Shamanism and Science

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The spirit masters should be understood as helpful beings that protect but also punish the people. They are a control body that co-determines the behaviour and actions of the people. CONCLUSION The world of the Tyvan people is crammed full of conscious living. When one follows the animistic-shamanistic model of interaction, this world is not dominated by people nor is it unconditionally at their disposal. The world of the Tyva comprises an abundance of both human and non-human subjects. Everything has an influence on human living just as the humans have an influence on their environment. The daily interactions of the pastoral nomads with their environment happen between subjects which bring their own will into play. Mutual consideration and compromises are required. We west Europeans, who no longer consider models of interaction, could learn a lot from the Tyvan model of interaction. That includes respecting and taking care of the things which we handle day in day out. It means, to give consideration to the interests of our natural environment in our actions and behaviour. It also means not to regard our artificial environment as just a collection of lifeless objects which are designated to be used only by us. But rather to appreciate what serves us in everyday life. We should foster respect and attentiveness towards animals, especially those who serve as food for us. Not least, the Tyva people teach us to treat our fellow human beings with care so that we ourselves can lead a happy and fulfilled life.

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