A child version of me would be astounded if he knew that mysticism exists in reality.....
I was in grade 5 when I found myself ecstatic upon watching Power Rangers, intergalactic police that fights demons from other dimensions. I remember one time when I even skipped class just to watch this one crucial episode. Where the red ranger finally procured his ability to make things float or move with his mind; something called "telekinesis". Aside from that, I am amazed when the blue ranger acquired his ability to heal. Being exposed to these types of movies made me fond of magic and mysticism. Now that I delved into the field of anthropology, I never knew that the impossible is contingent. The concept of Babaylan or Shaman, through the discussion administered by Ateneo University Press, had provided an arena for a clear understanding of their cultural beauty, uniqueness, and survival.
Who are Shamans?
Based on what I have understood from the previous webinar, Dr. Grace Nono gave us the epitome of Babaylans. She made us take a glimpse of what her book "Babaylan Sing Back" contains.
The word "Babaylan" is a Visayan term for Shaman. Given the fact that this word is "gender neutral", women are not the only persons who are privileged to possess their gift, but also the men. Even in these precocious times, there was no gender domination. Indeed, equality was prevalent. According to Dr. Nono, Babaylans or Shamans were the spiritual leaders that have been existing even before the Spanish subjugators came. They serve to be the "mediators" that link Gods to people. Possessing the incredible ability to heal physical and astral(soul) diseases, all of these powers were endowed by "Diwata" or spirits. Babaylans perform rituals, a prayer that allows them to connect with the supernatural being. With reverence to Agusanon-Manobo Tribe Leader Bae Lucy P. Rico, there are three types of rituals being performed by Babaylans. The ritual for help, permission, and thanksgiving. Ritual for help is usually performed to ask guidance from the supreme being, permission is exemplified when they are asking for wisdom; usually before performing a healing procedure. Lastly, the ritual for thanksgiving is done to express gratitude toward the arch being. However, given these fascinating abilities of Babaylans, one can't hastily assume responsibility. Even if someone eagerly desires to be a shaman, she or she will never become one unless he/she is chosen by the diwata. They believe that Babaylans are born, and all the forces of the universe conspired to let someone be declared as the "chosen one". As Tribe Leader Bae Lucy said, "Albeit I am a scion from my Babaylan lineage, I do not look forward to inheriting their prowess because it bears immense devoirs". Inarguably, it goes the same with what Uncle Ben said to Peter Parker before his demise "With great power comes, great responsibility". These pre-colonial leaders were revered and admired by everyone in their community, not until the Spanish dominators came.
Fall of Babaylans
When Western colonizers arrived, Babaylans and other indigenous community members were hospitable to them. However, Spaniards, being known for their draconian and ruthless desire to expand authority, exploited our ancestor's kindness. Colonizers have used their religion to expand influences, demonizing spiritual leaders. These Western conquerors knew exactly how to effectively assume the absolute sovereign. They started with Babaylans, Christianity was insinuated, and those who would resist conversion would suffer the punishment that would bring excruciating pain. Babaylans were left in the middle of raging rivers, to drown them or be eaten alive by ravenous crocodiles (Conaco, 2023). Unique cultures and practices of ritual specialists (babaylans) were deemed unjust and evil by Western colonizers. The latter judged their indigenous practices based on their standards. A gross and condemnable act in anthropology is known as ethnocentrism. Until now, the trauma that these indigenous people had experienced remained. Colonizers deeply treated babaylans as hideous, to the point that they have inculcated a stereotypical definition of the term babaylan; the word "Bayot". In English, it means faggot. A guy who is romantically attracted to a guy, in short Homosexual; but this term is obsolete. We may refer to them as gay or lesbian. In Christianity back then, it was forbidden to have a relationship with the same gender, it was reckoned as sin. Contrary to the idea of love before the arrival of Western colonizers, babaylans were free to commence a relationship with everyone they like, disregarding gender.
What are the key takeaways from the narrative of Babaylans?
