V.

THE CONCEPT OF DUNGAN, SPIRIT OR SOUL

Presented by: Amerah H. Hussain Dao

V. The concept of Dungan, spirit or soul

In pre-colonial Philippines, our ancestors looked

up to a “babaylan”. Described as a priestess or
shaman, a babaylan acted as a healer, spiritual
leader, and medium. The babaylan perform rituals
through chants or prayers for spiritual intervention
to drive spirits that cause illness or misfortune.

A babaylan is usually a woman, but there were

some men who were babaylans, too. Male
babaylans, however, were said to have feminine
traits.
Filipino shamans, commonly known as Babaylan were shamans of
the various ethnic groups of the pre-colonial Philippine islands.
These shamans specialized in communicating, appeasing, or
harnessing the spirits of the dead and the spirits of nature.[2] They
were almost always women or feminized men (asog or bayok).
They were believed to have spirit guides, by which they could
contact and interact with the spirits and deities (anito or diwata) and
the spirit world. Their primary role were as mediums during pag-
anito séance rituals. There were also various subtypes of babaylan
specializing in the arts of healing and herbalism, divination, and
sorcery.[3]
 The babaylans explore the world of animism.
Animism is the attribution of a soul to plants,
inanimate objects, and natural phenomena. Our
ancestors believed that soul are quasi-physical and
can exist outside the body (such as in dreams and in
visions) and that they can transfer from one body to
another. They also believed that souls persist after
death and become ghosts, in the same way that
modern Filipinos believe in “multo".

Prior to being converted to a religion ( Islam or Catholicism), our ancestors already

believed in spirit beings that dwell in the environment, our deceased ancestral souls, and
forces in nature (wind, moon, stars). Central to the traditions of our ancestors was the
belief that animate and inanimate creatures have a “life force".
A. DUNGAN VS GINHAWA

• Alicia P. Magos, an anthropologist and a professor emerita of University of the

Philippines Visayas made a pioneering study on the primeval Visayan concept of
“dungan".

• According to Magos, “dungan" was “a life force”, an energy, as well as an etheral

entity, a spirit with a will of its own that resides in the human body and provides the
essence of life.” (Magos, 1992, pp. 47-50). Under this concept, everyone has a
“dungan". This is similar to the western concept of “soul“

• The “dungan" can temporarily leave the body when the person is asleep.
• Once “dungan" returns to the person's body, he/she becomes fully conscious
again. If any other spirits harm the “dungan" while it is outside the body and
cannot return, the person dies.

• Our pre-colonial ancestors also believed that aside from a “dungan", a vital
force also occupies the body. This vital force was called “ginhawa” (breath of
life).

• “Ginhawa" was said to be responsible for the heart’s ability to beat. It was
believed that if “ginhawa” left the body, the person dies.

• “Ginawa” and “dungan” both exist in every person. Ginhawa was the
breath of life while dungan was the conscious intellectual and emotional
aspects.
So how do dungan and ginhawa differ?

• According to Magos, “dungan" was “a life force”, an energy, as well a

etheral entity, a spirit with a will of its own that resides in the human b
provides the essence of life.” (Magos, 1992, pp. 47-50). Under this co
everyone has a “dungan". This is similar to the western concept of “so

• The “dungan" can temporarily leave the body when the person is asle
• Once “dungan" returns to the person's body, he/she becomes fully co
again. If any other spirits harm the “dungan" while it is outside the bo
cannot return, the person dies.

• “Ginhawa" was said to be responsible for the heart’s ability to beat. It

believed that if “ginhawa” left the body, the person dies.

• “Ginawa” and “dungan” both exist in every person. So the difference

that Ginhawa was the breath of life while dungan was the conscious
B. SOUL VS SPIRIT
The soul and the spirit are the two primary immaterial aspects ascribed to humanity.

• Etymology
Old english for “soul” was “sowol“ that meant the “spiritual and emotional part of
a person’s, animate existence”. Spirit is directly from latin spiritus “a breathing
(respiration, and of the wind), breath, breath of a God”, hence, “Inspiration, breath of
life.”

• Biblical beliefs
Soul- refers to the conscious, the moral, and thinking part of a person. The soul is
immortal; It will go to hell, purgatory, or heaven after the person dies.
Spirit- refers to the Holy spirit, the third part of the Trinity. It is the force of God
through which blessings are bestowed upon His people. As one develops in the faith,
he/she is said to be growing spiritually.
Here are the difference between the soul and the spirit of man?

The soul and the spirit are the two primary immaterial aspects ascribed to humanity.

• Etymology
Old english for “soul” was “sowol“ that meant the “spiritual and emotional part of a person’s, animat
Spirit is directly from latin spiritus “a breathing (respiration, and of the wind), breath, breath of a God
“Inspiration, breath of life.”

• Biblical beliefs
Soul- refers to the conscious, the moral, and thinking part of a person. The soul is immortal; It will g
purgatory, or heaven after the person dies.
Spirit- refers to the Holy spirit, the third part of the Trinity. It is the force of God through which bless
upon His people. As one develops in the faith, he/she is said to be growing spiritually.

