Reflexive Perspective: Illuminations - Sufi Rituals

Reflexive Perspective:

Sufi Rituals in Harar

A Film By Vincent Moon

FRENCH
SPANISH
PORTUGUESE 
JAPANESE

 SUFISM: What is it?

In the book Sufism: Message of Brotherhood, Harmony, and Hope they describe the following, "A Sufi is one who conceives of life as an experience in eternity-one who holds that the soul, even in life, can unite with the Divine." Thus,the Sufi Rituals in the city of Harar in Ethiopia holds an importance in stabling their community. The message behind these ascetic practices of the Sufi are to find a commune with God as a pure Being, and the with Self as a living being of these spiritual practices.

Furthermore, the word Sufi (or Sufism) has a myriad of definitions, but from the book Islamic Thought, An Introduction, they define Sufi as, "one who embraces those tendencies in Islam, which aim at direct communion between God and Man." Too add, the training of a Sufi is one of a 'traveling path,' while on this path, one is to shed their Self of the former personality or being they once harbored. In doing so, one would gain a betterment of the Self, and this would aid in a betterment of the community one resides, in accord, with their communion with GOD.

The video below will emphasis the point I have conveyed, the experience one must live, and the example of what it takes to find this spiritual communion with GOD and the Self in the practice of Sufism in Harar, Ethiopia.

NOW ETHIOPIA •• ∆ ••• ILLUMINATIONS ••• ∆ •• (((ብርሃን))) from Vincent Moon / Petites Planètes on Vimeo.

I would also like to point out that the Sufi ascetics have extreme ascetic practices and beliefs. Of these five basic beliefs, one them was displayed in this video such as: spending much time in prayer and recitation of the Qur'an as a means of drawing near to God, as well as prayer in the form of remembrance of GOD (dhikr).

These practices are to guide the Sufi in their path to renunciation of the world from it daily pleasures, and desires that would lead a one into total disillusionment. The virtues of patience, poverty, and resignation must guide the Sufi into that closeness of the Self and Allah (GOD).

PROJECTION

I would like to point out how this video pinpoint what I consider "isotoric." As I have defined, the isotoric is 'an equitable quality the Self contains in a moment of immersed euphoria, whether active or inactive, in any present space or time.' The Sufis are sharing a quality of ascetic practices in vocal recitations from the scriptures of the Qur'an (Koran). This same quality is practiced amongst Buddhist monks while they recite mantras from the Buddhist scriptures of China, Japan, Tibet, Nepal, and Thailand, etc. 

This recitation of scripture, use of the drum, and eating the Khat, all share a commonality to what Native Americans practice during vision trances; henceforth, whatever culture around the world me may travel, there is always a gathering of sorts. The emphasis of these gathering is to have a communion with the Self and GOD. This holy-trinity-tribunal-of-sorts, focus on their community, should render certain information and guidance from the spirits (GOD) to bless them where they reside and the environment they inhibit. 

Even in a retrogressive community such as Harar, Ethiopia, there is this understanding that we must focus on the Self, and rid ourselves of the manifestation that keeps us prisoner; yet, this gathering is to teach us that life doesn't stop at just one communion for this must be a habit, a habitual progression of the Self, in order, to better the culture and the environments we all may roam and/or reside.

 MERCI POUR LE VINCENT MOON,

VOYAGE DANS L'INCONNU
JUSQU'À CE QUE LE FILM NEXT, 

AUSSI LONGTEMPS!

REFLEXIVITY TERM

Isotoric: Is an equitable quality the Self contains in a moment of immersed euphoria, whether active or inactive, in any present space or time.

REFERENCES

Nasrollah S., F., Faramarz S., F., & Fariborz S., F. (1976). Sufism: Message of brotherhood, harmony, and hope. (1st ed.). London, UK: A.S. Barnes and Co., Inc.

Saeed, A. (2006). Islamic thought, an introduction. New York: Taylor & Francis.

Reflexive Perspective: Tewahido Fasika

Reflexive Perspective:  

 TEWAHIDO FASIKA  

a film by Vincent Moon
 FRENCH

JAPANESE

I was on Facebook this Sunday morning checking my feed. I noticed there was another one of Vincent Moon's films in the feed. I figure I would take a peek at what Vincent has created, and to my surprise this was another masterpiece from Monsieur Vincent! Qui, grand travail (with a French Accent)!

