ANTH-2108 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Korean Shamanism, Afro-Caribbean, Epithelium
9 Dec 2013
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Any mental state that differs from a normal state, i. e. , daydreaming, feeling tipsy, etc. > subjectively identified by the individual and/or seen by observers; religious or secular. Brought about by physiological, psychological, or pharmaceutical factors; experiences will vary according to the factor responsible, as well as the expectation of the individual. Familiar states are meditation/trance; entered by ceasing all activity and reducing stimuli; secular i. e. , a state of total relaxation by lying on a beach or floating in a pool. Solitary confinement or any other severe enforced isolation (self- imposed as well) can bring about an altered state of consciousness; seeking enlightenment or contact with god/spirits (isolate themselves in a cave/desert/etc. ) Concentrating on object/sound, as in active meditation (drums, chant, nature sounds) Strenuous motor activity, i. e. , mevlevi order (whirling dervishes) in. Near eastern cultures achive altered states through continuous/monotonous movement leading to exhaustion; can be accompanied by loud music, singing, energetic dancing.
