Hinduism is one of the most popular religions in the world with many philosophies and traditions, including their spiritual guide, the Guru who plays an important role. Therefore this paper will describe the educational role of the Guru and how the Guru plays an important role in the spiritual relationship of Hinduism. There are many interpretations for the word “Guru”. When you look up the word in a dictionary a Guru is usually defined as a spiritual teacher. However, Gurus can be skilled in another field such as dancing or music and be a leader for others in that area (Mlecko).
There are a wide variety of beliefs and practices in modern day Wicca but there are a few basic points and principles that remain the same throughout different Wiccan beliefs. The first belief is that everyone has the divine within them and in turn with meditation and visualization one can tap into that energy and focus to become in touch with the natural gifts one possesses. Rituals and celebrations also help to bring one closer with his or her natural gifts and these events usually take place over the seasons and moon’s phases. Each Wiccan will take his or her own spiritual journey to build one’s personal relationship with the divine, the divine referring to the spiritual aspect of the Earth or the Mother Goddess. Wiccans use spells in rituals to help bring about the things they want.
Storytelling is very important to the native culture, and remains a crucial activity in order to keep it alive. It carries the power to heal and revive what has been neglected. In the story Three Day Road, Joseph Boyden effectively illustrates the powerful affect of storytelling. Throughout the story there are many accounts of storytelling amongst the characters. The main characters using storytelling are Niska and Elijah, telling their stories to Xavier, and Xavier telling his own stories to himself.
Shamanism: An Exploration in the “Technique of Ecstasy” Introduction: The introduction provides a brief overview of shamanism as an ancient practice that is found throughout history and across cultures. This paper will examine traditional forms of shamanism, as well as neo-shamanism, the re-emergence of shamanic practices in contemporary Western culture. Ultimately, this paper argues that shamanistic practices are effective methods of healing developed and utilized as a spiritual path for thousands of years. Working Thesis: Despite the prevailing dismissive and often negative Western scientific attitude toward shamanism, this ancient method of healing is an effective practice that, through a transpersonal experience in which an individual undergoes a change in consciousness, the individual gains access to his or her archetypal, inner resources which results in healing, insight, and self-empowerment. Structure: I.
Mina Mikhael Mrs. Leite HRE 3U/CI October 8, 2011 Powwow Ritual Native Americans have many rituals and ceremonies which are demonstrated through their spiritual content. The Powwow ritual is a common ritual in Native Spirituality. This ritual is done to receive a connection with others, to communicate with the physical environment, or to gather with families; done by dancing in a clockwise motion, singing together or meeting with families and friends. Often times, their rituals or ceremonies have a deeper meaning than just dancing. It helps be one with nature or to please friendly spirits (such as the sun, plants, animals, etc…).
Maritza Gonzalez ENGL. 1301-41034 K. Buck 22 October 2013 Journal 4: Role of Karma in Religion In today’s society religion plays an important aspect in our lifestyle, livelihood, and self-perseverance. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are three of the most common religions practiced around the world. Christianity is a monotheistic religion broken down into categories called denominations. There are many closely related denominations comprised within western Christianity.
Shamanistic Cults: A shaman, or medicine man, is a person with a culturally defined special relationship to super-natural powers, which he frequently uses to cure sickness. In many societies (especially among many foraging peoples), the shaman is the only kind of religious practitioner; that is, he practices the only kind of ritual and possesses the only kinds of abilities not available to ordinary people. Kuksu Cult was a shamanistic religion in Northern California practiced in different degrees by many Native American people before and during contact with the arriving European settlers. The religious belief system was held by several tribes in Central California and Northern California, from the Sacramento Valley west to the Pacific Ocean. The practice of Kuksu included elaborate acting and dancing ceremonies in traditional costume.
Just one of many examples, is when he took up a basin and a towel and washed the feet of disciples and others who were occupying the room with them. Jesus Christ, in many opinions, is the most profound example of the servant leader, thus, by proxy, associates the religion of Christianity to servant leadership, however, Christianity is not the only religion that servant leadership can be associated with. Islam and Buddhism are two religions that, by virtue of their founders, have deep roots in servant leadership and contain the attributes and capacities that make up the basis of this particular model of leadership. When taking into account some of the attributes and capacities that make
Symbolism is an important part of religion and has been used by all religions on Earth. The term “symbolism” can be defined as the use of symbols and signs to convey key concepts, ideas, or events and the effect that they have on society and religion. These symbols and signs often take the form of acts, artwork, language, rituals, statues, texts, and other types of artistic representation. Symbols help reinforce religious ideals, strengthen each individual’s faith, and cultivate moral values in cultures around the world. Anthropologists such as Sherry Ortner, Susanne Langer, and Clifford Geertz have studied various cultures and come up with unique theories, definitions, and sub-definitions of symbols.
There are two main aspects of Kongo religion that are quite distinctive. One is the practice of bringing down spirits of the dead to briefly inhabit the bodies of the faithful. The purpose of this is so that the ancestors may share their wisdom, providing spiritual assistance and advice to those here on Earth. Without exception, all such faiths in the Americas retain this central feature of Kongo faith. The other feature is the extensive work with Inquices (Enkises, Nkisi).