While watching this film, a light bulb lite in my mind; I came up with this keen idea to provide a little historical commentary of what the film represents in culture's environment. So, I am about quickly research the film's ritual history.

However, here is the film that I watched. It's entitled, "Tewahido Fasika." It's only 15 minutes long, but what a wonderful piece of cinematic work captured by Vincent during this Easter Sunday Ritual in Ethiopia.

NOW ETHIOPIA •†•†• TEWAHEDO FASIKA •†•†• (((ፋሲካ))) from Vincent Moon / Petites Planètes on Vimeo.

HISTORY

The Fasika is an festival-holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. In Ethiopia, this Fasika has been a longstanding holiday with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church. This celebration of Easter marks the calculation of the Western Cultures celebration of Easter, also. Yet, Fasika is a much more significant holiday than Christmas in Ethiopia Orthodox for the resurrection of Christ plays a prudent in role in their theology.

Also, Fasika practice a 56-day fasting, which intensifies their ritual experience; this includes on eating of animal products or meat of any kind (this includes no butter, eggs, or drinking milk). The strict measures of this diet is includes the practitioner eats one meal of vegetables and lentils during the fasting period.

Thus, Good Friday starts off by people attending church, in order, to break the long fast. Attached to this, the faithful congregation will do ceaseless bowing that renders one exhausted in energy. On Saturday night, there is the  Paschal Vigil that has hours of dancing and music into the early morning hours.

At 3:00 am, everyone returns home to prepare breaking the fast.  At about midnight, a chicken is slaughtered in symbolism of the celebration. On Sunday morning, a sheep is slaughtered for the Sunday morning feast.

This slaughtering of the sheep derives from a foreshadowed testament of the Old Testament: Genesis 22. There is the story of Abraham's near sacrifice of his song, which was replaced with a sheep that was sent from the heaven as a substitute for sacrificing his son.

Furthermore, this celebration of Easter in Ethiopia is represent Christ 40 days and 40 nights. The celebration is attached with people having food and locally-brewed alcohol that includes honey.

Just too note, there is a second Fasika which is celebrated, unofficially, during the following week.

PROJECTION 

This cultural celebration from Ethiopia represents the very nature of religious practices all over the world. The hold a significant power over the town or city they reside. This practice is what keeps the tides in this country strong. Furthermore, this represents how the practices done in Ethiopia is no different than the practice of Orthodox Christianity here in the states, Europe or Latin America, etc.

Also, you can accompany the processes of acculturation, enculturation and coculturation (Check out my coculturation blog to explain more) as to what this film represents when the filmmaker, Vincent Moon, accomplishes with his camera, the illusive mechanized iris he carries on his shoulders.

So, if you meet an Ethiopian who tells you stories of how they practiced Easter Sunday, which include rituals of lit candles, dancing, and music in the wee hours of the night; that would follow a sacrificing of a chicken and lamb. You better believe this is the whole truth, and nothing more.

I am glad Vincent made this film. I remember in my interview with him: Reflexive Process: Interview; Vincent mentioned his trip to Ethiopia. This was one of the creations of that trip. This man is on a mission. I just want to share in the fruition of his works and travels. Once again, Vincent Moon represents Filmmaking culture in its majesty. 

Merci, encore une fois Vincent Moon; pour ce film.

La paix!

REFLEXIVITY PHRASE

Coculturation: is the process of acculturation and enculturation by influencing, an individual or a group with initiation into a culture based on their beliefs, attitudes, creeds, politics, and social rules while existing in that culture's environment."

REFERENCES

Fasika. (2013, March 01). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasika 

Abeba tours ethiopia-festivals & holidays. (2009-2013). Retrieved from http://www.abebatoursethiopia.com/es/node/64

Reflexive Thought #10 - Isotoric Ebb

Reflexive Thought #10 - Isotoric Ebb

I was on a the Metro Bus 754. I was on my way to Post Office to mail off some  paperwork. I have gained this knack for observing everything in any space I observe. Much like a camera taking film, this endeavor has been quite the exercise in its own right. The view outside my window is rich in images, objects, and activity. It's reflexive of a temperance in the spaces I occupy. These moments explicate the isotoric. Isotoric means "an equitable quality the Self contains in a moment of immersed euphoria, whether active or inactive, in any present space or time." Be advised that the Self could be active or inactive in it's position while in this state.



