Human Search for Meaning
Mayans turn to their knowledge of astronomy,
cosmology and divination to determine their purpose and significance in this
life. The Mayans believed that every person had an animal companion spirit. When
the person was born the same soul that they had would be placed in an animal's
body. It was believed that people could transform into their animal companion.
Most people would have one animal spirit, but powerful shamans would have more
than one spirit, such as the kings.
They also believe in the existence of various souls embodied within one
person.
The concept of covenants between deities and human beings is common to both. Fulfilling the
ritual requirements of the 'covenants' should ideally lead to a state of
harmony, and thus fulfilling their sense of purpose and meaning. Sacrificial
ceremonies also allowed them to enhance their purpose, through a connection
with the divine through various offerings.
cosmology and divination to determine their purpose and significance in this
life. The Mayans believed that every person had an animal companion spirit. When
the person was born the same soul that they had would be placed in an animal's
body. It was believed that people could transform into their animal companion.
Most people would have one animal spirit, but powerful shamans would have more
than one spirit, such as the kings.
They also believe in the existence of various souls embodied within one
person.
The concept of covenants between deities and human beings is common to both. Fulfilling the
ritual requirements of the 'covenants' should ideally lead to a state of
harmony, and thus fulfilling their sense of purpose and meaning. Sacrificial
ceremonies also allowed them to enhance their purpose, through a connection
with the divine through various offerings.