In Western Culture
Soul- can often be taken to mean someone’s moral consciousness. For example, a cruel killer could b
soul.
Spirit- may also refer to ghosts or any other supernatural beings. It is believed that the souls of people
unfinished business wonder the Earth until their task is fulfilled.

In Eastern culture
Soul- is the part of person that has dharma.
In Hinduism, dharma is One’s obligation with respect to caste, social custom, civil law, and sacred law
karma.
• In Western Culture
Soul- can often be taken to mean someone’s moral consciousness. For example, a
cruel killer could be said to have no soul.
Spirit- may also refer to ghosts or any other supernatural beings. It is believed
that the souls of people Who died with unfinished business wonder the Earth
until their task is fulfilled.

• In Eastern culture
Soul- is the part of person that has dharma.
In Hinduism, dharma is One’s obligation with respect to caste, social custom,
civil law, and sacred law. Dharma incurs karma.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is the sum of
person’s action in this and previous states of
existence. The fate of one’s future existences
depends on one’s karma.

Nature and ancestor spirit are common in Taoism.

Shinto animistic folk religion from Japan, places
an emphases on shamanism, particularly
divination, spirit possession, and faith healing.
Confucianism tolerates the Chinese folk
recognition of the existence of the animistic spirits, Karma as action and
ghosts, and deities. reaction: if we show
goodness, we will reap
goodness
The Soul According to some Ethnolinguistic Groups of the Philippines

 Ifugao – ‘Linnawa’
Linnawa or “soul of the dead” by the Ifugao.

 Isneg – ‘Kaduwa’
Kaduwa of the Isneg (an Igorot tribe native to Apayao Province in the Philippines’
coldillera Administrative Region). The Isneg believes that the dead exists in a realm
called aglalanawan. The kaduwa (soul) is believed to cross a pond in a ferry piloted
by a kutaw (spirit).

 Kankana-ey – ‘Ab-abiik’
The Kankanaey (another member of the Igorot people) believes that the human
person is composed of the physical body and the ab-abiik (soul). When spirits
summon a person’s ab-abiik he/she becomes sick. A ritual will be performed to
appease the spirit who summoned the ab-abiik so that it will allow the ab-abiik to
return to its body, and the person recovers from the illness.
Kankana-ey – ‘Ab-abiik’
Ab-Abiik is the spiritual self as The Soul According to some Ethnolinguistic Groups
opposed to the physical self
(Awak). The Ab-abiik can also Philippines
apply to inanimate objects such as
mountains, trees or rivers. It can • In Ifugao, they called the soul as LINNAWA or “soul of th
also mean ‘inspiration’ in some
contexts. The soul of a child floats around in the heavens, awaiting
into the human world. During sexual intercourse the soul/sp
the female through the male, resulting in pregnancy. If
cannot conceive, shamans conduct sacrifices to see if the
compatible. If they are, shamans offer other sacrifices to
fertility.

• Isneg- the Soul as KADUWA

The Isneg believed that dead exist in other world, the Agl
where the earthly tasks of planting, harvesting and commu
are functions common to them. The kaduwa or soul, is be
cross the pond in a ferry piloted by the spirit, Kutaw(A psyc
In a bid to please kutaw, who could facilitate the spirit’s
 Tagalog – ‘Kaluluwa and Kakambal’
Kaluluwa is the Tagalog people’s concept of soul. However, it refers more to
the soul of the deceased. The soul of a living person called a “kakambal”.
The “kakambal” leaves the physical body at night to roam, and any bad
encounter causes bangungut (nightmare).

 The Ilokano has four-soul System (Kararua, Karkarma, Aniwaas and Araria)
1. The kararua, or the soul proper. It is the equivalent of a soul in the
Christian concept.

2. The karkarma stands for natural vigor, mind, and reason. It can leave the
physical body when one is frightened. A karkarma can also be stolen. If
this soul fails to return to the body, the person becomes insane. Sacrificial
ceremonies may be performed to lure back a lost kakarma.
• Tagalog – ‘Kaluluwa and Kakambal’
The Tagalog soul, the kaluluwa can leave the body involuntarily. The kaluluwa refers more to th
of the deceased. The soul of a living person is called kakambal (meaning twin or double)
kakambal may travel around at night and some particularly bad encounters are the cause of nightm
bangungut). The kakambal becomes a kaluluwa after death.

• The Ilokano has four-soul System (this are Kararua, Karkarma, Aniwaas and Araria)
The first soul of the Ilokanos is called the kararua, or the soul proper. This is the term used f
equivalent of the Christian soul that can only leave after death.
The Ilokano have a four soul system. In addition to the kararua there are three other souls.
Karkarma is the name of the second soul. It can leave the physical body when one is frightened, o
be stolen. If this soul fails to return the owner becomes insane, sacrificial ceremonies may be held
back a lost karkarma.  Karkarma stands for natural vigor, mind and reason.
Aniwaas is the name of the third soul. It can leave the body during sleep and visits places familiar
body. If one wakes up while the aniwaas is visiting these places, they may lose the aniwaas and b
insane.
Araria is the name of the fourth soul. This is the liberated soul of the dead, the soul that visits re
and friends in the earthworld asking them to pray for it or perform a duty it failed to do in li
presence can be heralded by the howling of dogs. This soul can make sounds and manipulate ph
objects usually relating to what it did in life.
1. .
2. .
3. Aniwaas can leave the body during sleep and visits places familiar to the
body. If one wakes up while the aniwaas is visiting these places, he/she
may lose the aniwaas and become insane.

