Bringing together extensive research on psychology, psychophysiology and phenomenology of the shamanic trance and altered states of consciousness, this book represents a cross-cultural approach to the study of shamanism. It discusses Buryat shamanism in Siberia in comparison with Buddhist and Hindu Yogic techniques, as well as other esoteric traditions. The phenomenon of the shamanic trance is here investigated from the esoteric point of view as a form of mystical or religious experience. The book explores the inner feelings and psychic states of the shaman during the trance, describing the inner psychic processes and referring to the systems of chakras and subtle channels in shamanism and classical Buddhist and Hindu yoga, as well as other cultural traditions. In addition to its adoption of psychoanalytic and transpersonal approaches, it also uses phenomenological methods in its investigation, representing works from scholars in Oriental studies, as they provide deeper insight into the research of shamanism and mystical experiences.
