The World as Manifestation of Spirit

Mysticism and Metaphysics in West African Religions

Bibliographic Data

ID3933394
AuthorsMonika Brodnicka (The Ohio State University, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume47
Issue3-4
Pages311-345
Publication date2017-05-31
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Religion in Africa (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4200 • E-ISSN: 1570-0666
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1163/15700666-12340114
OpenAlexW2886069652
LanguageEN
References cited42

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

Aesthetics · Anthropology of religion · Contemplation · Epistemology · History of religions · Indigenous · Meaning (existential) · Metaphysics · Mysticism · Religious experience · Sociology · Spirituality · Theology · African cultural and philosophical studies · African history and culture analysis · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Philosophy · Religious studies

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