This is a brief introduction to the shamanic world of Siberia, especially from the perspective of the Mongols. In spite of the linguistic differences there are overarching themes and images which appear among all forms of shamanism in Siberia. Indeed, the classic studies of shamanism have given special attention to the shamanism of Altaic peoples such as the Buryat, Mongols, and Tungus, creating an image of a "classic" Siberian shamanism. Some of you may find that certain of the features ...

Mistaken Foreign Myths about Shambhala Many foreign myths have grown around the legend of Shambhala found in the Kalachakra literature. Some were spread to win military or political support, such as the identification of Russia, Mongolia, or Japan as Shambhala. Others appeared within occult movements and mixed Buddhist ideas with concepts from other systems of belief. Several even spawned expeditions to find the fabled land. Two camps arose among the occult versions. One side regarde...

Originally written January 2002 Like unconscious ants swarming around a sand hill with abundant food, we pack ourselves into theaters screening movies that best express and resonate with archetypal themes that flavor and suffuse a particular zeitgeist. Our current time is exemplary of this action. Lord of the Rings , with its heroic quest; its epic and intensely dramatic battle between light and dark; its exploration of the right use of and attraction to power; and the compelling seriousne...

Hollywood has produced many blockbusters, but few as exciting yet also thought-provoking as The Matrix, starring Keanu Reeves. I have noticed some rather interesting parallels between its major concepts and how Muslims perceive life and reality, based on their scriptures. I find that people often find it difficult to grasp such matters when explained in everyday terms, let alone religious terms, but how about Hollywood terms? The ideas of the movie were believable enough for countless custom...