Many discussions on global religious and spiritual practices often overlook Sub-Saharan Africa, and when addressed, it is usually negatively; this series aims to change that perception by highlighting the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that thrive in this region. From the diverse array of indigenous faiths to the profound influence of world religions such as Christianity and Islam, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to a vibrant cultural heritage that reflects a deep connection to spirituality and community. By showcasing the unique rituals, philosophies, and the stories of practitioners from various backgrounds, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for the complexity and beauty of spiritual life in this often-misunderstood part of the world.
In this installment…
About 45 percent of all Africans transported throughout the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade arrived from West Central Africa, including the Kongo, a region rich in cultural heritage and historical significance. This area was not only characterized by its vibrant societies and complex political structures but also by its diverse languages, art forms, and traditions that reflected the deep-rooted connections of its people to their land.
The Kongo played a pivotal role in trade networks, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas long before the onset of the slave trade. Furthermore, the experiences and contributions of those who came from this region have profoundly influenced the cultural landscapes of the Americas, giving rise to unique blends of African, European, and Indigenous traditions that continue to resonate in music, religion, and culinary practices today.
Kôngo spirituality includes a wide variety of concepts grouped around two areas of application: divine practice and human practice. This intricate system encompasses not only rituals and beliefs but also the profound relationship between the spiritual and the material realms, reflecting the interconnectedness of life.
This lecture aims to elucidate this wealth, with regard to Palo and Bukôngo as two different schools of Kôngo spirituality, both of which offer unique perspectives and methodologies for understanding the universe and one’s place within it. The richness of Kôngo spirituality is rooted in ancient traditions and oral histories that convey wisdom through generations.
This elucidation will be attained through the interpretation of the divine initiatory process through the Kôngo cosmogram, a vital tool that visually represents the spiritual journey and its stages, allowing practitioners to navigate their path with clarity and purpose. By delving into these elements, the lecture will highlight the significance of both the divine and human aspects in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment within the Kôngo tradition.
Welcome to MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER. This blog series aims to delve deep into the realm of Strategy. Throughout the series, we will explore various aspects of dealing with certain people, offering insights on effective communication, conflict resolution, and building meaningful connections. Additionally, we will provide valuable tips on avoiding scammers, protecting oneself from online fraud, and maintaining a secure online presence.
Navigating the world we live in can be challenging. In this series, we will share practical guidance on making informed decisions, embracing opportunities, and overcoming obstacles on the path to success. Whether it’s negotiation, identifying manipulation, or honing leadership skills, this series will equip you with the knowledge to thrive in interpersonal dynamics and strategic decision-making. We will also explore personal branding, self-presentation, and managing online reputation, empowering you to craft a compelling image in today’s digital world. Join us as we unravel the complexities of power dynamics and relations, arming you with the expertise to emerge victorious in your pursuits.
In this installment, we will explore the 11th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can but a copy by clicking HERE.
Law 11: LEARN TO KEEP PEOPLE DEPENDENT ON YOU
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To maintain your independence, you must always be needed and wanted. The more you are relied on, the more freedom you have to shape your own life and decisions. Make people depend on you for their happiness and prosperity, offering them solutions to their problems and fulfilling their needs, and you have nothing to fear about losing your position. Your presence becomes essential in their lives, creating a bond that both empowers you and binds them to you. In this dynamic, it is crucial to cultivate your own skills and knowledge continuously, as this will enhance your value to others and ensure that they see you as an indispensable part of their journey.
By fostering genuine relationships built on trust and support, you not only strengthen your own foundation but also create a network of connections that can elevate you further. Always remember that your influence grows not just from what you can do for others, but also from the authentic way you interact with them, making them feel valued and understood in return.
Never teach them enough so that they can do without you; instead, cultivate an environment where they see you as their indispensable guide and supporter, someone who is always available to offer wisdom and assistance. By doing so, you ensure that their reliance on you only deepens over time, fostering loyalty and a strong sense of attachment that transcends mere guidance. In this way, you create a bond that is not just professional but personal, allowing them to turn to you for advice and solutions even in the most complex situations. This reliance is beneficial for both parties, as it reinforces their respect for your knowledge and expertise while providing you with a continuous platform to impart your influence.
By nurturing this relationship, you not only secure your own autonomy and significance but also create a dynamic where your influence continues to grow, reinforcing your role as a key figure in their lives and further solidifying your own power, ultimately creating a legacy of guidance that will benefit future generations.
The Angoleiro’s Philosophy of Dependence: The Necessity of the Other
For an Angoleiro, dependence is not about manipulative control; it is about establishing oneself as an indispensable resource. The very nature of Capoeira Angola—a dialogue, a conversation played out through movement, music, and ritual—demands the presence and active participation of others.
The Mastery of Specific, Rare Skills (Os Segredos – The Secrets):
Indispensable Knowledge: An Angoleiro seeks out and masters aspects of the art that others neglect or find difficult. This could be the deep, historical knowledge of the toques (rhythms), the ability to repair, tune, or craft a perfect berimbau (the primary instrument), or a profound understanding of the forgotten movimentos (movements) and their practical applications.
The Power of the Instrumentalist: The person who truly masters the berimbau and leads the bateria (orchestra) is the heart of the roda. By controlling the rhythm and the songs, they control the energy, speed, and even the “mood” of the game. The roda depends completely on this person to exist and thrive, granting them a subtle but undeniable form of authority.
The Keeper of the Culture: The Angoleiro ensures they are the go-to source for authentic ritual, history, and Portuguese song lyrics, making their presence necessary for the group to maintain its cultural integrity and depth.
Creating a Resource Economy within the Group:
The Teacher’s Hook: A wise teacher (Mestre) never gives all their knowledge away at once. They dispense it in measured, sometimes cryptic, doses. This creates a powerful desire in the student to remain close, to continue learning, and to demonstrate loyalty for the next piece of the puzzle. The student depends on the Mestre for their growth and initiation into deeper levels of the art.
The Utility of the Student: Conversely, the Mestre can make themselves dependent on the student in a positive way. They may assign a student the specific task of organizing events, maintaining the space (Academia), or managing the instruments. By assigning crucial, non-transferable responsibilities, the Mestre ensures the student feels valued and necessary, solidifying the student’s commitment.
The Dynamic of the Roda (The Game):
Setting the Stage for the Other: In the game itself, the best Angoleiro is one who sets up their partner perfectly, either for a beautiful exchange or a clever trap. A player who consistently provides an engaging, challenging, and meaningful game—who makes their opponent look good, or who is the only one capable of truly testing them—becomes a highly sought-after partner. Their presence in the roda elevates the entire experience, making others dependent on their participation for the game to be worthwhile.
The Warning: Avoiding the Trap of Complete Control The Angoleiro understands that this dependence must be managed carefully. If one becomes too necessary, the burden can become heavy, leading to resentment or even an attempt to overthrow the dependency structure. Therefore, the dependence cultivated is one of specialized utility, not total servitude. It is a reciprocal, necessary relationship that benefits the whole community, ensuring the Angoleiro remains central without stifling the growth of others. The goal is to be the indispensable pivot around which the roda turns, not the anchor that prevents it from moving.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 