Sir. Albert Dela Rosa has provided us with a great opportunity to listen to substantial discussions. Throughout my stay in the webinar of Ateneo University Press, I have seized a myriad of realizations. Indeed, the webinar was successful. It channeled students’ fascination when it comes to indigenous knowledge and culture. With that here are my takeaways.
• Women Empowerment
Long before the arrival of draconian colonizers, women played a vital role in society. Their prowess overlaps, I could say that their abilities were unbounded. Not limited to healers, and leaders, but also they could assume every devoir they desire. Women are indeed the pillars of society, without them, there will be palpable chaos.
• Egalitarian Feminism
When Dr. Nono was giving opening remarks. I heard her mentioning this term. As a person who is fond of politics, I immediately searched for its meaning. During the untainted tenure of Babaylans in society, it was evident for egalitarianism to prosper. It is the belief that everyone is created equal, and feminism supplemented it because this notion connotes an emphasis on eradicating all forms of women-related discrimination, for the attainment of gender equality. Indigenous societies back then, decimated the idea of gender stratification, allowing everyone to assume the invaluable gifts of Babaylan.
• Urgency to promote Cultural Relativism
Turbulence was observable when Western colonizers arrived to demonize the cultural practices of Babaylan. It was because they wanted to align these indigenous' practices with their own. They interpret traditional societies through their lenses. Franz Boaz was known as a revolutionary anthropologist. It was because his work "cultural relativism" emerged at times when ethnocentric social scientists reign supreme. He argued that "culture must be understood on its terms, notions, and values.". He further claimed that "humans have an equal capacity for culture, no culture is greater than another". Cultural Relativism simply tells us that despite diversity respect should be served.
• LGBTQ+ Awareness
As I mentioned, the term babaylan is a Visayan word and it is gender-neutral. During their times, the concept of gender "equality" already existed. There was no impediment, everyone is entitled to grasp their aspirations of becoming Babaylan. Interestingly, when it comes to finding a partner, consummate love was evident; for Babaylans could freely choose who would be their lifelong partners. Today, members of the LGBTQ+ are in their battle. Fighting and reconstructing the vile notion that society imposed upon them. The triumphant is yet to be achieved, but I am optimistic that it will be expedited.
• Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge
Modernization has come a long way. Given the fact that culture is dynamic, it is not that odious for us to shift. Nevertheless, modernization crosses the line when it causes traditional cultures to sink. It is surreptitiously debauching the significance of the latter. According to Apo Mamerto Tindongan (Ifugao mumbaki), he's afraid that the practice of babaylanism would be eradicated because of the youth's lack of interest. He even added that teenagers today enjoy quick gratification through scrolling on various types of social media platforms. Integrating the idea of James Kwik, when a person scrolls through social media for a long period. He is prone to something called "digital dementia", he absorbs so much information that he forgets what is deemed imperative. Also based on what Juanito Philip Bernardo Jr. said in his book Introduction to Philosophy of Human Person "emergence of technology is beneficial if it is used to be more humane". In that case, we should use the media properly and exploit its advantage to promote indigenous practices. Let the people know that these indigenous practices still exist, and make them realize how beautiful it is to claim such a culture that is only exclusive to the Philippines.
Conclusion
The Philippines is indeed a country of affluence. Not only because of natural resources but the diverse ideologies and practices it possesses. Numerous years might pass, subjugators might attempt to engross, and pernicious perils might diminish the fortitude of this country, it will never emaciate the heart that binds all of us together. It is the presence of culture. Culture provides an amiable environment that is conducive to socialization. It is also one of the hallmarks of society's triumph amidst the contemptuous threat of destructive influences. Indeed, the country will betake to thrive if culture is upheld at all times. We, the young generation must patronize what is ours. We must terminate stereotypes about traditional culture, and condemn those who would vilify them. Differences are discernable, but our cultural universals would be equality, love, justice, and peace. Let us asseverate our minorities that their unique practices will be preserved. Allow oneself to be mesmerized by the beauty despite diversity. Without this, the society will cease to exist.
" Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without."
- William Coffin
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