Shamanism

The Timeless Religion

By: Manvir Singh

Narrated by: Frits Zernike

From a brilliant, young, Harvard-trained anthropologist and contributor to The New Yorker comes a fascinating investigation into the spiritual practice of shamanism, from its beginnings to the present moment, for readers disaffected with organized religion who seek a more personal approach to spirituality.

What are the origins of shamanism, and what is its future? Do shamans believe in their powers? What exactly is trance? What can we learn from indigenous healing practices?

Traveling from Indonesia to the Colombian Amazon, living with shamans and observing music, drug use, and indigenous curing ceremonies, anthropologist Manvir Singh journeys into one of the most mysterious religious traditions. Fundamentally, shamans are specialists who use altered states to engage with unseen realms and provide services like healing and divination. As Singh shows, shamanism’s appeal stems from its psychological resonance. Its essence is spiritual transformation: a specialist uses initiations, deprivation, and non-ordinary states to seemingly become a different kind of human, one possessed of powers to cure, prophesy, and otherwise tame life’s uncertainties.

Following a fascinating cast of characters, Singh reveals the complexities and vicissitudes of a timeless, always relevant, and ubiquitous phenomenon. He argues that biomedicine can learn from shamanic practices and that psychedelic enthusiasts completely misrepresent history. He also shows that shamanic traditions will forever re-emerge – and that by contemplating humanity’s oldest spiritual practice, we come to better understand ourselves, our history, and our future.

In-depth and superbly engaging narrative on Shamanism.

An immersive and captivating experience, “Shamanism, The Timeless Religion” draws the reader into the world of Shamans in a way that is easily accessible to a layperson. The history of Shamanism, spanning space and time, is deftly woven into Manvir Singh’s own multi-continent, decade long exploratory journey which keeps you constantly engaged. Especially noteworthy is the 21st century context on various aspects of Shamanism. Singh’s unassuming, witty style is lighthearted and at times self deprecating, without compromising on the intensity of his painstaking research. This makes for a very pleasant and unforgettable listening experience.

An absolute triumph.

This book blew me away. Love how evocative, and incisive the prose is. Singh takes the listener on a journey that is part memoir, part theory, all with memorable case studies/characters. Amazing narration as well.

Amazing storytelling

Outstanding performance! Manvir is a captivating storyteller, and weaves his own experiences conducting anthropological research with a fresh review of academic literature in a way that’s thought provoking, funny, and had me binging this audiobook. I particularly enjoyed the sections on Neo Shamanism, and parallels between shamans and figures modern figures in western society.

The reader did a great job capturing Manvir’s voice.

Explores our deep rooted need for change in uncertain times

What I loved most is that Singh doesn't look down on shamanic practices. He sees them for what they are—creative, communal, and deeply emotional responses to the human condition. And somehow, in learning about these old ways, I felt more connected to the questions I carry myself.

This is a thoughtful, well-researched book that doesn’t demand belief, but invites reflection. If you're curious about how humans have always reached for the sacred, especially in times of suffering, Shamanism is worth reading. Singh has gone through great lengths to research this subject and give us a front row seat to his experiences. he strikes me as someone who approaches the mysterious with both curiosity and respect. A rare combination that makes this book not only informative but also moving.

Terrible lecture on roots of superstition

2hrs in and this guy just runs around the forest complaining before a long chapter on how humans aren’t really superstitious but become so out of desperation. No idea if he turns it around. But it was not as promised. And this guy is just boring as hell. He has no humor. I’m not sure he’s even human. He has no soul in the writing. He isn’t surprised or interested in anything. I’m not sure why people were recommending this book.