Shamanic theory

[HumbleBeginnings]

A basic understanding of the shaman's practice may be needed to comprehend the following. It is somewhat provided below the quote.

First, the quote:

"The first music any of us ever heard was the heartbeat of our mother, when we were in her womb. Drumming reminds us of our original nature. Through drumming, we pass through the limits of the ego. Life becomes something real and tangible, something that can be felt and shared with other people. Through drumming, we begin to remember who we truly are."

Traditionally, when shamans enter their specific state of consciousness, they close their eyes or go somewhere dark and quiet, and drum a monotonous beat of around 210 beats per minute. Was this how fast their mother's heart had beaten when she gave birth to him/her? Also, the shutting of the eyes & drumming; returning to birth stage of consciousness?

[AndyMartin]

Originally Posted by HumbleBeginnings

Was this how fast their mother's heart had beaten when she gave birth to him/her?

Not if she lived through childbirth.

Shamanic traditions included very specific initiation rituals that provided the context for their methods of practice. Check out Malidoma Some's Of Water and Spirit for an interesting account of what I'm referring to. It'll also force you to think deeply about how willing you are to accept those traditions whole cloth. You might generate more discussion if you talked more about which traditions you're drawing from and the context of their ritual and practice. Also could you provide a citation for your quote?

[HumbleBeginnings]

I don't mean to speak of traditions... only a theory which seemed plausible after reading the quote. I'm sorry to say that I have not a citation for my quote, but I'll try and find the book in which I read it. For some reason it has slipped my memory.