According to the fictional shaman, don Juan, the fundamental principle of shamanism is 'not doing'. This makes it very similar, in my mind to Zen. One overcomes the common urge to 'do' and instead simply observes reality for what it is. Even this practice makes one aware of the kinds of information that one tends to habitually screen out. Zen gives one an understanding of how the mind works -- ie, it is like a stomach. It routinely excludes certain types of information, and leaps forth more expectantly to attach itself to other types of data.
But 'not doing' seems to take this Zen principle further, for one cannot simply 'not do' things, but must select one's moments for 'not doing', precisely so as to drive a wedge between the reality that is and its general trajectory. One thus opens a space within the deterministic properties of reality, to facilitate an altogether different kind of reality.
'Not doing' is a practice that requires prior shamanistic conditioning. It's about on the same level of avoiding responding to a feint in boxing: You learn how not to react, and in doing so, you win an advantage -- or at least avoid getting hit for the time being. But your 'not doing' must be chosen in exactly the right moment. Choose the wrong time not to do, and you could end up in an even worse condition than you started with.
Practically, 'not doing' involves inviting a better solution to arrive. By 'not doing' in the times when it is right to 'not do', one can effectively undo potential whole chains of negative reactions, so that neutrality appears where hostility had been.
Despite the apparent softness of this approach, 'not doing' as a principle does not make one vulnerable. Rather it is a way to create a socially neutral space, like a garden of creativity.
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