There is much debate regarding shamanism and illuimniation /enlightenment ,some say shamans do not pursue the path of enlightenment .............my personel feeling on this matter is this ......there are no rules anywhere within shamanic cultures that says this is so .........also i had asked my shamanic teacher this question his response was imediate "in our tradition this is so ,for a shaman cannot heal unless he is illuminated ......also part of our tradition is dzogchen (a meditation practice older than tibetan buddhism perhaps older than bon* )

* my interjection not Nunklars words


part of my path is a love of haiku with its reference to a season (time) perhaps the weather (the healing and magic of the elements )and quite often the observation of the behavour of a particular animal ......all in all capturing this moment in time is aided by the parring down of   the words to a five/seven/five sylabic structure .

i also find koans interesting  and aid a deeper reflection , contemplation & understanding of nature and the nature of mind .


snow flakes descent
from the heavens
dissolves upon ponds surface



falling raindrops
repetition of concentric circles
ripple upon the ponds surface


which is better? ,is either one better than the other ........?


    
J.H.Bardwell may 2013