July 20

Through My Eyes

Sunday July 20

( We continue reading of musical instruments.)

"Theoretically any musical instrument-guitars,horns, and synthesizers,for example-can be used in this way. It has been noted that certain musicians, such as some jazz artists and rock guitarists, seem to reach a quasi-shamanic state of exaltation while improvising. It is certainly possible that some great musicians may be coming in touch with shamanic abilities that the spirits have given them even though they may not have consciously realized their calling. In Mongolia and Siberia, the performance of epic songs called uliger was traditionally done by a shaman, and the performer would go into shamanic ecstasy while playing. This kind of singing was often accompanied by throat singing (hoomei), a type of singing that has much magical power when used by a shaman and can quickly produce a state of being ongod orood. Uliger have great healing and protective power and are sung in times of disease and danger, similar to the performance of the Blessingway by the Navaho hataali. These songs are also important because they are a vehicle for transmitting knowledge of shamanic techniques and beliefs from generation to generation. This again reminds us that shamans play a vital role in passing down the traditions as well as being teachers and practitioners of many varieties of artistic expression. Therefore if you are a musician or other kind of artist, do not forget that you can use your creative abilities to enhance your communication with the shamanic spirits.

Percussion instruments such as bells, cymbals, and the tingsha may be used in lieu of the drum in certain ceremonies. Any kind of instrument is satisfactory for journeying if the shaman has developed a rapport with the ezen of the instrument so that it will allow itself to become the steed of the shaman during the journey. Small percussion instruments appear to have become popular in more recent times, since the persecution of shamans by Tibetan Buddhists (yikes!) and then by the Communists, for they are much quieter than the drum and are more easily carried from place to place. My teacher Sanjai zaarin uses a bell almost exclusively in his work, a Tibetan bell used with a piece of brass representing lightening called an ochir or dorji. While ringing the bell with one hand he holds the ochir upright, allowing energy to be channeled through it.

" (Tibetan Buddhists. That's a bit of a surprise as the Buddhism doesn't allow for persecution. However, not all Buddhists exhibit the compassion of sincere adherents.) I promise to add more tomorrow...

*(please click here to read of the day with me! )

Through my eyes

* courtesy of Sarangerel in her book Chosen by the Spirits. pictures courtesy of A luminous Diamond (Bright)

Crystal Show productions.

( Tahshi, gentle beautiful one! I got my automobile but discovered it has a leak in a coolant line so this has to be fixed and I'm back to driving Mom's car. What a stumbling week it has been! I'm going to go up to the Grove when it gets cool to do some work but I'll add our wildflowers first so we can visit them as usual.

And so, as always we'll continue two as one on to tomorrow

my one gentle beautiful patient dream bright

long dark mane in sunlight

so for now I bid goodnight...Simjah Nahngo! )

( please see my spinning for you!)


	Through My Eyes Sunday July 20 ( We continue reading of musical instruments.) "Theoretically any musical instrument-guitars,horns, and synthesizers,for example-can be used in this way. It has been noted that certain musicians, such as some jazz artists and rock guitarists, seem to reach a quasi-shamanic state of exaltation while improvising. It is certainly possible that some great musicians may be coming in touch with shamanic abilities that the spirits have given them even though they may not have consciously realized their calling. In Mongolia and Siberia, the performance of epic songs called uliger was traditionally done by a shaman, and the performer would go into shamanic ecstasy while playing. This kind of singing was often accompanied by throat singing (hoomei), a type of singing that has much magical power when used by a shaman and can quickly produce a state of being ongod orood. Uliger have great healing and protective power and are sung in times of disease and danger, similar to the performance of the Blessingway by the Navaho hataali. These songs are also important because they are a vehicle for transmitting knowledge of shamanic techniques and beliefs from generation to generation. This again reminds us that shamans play a vital role in passing down the traditions as well as being teachers and practitioners of many varieties of artistic expression. Therefore if you are a musician or other kind of artist, do not forget that you can use your creative abilities to enhance your communication with the shamanic spirits. Percussion instruments such as bells, cymbals, and the tingsha may be used in lieu of the drum in certain ceremonies. Any kind of instrument is satisfactory for journeying if the shaman has developed a rapport with the ezen of the instrument so that it will allow itself to become the steed of the shaman during the journey. Small percussion instruments appear to have become popular in more recent times, since the persecution of shamans by Tibetan Buddhists (yikes!) and then by the Communists, for they are much quieter than the drum and are more easily carried from place to place. My teacher Sanjai zaarin uses a bell almost exclusively in his work, a Tibetan bell used with a piece of brass representing lightening called an ochir or dorji. While ringing the bell with one hand he holds the ochir upright, allowing energy to be channeled through it. " (Tibetan Buddhists. That's a bit of a surprise as the Buddhism doesn't allow for persecution. However, not all Buddhists exhibit the compassion of sincere adherents.) I promise to add more tomorrow... (please click here to read of the day with me! ) Through my eyes courtesy of Sarangerel in her book Chosen by the Spirits. pictures courtesy of A luminous Diamond (Bright) Crystal Show productions. ( Tahshi, gentle beautiful one! I got my automobile but discovered it has a leak in a coolant line so this has to be fixed and I'm back to driving Mom's car. What a stumbling week it has been! I'm going to go up to the Grove when it gets cool to do some work but I'll add our wildflowers first so we can visit them as usual. And so, as always we'll continue two as one on to tomorrow my one gentle beautiful patient dream bright long dark mane in sunlight so for now I bid goodnight...Simjah Nahngo! ) ( please see my spinning for you!)