Manaism

Manaism is a form of tribal religion that refers to the belief in a supernatural force, "mana", that travels swiftly like an electric current around the world. This force suddenly enters other people and objects giving them powers which they previously lacked. Visions, premonitions, sudden strength in people, faith healing all are explained by this belief. This supernatural force is known by several names:

• "Wakan" in America
• "Mana" in Polynesia and Oceania
• "Qi" (or Chi) in China; Gi in Korea; Ki in Japan
• "Sing-Bonga" among Mundas and Hos of Madhya Pradesh, India.

The term "manaism" was coined by Anthropologist Marriat. Manaism is also called "Bongaism" (belief in Bonga, i.e. a form of Mana).

Further reading

• Campbell, Ivy G. (January, 1918). "Manaism: A study in the psychology of religion". The American Journal of Psychology Vol. 29, No. 1. pp. 1–49. doi:10.2307/1414104