Post by Stephen on Jun 13, 2004 17:45:17 GMT -5
Who are the Bambana/Minianka?[/b]
They are people who live in southeast Mali, West Africa. They are located between two rivers, Bani and Banifing. They practice the traditional ways of Africa - not Islam or Christianity. They live in tune with nature and use it as their healing power source. Through initiations and rituals, using sound, light, plants, water, earth and fire the Bambana/Minianka are able to heal the mind, body and spirit of their people. They are known as "the people who refused the master."
What is Bamana Foura?[/i]
It is not a religion or a cult!
Bambana's concept of life is to make a better world through developing better individuals. Wheras the modern world chooses to make a better world to make better individuals. Bambana uses initiations and rituals to stop bad habits of individuals. Initiation is the ensemble of institutionalized pain. Initiation prepares you for any situation that may come in your life. Based on your gender and age you will go through certain initiations and rituals. Marriage is one example of change in your life that initiation will prepare you for.
Basic Concepts[/i]
Natural laws are invincible, unmerciful and applicable to everyone. But still we worry about aging, fear, reproduction, disease, fatigue and jealousy, etc. There is no system, scientific, spiritual, ancient, new or any miracles that can change these laws. The ensemble of all human knowledge cannot find the solution to stop the natural laws. The Pope, Shamans, Sorcerers, Guru, Dictator, Preacher, Swami, Imam, Scholars, etc. will die. Bambana Foura is a collaborator to conventiolnal medicine, yoga, tai chi, etc. It is not a miracle solution.
Collaboration[/i]
Any action you do has an affect on your health. Every second of your life, even when you are sleeping, there are movements, organic changes and transfer of matter in our body. When the mechanics of the body are working in harmony, you feel physically and mentally at ease. Bambana Foura contributes to this harmony in the following ways:
When you live in a society that is having a debate on women breast feeding their children, that society has serious problems. Nature created two different sexes with each having its own natural rules that must be respected. One can agree or disagree, but it doesn't change anything. From birth to death we go through physical, mental and spiritual transformations. Among the Bambana/Minianka people every transition in life merits a initiation. But for women who do not come from this type of cultural tradition, they must be asked many different questions that will help them develop harmony and balance in their life.
Bambana say "When you educate a woman, you educate a family. But when ou educate a man, you educate an ego." In general, males appear to be strong, but in actuality, males are teh weakest beings nature made. Physically and verbal violence, anger, jealousy, thirst for power and lack of self-control are all weaknesses that males possess. Males need tools to help them control these behaviours. Bamana Foura can help if one answers the following questions truthfully:
Use the methods of the Bambara people "Rites of Initiation Ceremonies" and the knowledge learned from the experiences of the nomadic Peulh people. Initiation means the interruption of life's routine. The last initiation people must do is passing from the visible tothe invisible world (death). These sessions are designed for people who desire a deep change in their life. This requires the individual to have an open mind and a little courage. These unique methods of diagnosing gives one a clear and deeper understanding of themselves. Once this session is over, one can choose to take the following sessions to become closer to self-knowledge and the world around them.
One hour and each additional session 30 minutes[/center]
They are people who live in southeast Mali, West Africa. They are located between two rivers, Bani and Banifing. They practice the traditional ways of Africa - not Islam or Christianity. They live in tune with nature and use it as their healing power source. Through initiations and rituals, using sound, light, plants, water, earth and fire the Bambana/Minianka are able to heal the mind, body and spirit of their people. They are known as "the people who refused the master."
What is Bamana Foura?[/i]
It is not a religion or a cult!
Bambana's concept of life is to make a better world through developing better individuals. Wheras the modern world chooses to make a better world to make better individuals. Bambana uses initiations and rituals to stop bad habits of individuals. Initiation is the ensemble of institutionalized pain. Initiation prepares you for any situation that may come in your life. Based on your gender and age you will go through certain initiations and rituals. Marriage is one example of change in your life that initiation will prepare you for.
Basic Concepts[/i]
Natural laws are invincible, unmerciful and applicable to everyone. But still we worry about aging, fear, reproduction, disease, fatigue and jealousy, etc. There is no system, scientific, spiritual, ancient, new or any miracles that can change these laws. The ensemble of all human knowledge cannot find the solution to stop the natural laws. The Pope, Shamans, Sorcerers, Guru, Dictator, Preacher, Swami, Imam, Scholars, etc. will die. Bambana Foura is a collaborator to conventiolnal medicine, yoga, tai chi, etc. It is not a miracle solution.
