Why ask questions?
“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.”– Eugene Ionesco
Asking questions is vital when learning a shamanic tradition for several reasons. Questions that are relevant to the student's personal life help bridge any gaps in understanding, allowing students to properly contextualize practices and cosmology within their own experience. Through questioning, students can clarify subtle aspects of Maker practices that might otherwise be misunderstood or oversimplified.
Asking questions also demonstrate respect for the depth and complexity of the shamanic traditions by acknowledging that one doesn't automatically understand everything. Questions show a willingness to engage deeply rather than making assumptions. This questioning process helps build a more authentic relationship with both the teaching and the teacher, as it creates opportunities for deeper explanations and corrections of misconceptions.
Moreover, questions often reveal important nuances that might not come up in the regular class material. For instance, a student might ask about the specific application of an exercise given or even a possible one that occurs to the student when learning about a practice. These details, while perhaps not part of the basic teaching, can be crucial for developing a fuller understanding of the tradition.
