عنوان

The World as Manifestation of Spirit:

LA116431

انگلیسی

The World as Manifestation of Spirit:

[Article]

Mysticism and Metaphysics in West African Religions

Monika Brodnicka

Leiden

Brill

This paper focuses on the concept of the world as interpreted by Amadou Hampaté Bâ, an initiated scholar, from his experience with Fulani and Bamana religions. It examines the meaning of the world as a manifestation of spirit through Bâ's mystical concept of the 'living tradition'. Bâ looks at the complex interaction of the material and spiritual dimensions of the universe as it manifests itself in the physical world through symbols, and as it is informed through invisible forces communicated by the Supreme Being. Based on his understanding of Fulani and Bamana traditions, Bâ uses notions of history and art to better highlight the specific relationship between the spiritual and material realms that illustrate this sacred connection. I argue that Bâ's mystical approach to understanding this metaphysics offers another method of thinking about some of the diverse African indigenous religions through their underlying esoteric connections.

2017

311-345

Journal of Religion in Africa

47/3-4

1570-0666

African metaphysics

African mysticism

African philosophy

African religion

African Studies

Anthropology of Religion

Comparative Religion & Religious Studies

History of Religion

initiation

living tradition

Middle East and Islamic Studies

oral tradition

Religion

Religious Studies

Monika Brodnicka

10.1163/15700666-12340114

p

[Article]

275578

a

Y