Collaboration[/i]
Any action you do has an affect on your health. Every second of your life, even when you are sleeping, there are movements, organic changes and transfer of matter in our body. When the mechanics of the body are working in harmony, you feel physically and mentally at ease. Bambana Foura contributes to this harmony in the following ways:
- Teaches one to listen to their body
- To be conscious of all external sounds
- To control fear and anxiety
- To change bad habits
- To manage stress
- To change diet
- To identify one's harmony colors
WORKSHOP CONTENTS
Length -- 2 1/2 Hours
Purification of Environment and Space
(Play an instrument)
Silence for Peace and Harmony
Symbols of Life
Body Positions and Space
(Lying on the floor instruments are played: Water Drum, Talking Drum and Balafon)
Healing Movement
Chanting/Sound Vibration
Dialogue
Balafon Relaxation
Closing
*Materials Needed: an object that represents your life, loose fitting pants, T-shirt and beach towel.
Womens Session
Length -- 2 1/2 Hours
Purification of Environment and Space
(Play an instrument)
Silence for Peace and Harmony
Symbols of Life
Body Positions and Space
(Lying on the floor instruments are played: Water Drum, Talking Drum and Balafon)
Healing Movement
Chanting/Sound Vibration
Dialogue
Balafon Relaxation
Closing
*Materials Needed: an object that represents your life, loose fitting pants, T-shirt and beach towel.
Womens Session
When you live in a society that is having a debate on women breast feeding their children, that society has serious problems. Nature created two different sexes with each having its own natural rules that must be respected. One can agree or disagree, but it doesn't change anything. From birth to death we go through physical, mental and spiritual transformations. Among the Bambana/Minianka people every transition in life merits a initiation. But for women who do not come from this type of cultural tradition, they must be asked many different questions that will help them develop harmony and balance in their life.
- Do you listen to your body?
- Are you happy being a woman?
- Did or do you fear pregnancy?
- Do you have painful menstruation?
- How do you view marriage?
- What is your role in the family?
- What is your role in society?
- What is your role in life if you never give birth?
- Are you a chicken mom who doesn't know how to love her children?
Men's Session
Bambana say "When you educate a woman, you educate a family. But when ou educate a man, you educate an ego." In general, males appear to be strong, but in actuality, males are teh weakest beings nature made. Physically and verbal violence, anger, jealousy, thirst for power and lack of self-control are all weaknesses that males possess. Males need tools to help them control these behaviours. Bamana Foura can help if one answers the following questions truthfully:
- Do you think mem are superior to women?
- Do you feel or behave like the chief of the family?
- Do you fear immmpotency?
- Do you think you can control your partner's life with sex and masculinity?
- Do you fear losing your partner?
- What kind of father are you?
- Do you listen to your body?
- What do you eat?
- Do you have any obligations or responsibilities in life?
- What are your favorite colors?
Individual Sessions
[/center]Use the methods of the Bambara people "Rites of Initiation Ceremonies" and the knowledge learned from the experiences of the nomadic Peulh people. Initiation means the interruption of life's routine. The last initiation people must do is passing from the visible tothe invisible world (death). These sessions are designed for people who desire a deep change in their life. This requires the individual to have an open mind and a little courage. These unique methods of diagnosing gives one a clear and deeper understanding of themselves. Once this session is over, one can choose to take the following sessions to become closer to self-knowledge and the world around them.
- Accumulated frustration
- Lack of sense of humour
- Self-pride/self hatred
- Sexuality, impotent, sterile
- Family, marriage, children (role)
- Bad habits associated with work
- Social and cosmic responsibilities
- Tolerance, forgiveness, patience
- Spirituality and beliefs
- Conflict of generation
- Rejection and persecution
- Healthy foods
- Colors of life
- Rest and relaxation
- Sexual orientation
- Emotional stress
- Stress management
- Inter-racial unions
- Identity crisis
- Prejudices
First Session
One hour and each additional session 30 minutes[/center]
For more information Contact
Yaya and Harlina Diallo
Phone: (502) 895-9551
diallo_yaya_harlina@hotmail.com
Yaya and Harlina Diallo
Phone: (502) 895-9551
diallo_yaya_harlina@hotmail.com