For instance, this video clip I recorded while riding the bus is to capture this priori, isotoric. I see this woman in comfort while "crocheting." Also, the images of a street corner during a Wednesday morning. I was engulfed in this idea I call isotoric. While recording these images, I remained objective; yet, I noticed how I was able to garner some emotional content contained in these organic splashes of surreality. It was relaxing, peaceful, and serene. This isotoric ebb created a muse from it's intrinsic environmental structure while active in it's present culture.

Endnote

There seem as nothing could broken. Hence, if one wants to excitate their isotoric ability, they must acknowledge the existence of the Self. From this priori, the Self can enhance this capability in an autonomous, fixated, and infused convention. This influx of emotion are derivative of the ego-complex, "the Self." This spark is the introduction to the isotoric existence. A mediation into meditation in space and time.

-Isotoric, the ability in credence and vision

I will have more to discuss about the isotoric phenom and what will represent in Reflexivity (Reflexive Psychology). Also, the meaning behind Panoptism and its relation to the isotoric.

Reflexivity (Reflexive Psychology) term:

Isotoric - an equitable quality the Self contains in a moment of immersed euphoria, whether active or inactive, in any present space or time.

REFLEXIVE THOUGHT #9: 

Ethnography, how does this 

apply to the self, 

the observer?

My first semester at CSULB in the Spring of 2011, I was introduced to a subject that uses psychology research technique in anthropological research setting. They call this ethnography. Ever since that first class, my mind has open to the myriad of possibilities for my future as a psychologist. I just finished another semester of at CSULB taking Global Ethnography. It was enough to staple my fascination and convert it to my future endeavor as a psychologist, writer, and teacher. So, let me introduce you to what I have discovered the past year and a half at CSULB that reflects my attitude as a student of psychology.

First, ethnography is a branch of anthropology dealing with the scientific description of individual cultures. In this genre of anthropology, there are two terms that intrinsic for the observer to contain they witness these nuances of a society from any level or perspective. Before that, I want to define another perspective when an observer contains such an attitude within the perspective of cultural transformation upon garnering a cultural identity.This attitude is defined as the term ethnocentrism.

Ethnocentrism the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture; a tendency to view alien groups or cultures from the perspective of one's own. This term represent the attitude of an observer studying culture from a positive or negative point-of-view. Whichever position the observer may hold, it is a necessary attitude in studying cultural environments, habits, and activities; in order, for the observer to draw some knowledge and some conclusions to the questions sought about this civilization existence and influence upon the observer, or the world.

Before I introduce the term I coin "Cultural transformation", I want to clarify, defend, what I stated in the previous paragraph about the observer's stance in ethnographic and ethnocentric positions. There are terms to describe the process the observer complete while obtaining knowledge in civilizations foreign to their native environments: The terms are acculturation, enculturation, and a new term I define as "coculturation." First here are the definitions:

• Acculturation: cultural change; a change in the cultural behavior and thinking of a person or group of people through contact with another culture.
• Enculturation: the gradual acceptance by a person or group of the standards and practices of another person or culture.
• Coculturation: the combination of acculturation and enculturation in coalesce of a individual or group initiation into a culture based upon some of its beliefs, attitudes, creeds, politics, and social rules while existing in that environment.

Henceforth, in acculturation, you begin to accept value that are of another culture while in your present native culture; in enculturation, you are accepted by the persons or group of the culture whom standards and beliefs you practice; from both these process you have evolved to coculturation, which is you are fully cultured upon this society you hold favor to while living in that environment. 

These processes will allow one to experience a cultural transformation (the act or the process, in which, an individual, a group, or event change when they are conforming to a cultural norm, belief in the guise of appearance, nature, and character while in acceptance within the culture and environment)  from the observer's point-of-view. Then, the observer could institute a certain amount of knowledge to inform the audience for the purpose of education, entertainment or personal wish fulfillment; just to make intellectual conversation.


The point being, this term's existence conveys a lucid foundation in the process of learning about other cultures and environments, in order, for others to self-create a more intrinsic approach to accepting these phenomenon at face value instead from a narrow position that is caustic in attitudes not privy to nuance of alien civilizations.

