TENGRIISM Meaning and
Definition
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Tengriism, also known as Tengrism or Tengrianism, refers to a Central Asian shamanistic belief system and early form of spirituality that revolves around the worship of Tengri, the supreme deity or sky god. Derived from the Turkic word "Tengri", meaning "heaven" or "sky", Tengriism is a religious and philosophical tradition that was predominantly followed by the Turkic and Mongolic peoples of ancient and medieval times.
At the core of Tengriism lies the belief in the divine power and cosmic forces inherent in nature, with the sky god Tengri being the ultimate source of all creation and life. Adherents of Tengriism view the world as a harmonious and interconnected network, where all living beings, celestial objects, and natural elements possess a spiritual essence and are connected to the divine.
Tengriism also encompasses practices such as animism, ancestor worship, and shamanism, with shamans acting as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms. These spiritual practitioners communicate with the divine through rituals, ceremonies, and divination techniques, seeking guidance, healing, and protection for individuals and communities.
Tengriism holds a profound respect for the natural world, placing emphasis on sustainable living, ecological balance, and the preservation of traditional customs and cultural heritage. Although Tengriism declined with the rise of Islam, it still holds significance for various Turkic and Mongolic communities, especially in Mongolia and parts of Central Asia, where it is experiencing a revival and serves as a cultural identity marker.
Overall, Tengriism can be understood as a complex belief system that intertwines spiritual, philosophical, and cultural elements, emphasizing the worship of Tengri, the unity of all beings,
Etymology of TENGRIISM
The term "Tengriism" refers to the traditional, animistic, and shamanistic religion practiced by the Turkic and Mongolic peoples of Central Asia before the introduction of Islam and other religions.
The word "Tengriism" is derived from "Tengri", which is the name for the supreme god or deity in the religion. Tengri is believed to be the sky deity and the creator of all things.
The etymology of "Tengri" itself is quite ancient and is believed to have originated from the Proto-Turkic language. The root of the word comes from the Turkic-Mongolic word "Tengri", which means "sky" or "heaven". This linguistic connection can also be observed in other Turkic languages such as Turkish, where "Tanri" means "God".