4. Araria is the liberated soul of the dead. It visits relatives and friends in
the physicalworld to ask for prayers. It can also perform a duty it failed
to do in life. The howling of dogs means araria is present. This soul can
make sounds and manipulate physical objects usually relating to what it
did in life.
  Ibanag –  ‘Ikaruruwa’
The Ibanag/Ybanag (who
inhabits the provinces of
Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva
Vizcaya) has a distinction
between baggi (body) and
ikaruruwa (soul). The Ibanag
believes that the soul has
physical characteristics. The
 Mangyan – “Karaduwa” soul may have color, and the
The Hanuno Mangyan (of Mindoro) believes in the sould plurality of babies can reach
of dead
souls. For instance, they have karaduwa tawu/tawo (human soul),in the spirit realm.
adulthood
karaduwa manok (chicken soul), karaduwa baboy The (pigrolesoul)
of the soul is to give
karaduwa kuti (cat soul) and karaduwa hipon (shrimp soul). A soul
direction and wholeness to the
can also separate itself from the physical body. When man,a person
but the body can survive
sleeps, the karaduwa roams the world. What the person dreams the
without of soul, and even
are actually the experiences of the karaduwa while roaming around.
without the body the soul
experiences material wants and
needs.
Image from the Soul Book courtesy of GCF books
The Ibanag believe that the
Mangyan –  ‘Karaduwa’ Ibanag –  ‘Ikaruruwa’
 The Hanunoo Mangyan believe in The Ibanag have a distinction between body (baggi) a
a plurality of souls. Karaduwa soul (ikaruruwa). Ikarurua means ‘a companion of th
tawu/tawo (human body’. Mekararuanan (me + kararua – to be rid of th
soul), karaduwa manok (Chicken soul) is a phenomenon where the soul can leave the bo
soul) Karaduwa Baboy (pig but it is without sense. The ritual Mangagaggako invi
soul) karaduwa kuti (cat soul) the soul to return to the body
and karaduwa hipon (shrimp soul). The Ibanag believe that the soul has physical
An individual may possess 2-5 other characteristics. The soul may have color and the souls
souls. These other souls are dead babies can reach adulthood in the spirit realm. Th
explanations for miraculous role of the soul is to give direction and wholeness to th
recoveries from near fatal man, but the body can survive without the soul, and ev
experiences, their dream life or without the body the soul experiences material wants a
natural reactions to startling sounds needs.
or movement.
A soul can also separate itself from
the physical body. If a person is
scared, his soul leaves his body
causing sickness. When a person
dreams the karaduwa walks around.
The dream that a person has is
caused by this walk.
 Tagbanwa – ‘Kiyaraluwa’ and others
The Tagbanwa of central and northern Palawan believes that people have one
true soul’ or kiyaraluwa and five secondary souls. The kiyaraluwa is given at
birth by the god Magindusa. The secondary souls are located in both hands
and feet, while there is also one in the head just below the air whorl
(alimpuyo).

 Bukidnon – ‘Makatu’ and ‘Pipitu ha makatu’

The ethnic tribes of Bukidnon believe in the gimukod. According to their
custom, there are two types of gimukod: the one in the right hand and the one
in the left hand. The gimukod in the right hand is the good soul, and the one in
the left hand is the bad soul. The hand soul is associated with life , health,
activity, and joy. The left-hand soul is the cause of lethargy, pain, and illness.
Bukidnon – ‘Makatu’ and ‘Pipitu ha
makatu’ A Tagbanwa has one ‘true soul’
The makatu, their world for soul, exists the kiyaraluwa and five secondary souls.
before a child’s birth but it is separate from The kiyaraluwa is given to each infant by
the body. There is a ritual in which a miniature the god Magindusa as the nose of the
cradle is hung over the pregnant mother in a child emerges from the vulva.
place where the mother sleeps. The small The secondary souls are located in the
cradle is where the soul of the unborn baby extremities of both hands and feet and in
will sleep before it joins the infant at birth. the head just below the air whorl (puyo).
The makatu is breathed into man at birth The souls of the feet protect one while
by Miyaw-Biyaw. If all are present in an walking and from injuries to the feet, the
individual, they are healthy, if one or more same functions to those in the hands. The
wanders away from the body then Illness, secondary soul located by the puyo is not
irritability and sadness follow. If all makatu fixed in young children and may cause
leave the body at the same time, the individual illness if not properly aligned, some
dies. shamans specialize in realigning the soul
The Bukidnon also believe in seven souls to its proper place. This soul is said to
called the ‘pipitu ha makatu’. One jumps off have a material form like a round white
the cliff, one swims in the water, one puts its stone.
hand in snake holes, one sits under a tree, one
is always walking around, one is awake in the
day and one is awake at night.