Shamanism and African Philosophy Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and terms related to Shamanism and African philosophy, as well as connections to Hinduism and Buddhism.

Medicine Wheel

A symbol in Ojibway culture representing the interconnectedness of all life and the cyclical nature of existence.

Tcisaki

The Revealer of Hidden Truths; a shaman who uncovers spiritual or psychological issues.

Wabeno

A shaman associated with fire gazing, using fire’s symbolism for insight.

Nanandawi

The Tribal Doctor; a shaman focused on healing and maintaining health.

Meda

The Drummer; serves as the musical conduit for spirit communication.

Metacommunication

Communication about the communication itself; important in shamanic practice.

Manitou

Spiritual beings or powers integral to the Ojibway world; represents the spiritual life force.

Invocation

The act of calling upon spirits or manitous to establish a connection for healing.

Ethnophilosophy

The documentation of myths, rituals, and practices constituting the African worldview.

Philosophic Sagacity

The process of dialogically extracting wisdom from community sages and elders.

National-Ideological Philosophy

Philosophy emerging from political movements focused on anti-colonial thought.

Qi

Life energy in Daoism essential for health and well-being.

Yin-Yang

Complementary forces representing duality and balance in Daoism.

Reincarnation

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth central to Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.

Brahman

The supreme, formless reality in Hinduism that underlies everything.

Atman

The individual soul in Hindu philosophy, considered a reflection of Brahman.

Anatta

The Buddhist doctrine of no-self, which denies a permanent, unchanging soul.

Bardo

The intermediate state between death and rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism.

Maya

The concept that the physical world is an illusion, hiding the ultimate reality of Brahman