Tragic Spirits Shamanism Memory And Gender In Contemporary Mongolia

Tragic Spirits Shamanism Memory And Gender In Contemporary Mongolia

By Manduhai Buyandelger

Book Description

In the aftermath of socialism's collapse in Mongolia, a profound spiritual awakening emerged from the depths of economic devastation. This compelling ethnographic study follows the nomadic Buryat people as they navigate the harsh realities of rapid economic transformation while simultaneously reclaiming ancient shamanic traditions that had been suppressed for decades.

When shock therapy economics swept through Mongolia at the twentieth century's end, bringing immediate trade liberalization and privatization, rural communities faced unprecedented hardship. Yet within this crisis, something remarkable began to unfold. The Buryats, drawing upon deep cultural memory, turned to their ancestral shamanic practices as both spiritual anchor and practical response to their transformed world.

Through intimate fieldwork and careful observation, this work reveals how traditional spiritual practices can resurface and adapt in times of profound social upheaval. The revival of shamanism among the Buryats represents more than religious restoration—it demonstrates the resilience of indigenous wisdom and its capacity to provide meaning and healing when conventional systems fail.

Readers interested in the intersection of spirituality, cultural survival, and social change will discover how ancient practices can offer guidance through modern challenges. This study illuminates the complex relationships between memory, identity, and spiritual practice, showing how communities draw upon their deepest traditions to navigate uncertain futures and rebuild their sense of place in a rapidly changing world.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)

📄 Length: 314 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore shamanic practices
  • ✓ Explore Neoliberalism
  • ✓ Explore Shamanism
  • ✓ Explore Shamanism--russia (federation)--buri︠a︡tii︠a︡--history--20th century
  • ✓ Explore Buriats--religion--20th century
  • ✓ Explore Buriats--economic conditions--20th century
  • ✓ Explore Economic conditions
  • ✓ Explore Mongolia, history

Topics Covered

Shamanism--mongolia--bai͡an-uul sum--history--20th century Neoliberalism Shamanism Shamanism--russia (federation)--buri︠a︡tii︠a︡--history--20th century Buriats--religion--20th century Buriats--economic conditions--20th century Economic conditions Mongolia, history Communism and religion 299/.42 Neoliberalism--mongolia--religious aspects Religion Buriats Religious life and customs Buriats--religion--history Religious aspects Buriats--religion--history--20th century Shamanism--history Buriats--religion Buriats--economic conditions Russia (federation), history Neoliberalism--religious aspects Communism and religion--mongolia--history Communism and religion--history Liberalism (religion) Gn635.m66 b89 2013 Communism and religion--russia (federation)--buri︠a︡tii︠a︡--history History

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