When studying or visiting different civilizations, the observer acknowledges a different language foreign from their native tongue is spoken. This idea of language is essential in the study or leisurement of a culture. I began to investigate this topic of language in observer's, whether that be ethnographic-ethnocentric or neither, position; so, I googled and found the web page of a Professor James Lett (Emic/Etic Distinctions_James Lett) who is a Anthropology and Geography Professor at Florida Atlantic University. He spoke about certain terms explaining the linguistic (of relating to the scientific study of language) position experienced by an observer while in the study or leisurement of a foreign civilization. These terms are etic and emic. Here is what was said:

• Etic: using an outside observers categorizations; making use of preestablished categories for organizing and interpreting anthropological data, rather than categories recognized within the culture being studied.
• Emic: Analyzing structural and functional elements;.relating to the analysis of structural and functional elements of language or behavior; Using categorizes of people studied; relating to the organization and interpretation of data that makes use of the categories of the people being studied.

In etic position, is the observers data or information retrieve from their experience. This would be their side of the story and no less. In the emic position, the observers information is studied and used to explain the experience. This would give clear detail to the person wanting information on a specific topic about the culture, or civilization being studied by the observers interpretations of their language and beliefs.

  
From these perspectives of language acquisition by the observer in  a foreign culture, they can comprehend a prudent foundation that assisted in their acceptance into any target civilization while obtaining the knowledge,  and the means necessary to clarify why a culture has certain habits, traits, and attitudes while inhabiting in an environment without fault or despair. 

It is important for any observer on any level to grasp the concept of cultural transformation and its foundations: acculturation, enculturation, and coculturation. If anyone has not grasped any of these ideas then there will be difficulty in existing in these civilizations without any problem. If you want to learn of culture and exist in its environment then you must grasp this process within yourself. This will reflect your experience as you exist in these civilizations without fail.

Reflexive Thought Lucky#7: 

What is the true definition of 

Reflexive Psychology?

 

I have given some thought into the term I have coined, "Reflexive Psychology." This term may seem queer to some people, a nifty neologism to others, and just play silly to everyone. Well, it could none or all of the about; however, I decided that this term needed explanation and what better way then to put a definition to this noun phrase.

Let me begin by breaking down the basic lexicon for each word in this noun phrase:

Reflexive

1. A personal pronoun compounded with -self to show the agent's action affects the agent.

2. Without volition or conscious control; "the automatic shrinking of the pupils of the eye in strong light"; "a reflex knee jerk"; "sneezing is reflexive."

3.	Referring back to itself.

4. Of or relating to a mathematical or logical relation such that, for any given element, that element has the given relation to itself.

Psychology

1. The science that deals with mental processes and behavior.

2. The emotional and behavioral characteristics of an individual, group, or activity: the psychology of war.

3. Subtle tactical action or argument used to manipulate or influence another: He used poor psychology on his employer when trying to make the point.

4. Philosophy The branch of metaphysics that studies the soul, the mind, and the relationship of life and mind to the functions of the body.

Now, these lexicons for the noun phrase contain myriad of subjectivity to ascertain the clarification for a lexicon, definition, which I will introduce in the next paragraph. Reflexive Psychology in it's grand scope is a focus upon cultural-environment perspective for the individual or group in reference to the exact behaviors-emotions(attitudes) that represent their existence in their inhabited areas. Furthermore, this lexicon will explain what Reflexive Psychology is defined as (your witnessing history in the making):

Reflexive Psychology- A study of the emotional (attitudinal) and behavioral characteristics of an individual, a group, or activities (events) in relation to any element (culture, environment, habits, etc.) that is a given reference to itself, or the self.

This will be the (my) textbook lexicon for Reflexive Psychology. For everyone, anyone, any event, and any place may or should represent how we as humans see ourselves within the elements, phenomenons that are spoken, observed, and studied about from the position of the pedagogue. From these results, a pedagogue, in that case myself, obtains in their research prowl will be share, and explored through this medium. This medium will be host to the beginning of what I hope to be a lifestyle-philosophical-psychological (outlet) publication for the past, present, and future generations. 

 

SO, EVERYONE WELCOME

 TO THE BEGINNING OF 

REFLEXIVE PSYCHOLOGY