Hindu teacher, etc.?

These are all good questions but one must remember that our intentions change. As Sister Joan Chittister (a Benedictine nun/author/activist) says, (and I'm paraphrasing) "what initially brings us to a spiritual practice is rarely the thing that keeps us there." I began studying with a Zen teacher because I was in pain (from divorce) and I wanted relief. As my pain diminished, and that particular wound healed I began asking myself what it was I really wanted, "Why was I there studying with a teacher, practicing Zen?" My intentions have changed but I cannot tell you exactly how; I do know that they will change again and hopefully deepen (though there are days I feel I've taken five steps backwards!).

In other words, don't worry so much about answers but certainly keep asking great questions. That said, I would suggest that you read as much as you can about the tradition(s) you're interested in and read about the student-teacher relationship within that tradition--see if it resonates with you; and go visit some teachers and/or spiritual communities. On my website www.johnkain.net (under "Further Exploration") I have a list of links to spiritual teacher's sites (the teachers I cover in my book) and will soon have a list of recommended books uploaded there as well. For Buddhist teachers in particular, the magazine (and website) "Tricycle: The Buddhist Review" (www.tricycle.com) has a comprehensive list of Buddhist teachers.

Thanks for your questions Sharon. Good luck. And don't hesitate to ask other questions, here or elsewhere.

Best,

John