Aboriginal Spirituality Flashcards
what is the land
the land is the physical median where the dreaming can be expressed
what is the human world
- people
- rules of behaviour
- family relationships (kinship)
- ritual actions
- links to the land
what is the physical world
- sky
- animals (totemic relationship)
- links to the land
what is the sacred world
- law
- punishment
- healing/ seeing the future
- stories
- links to the land
define the origins of the universe
how the world became
define meta temporal
beyond time and space
define inextricably connected
the connections between two things are essential or extremely close
how are stories of the dreaming shown?
- kinship
- song
- dance
- art
- ritual
- story
define kinship
the complex way system of relationships that govern the way they interact with each other in the community
define aboriginal dreaming
the dreaming is an Aboriginal relio- cultural worldview that encompasses a metatemporal world
define the dreaming
the spiritual aspect of aboriginal religion that encapsulates both the spiritual and physical dimensions giving meaning to all aspects of life
define religio- cultural
customs and traditions that are based on cultural and religious practices
define meta temporal
Beyond space and time.
define animistic
A religious worldview that provides a soul or spirit to inanimate objects.
define geocentric
A land based spirituality.
define physical world
Everything upon and within the land (human, plants etc.)
define metaphysical world
Beyond the human experience of the land. It includes; creation stories, ethical guidance, kindship, totemic relationships, obligations to land and all aspects to Aboriginal culture.
what is the meaning of the first layer?
The most obvious and open and is accessible to all.
what is the meaning of the second layer and further layers?
Not so obvious and require some degree of experience of, or relationship with Aboriginal people; these layers give the full story, with all the details, meaning and significance.
what is the meaning of the deepest layers with an e.g.
These are sacred and are only available to Elders and initiated Aboriginal people; these layers give the full story, with all details and significance. E.g. The Sugar Leaf Dreaming at Ngarlu.
Many ceremonies are a combination of public and sacred ceremonies.
The sacred nature of ceremonies has parallels through all Aboriginal life - certain sites may only be visited by certain people; e.g. women or Elders for the purpose of initiation.
define the inextricable link
the connection between two or more things are essential or extremely close.
explain the importance of land to first nations people
Aboriginal law and spirituality are intertwined with the land, the people and creation, and this forms their culture and sovereignty. The health of land and water is central to their culture. Land is their mother, is steeped in their culture, but also gives them the responsibility to care for it.
