Dangerous Quote by Michael Harner
![“If a state political organization is founded in part upon a state religion with a dogma based on one or a few 'official' prophets, then shamanism, where every shaman is her or his own prophet, is dangerous to the state. [...] Shamanism, as I said, is not a religion. The spiritual experience…” quote by Michael Harner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ead/michael-harner-46855_dangerous_if-a-state-political-organization-is-fou_2409253.jpg)
“If a state political organization is founded in part upon a state religion with a dogma based on one or a few 'official' prophets, then shamanism, where every shaman is her or his own prophet, is dangerous to the state. [...] Shamanism, as I said, is not a religion. The spiritual experience usually becomes a religion after politics has entered into it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy by Michael Harner, 1980
When a state ties religion to political authority, it can suppress individual spiritual expression, making decentralized shamanic practices a threat to centralized power.
In simple terms: State‑linked religion can oppress; shamanism challenges that.
Key Takeaway
Guard against religious‑political fusion.
Themes
politics
religion
power
individualism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
social
When to use this quote
- policy making
- religious reform
- cultural preservation
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
state control
spiritual autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- Can spiritual practices coexist with state structures?
- What safeguards protect personal belief?
A Different Perspective
May overlook positive community aspects of shamanic rituals.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
