In a captivating discussion, Manvir Singh, a Harvard-trained anthropologist, shares insights from his experiences living with shamans across diverse cultures. He redefines shamanism as a universal practice rather than an exotic one, highlighting non-ordinary states and healing roles. The conversation delves into the complexities of shamanic experiences, skepticism about supernatural claims, and neo-shamanism's rise in the West. Singh emphasizes the importance of immersion over belief in rituals and offers advice for approaching indigenous ceremonies with respect and awareness.
01:06:39
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
No Single Shamanic State
Singh argues there is no single universal "shamanic state" and shamans explore many diverse non-ordinary states.
He compares shamans to psychonauts who cultivate varied altered states across cultures.
insights INSIGHT
Shamanism As A Persistent Human Package
Singh's main thesis: shamanism is a recurring, compelling package of practices that reappears across human societies.
He says it likely characterized the oldest religions and persists, even in industrialized contexts.
insights INSIGHT
Questioning 'Shamanic' Versus 'Non‑Shamanic'
Singh challenges distinctions that label some societies "shamanic" and others not, calling that othering.
He insists practices like Pentecostal possession fit the same broad shamanic pattern.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.
*
This is the CIIS Public Programs Podcast, featuring talks and conversations recorded live by California Institute of Integral Studies, a non-profit university located in San Francisco on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone Land.
*
Harvard-trained anthropologist and author Manvir Singh has traveled from Indonesia to the Colombian Amazon, living with shamans and observing music, the use of state altering substances and Indigenous curing ceremonies. In this episode, he is joined by psychology professor, transpersonal psychotherapist, and independent researcher Susana Bustos for a conversation exploring the spiritual practice of shamanism, one of the most mysterious religious traditions.
*
This episode was recorded during a live online event on June 6th, 2025. You can also watch it on the CIIS Public Programs YouTube channel. A transcript is available at ciis.edu/podcast. To find out more about CIIS and public programs like this one, visit our website ciis.edu and connect with us on social media @ciispubprograms.
*
We hope that each episode of our podcast provides opportunities for growth, and that our listeners will use them as a starting point for further introspection. Many of the topics discussed on our podcast have the potential to bring up feelings and emotional responses. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care and support, here are some resources to find immediate help and future healing:
*
-Visit 988lifeline.org or text, call, or chat with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to be connected immediately with a trained counselor. Please note that 988 staff are required to take all action necessary to secure the safety of a caller and initiate emergency response with or without the caller’s consent if they are unwilling or unable to take action on their own behalf.
*
-Visit thrivelifeline.org or text “THRIVE” to begin a conversation with a THRIVE Lifeline crisis responder 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1.313.662.8209. This confidential text line is available for individuals 18+ and is staffed by people in STEMM with marginalized identities.
*
-Visit translifeline.org or call (877) 565-8860 in the U.S. or (877) 330-6366 in Canada to learn more and contact Trans Lifeline, who provides trans peer support divested from police.
*
-Visit ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics to learn more and schedule counseling sessions at one of our centers.
*
-Find information about additional global helplines at befrienders.org.
*
LINKS
*
Podcast Transcripts: https://www.ciispod.com/
*
California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Website: https://www.ciis.edu/
*
CIIS Public Programs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ciispublicprograms
*
CIIS Public Programs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciispubprograms/
*
Mental Health Care and Support Resources:
https://988lifeline.org/
https://thrivelifeline.org/
https://translifeline.org/
https://www.ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics
https://befrienders.org/
CIIS Public Programs 
