eShop USA > Books > Spirit of the Shuar: Wisdom from the Last Unconquered People of the Amazon
Spirit of the Shuar: Wisdom from the Last Unconquered People of the Amazon
List Price: $16.95Our Price: $11.53 You Save: $5.42 (32%)Prices subject to change.
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 306.08998372
EAN: 9780892818655
ISBN: 0892818654
Label: Destiny Books
Manufacturer: Destiny Books
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 208
Publication Date: July 15, 2001
Publisher: Destiny Books
Release Date: July 01, 2001
Studio: Destiny Books
Accessories:
Related Items: Featured Listmania!
Editorial Review:
What can we learn from a people who can't read, have no laws to speak of, who make a practice of shrinking the heads of their enemies, and let their children run around naked? In John Perkins's eyes, plenty. The Shuar of the Amazon rainforest have lived in harmony with their surroundings for countless ages. Perkins came into contact with them while on a Peace Corps stint in the 1960s, and has sought to spread their philosophy of simplicity and balance ever since. Spirit of the Shuar intertwines transcribed tape recordings of Shuar voices with Perkins's experiences. Unlike anthropological accounts, such as Philippe Descola's more eloquent but detached Spears of Twilight, Perkins's book is conversational and enthusiastic. He teaches us about a spirituality that arises from a deep connection with nature, one in which shamans use hallucinogens to go on spiritual journeys; the spirits of nature yield hidden knowledge about plants; and dreams can always be fulfilled. --Brian Bruya
• Discover the thoughts, history, and customs of the Shuar of the Amazon, as told in their own words.
• Tribe members explain their practices of shapeshifting and headhunting; the interdependence of humans and the environment; the role of ecstatic sex; their belief in war as a path to peace; and their faith in arutam, the life spirit.
The indomitable Shuar of the Amazon--reputed to be the only tribe in the Americas that has never been conquered--have lived as warriors, hunters, cultivators, and healers for generations. Even in today's acquisitive, often wasteful world they defend their rainforests and sustainable ways of life and offer their philosophy of love, joy, and hope. More than three decades after first befriending members of the Shuar, author and environmentalist John Perkins and his publisher, Ehud Sperling, inspired Shakaim Mariano Chumpi-a young Shuar warrior who has fought in the jungle war between his native Ecuador and Peru-to travel among his people and record their thoughts, history, and customs. The result is Spirit of the Shuar. Here, in their own words, the Shuar share their practices of shapeshifting, "dreaming the world," and ecstatic sex, including the role older women play in teaching uninitiated men how to please. They explain the interdependence of humans and the environment, their formula for peace and balance, and their faith in arutam, the life-giving spirit of nature that allows each of us to transform ourselves. And they describe how their ancient-and current-practice of shrinking heads fits into their cultural philosophy. Whether exploring the mystery of shamanic shapeshifting, delving deeper into the powers of healing herbs and psychotropic plants, or finding new ways to live sustainably and sensitively in the face of encroaching development and environmental destruction, the Shuar have emerged as a strong people determined to preserve their identity and beliefs and share their teachings with a world in dire need of their wisdom. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Ayumpum Foundation to help the Shuar conserve their forests and spread their message.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Interesting and knowledgeable.......but?
I feel I have learned a lot from this book. However the repeated comments that making love more frequently will increase your energy and well being just doesn't seem correct. If frequent love making (sex) was strengthening wouldn't prostitutes be the strongest and happiest of people?
Rating:  - THE "INSIDER" VIEW OF A REMARKABLE AMAZONIAN TRIBE
Just finished Spirit of the Shuar--- what a ripping good read! There are lots of books about the Amazon and indigenous peoples from anthropologists and scientists who describe the situation but rarely ( ever?) do you hear the voices themselves. What you get with Spirit of the Shuar is real, unromanticized people ( the Shuar) leading lives challenged by the onslaught of the industrial/technocratic juggernaut telling their story. How are they surviving? What do they believe in? How do they make a difference, ... Read More
Rating:  - Boring
This book purpose is more to entertain than to make some deep impressions. What can I learn from a tribe which kills man when found in bed (jungle) with another woman, shrink heads of their enemies and similar. To me this book is more a commercialization of the Shuars then wisdom shearing. Maybe author is not in power to ask them real questions?
If you want to read a good book on amazon shamans (Shuars and others) and Ayahuasca (vine of the spirits) then rather try 'Cosmic Serpent : DNA and the Origins ... Read More
Rating: - Spirit of the Shuar: An Incredible Read!
Deep within the mountainous rainforest of Ecuador, many days walk from the nearest road, lives a tribe that call themselves Shuar ("the people"). Their homeland is a place of wondrous beauty and yet great danger, where anaconda lurk in the rivers and jaguar prowl at night. Spirit of the Shuar is a book that tells their story, in their own words. After you have read it, you will know why Spirit of the Shuar has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
The Shuar are proud people who are perhaps the only tribe ... Read More
Rating: - Ancient wisdom that can be applied to our lives today
The "Spirit of the Shuar's" powerful messages are most welcome at a time when we all need to feel a sense of strength, courage, healing, and love. While the book's vivid imagery invites us to experience the lush, tropical splendor of the Amazon Rain Forest, the real value lies in the rich wisdom imparted by the Shuar people.
We are taken on a magic carpet ride through the jungle, across the rivers, and into the heartbeat of Mother Earth, as members of the Shuar community introduce us to their fascinating ... Read More
Related Categories:
| |
 |
