Education in sufism and Shamanism with a comparative approach

In this study, a comparison has been made between 'Education in Sufism and Shamanism.' Sufism has developed in the light of the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the verses of the Quran related to good ethics. On the other hand, Shamanism has evolved within the framework of oral culture, without a written source, influenced by Turkish culture and environmental factors. The orientation of Sufis and shamans towards the public has made them leaders, respected individuals, and influential figures in society. They have facilitated the spiritual, metaphysical, and mystical connections of the people. Public orientation is among the responsibilities of a shaman in Shamanism. However, Sufis enter Sufism for the sake of Allah, not for the people. In the educational understanding of Sufis and shamans, similar situations such as purification and rebirth can be encountered to achieve the goal. However, the objectives of education are different, as are the practices carried out in education. Sufi Education is based on the guidance of a spiritual mentor ('mürşid') within the framework of rules rooted in the Quran and the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In Sufi education, as the characteristics of each student differ, education is tailored to the individual. This situation, although leading to variations in the application of Sufi Education, is not contrary to its holistic and rule-based overall structure. In Shamanism, there is no established set of rules or a universally accepted source to be followed in education, as is the case in Sufism. A significant part of shamanic education takes place in the unseen realm of spirits, adding a great deal of mysticism to shamanic training. This study consists of six main sections and a conclusion. The first section provides definitions and brief introductions to Sufism and Shamanism. The second section delves into Sufi Education, covering its introduction, preparation, and subject. The third section addresses the topic of education in Shamanism. The fourth section discusses the conclusion of Education in Sufism and Shamanism. The fifth section examines the achievements of education in Sufism and Shamanism as separate subsections. In the sixth section, a general evaluation is conducted, leading to the conclusion. Keywords: Sûfî, Shamanism, shaman, sufism