Of Water And Spirit

Rating:
Summary: Every seeker should read this book!!
Review: A wonderful book!!! Even from the introduction, Malidoma Patrice Some engages the reader with compelling observations on the limitations of the "Western" worldview, but does not do so in a derisive way. He conveys, in a very moving life story, his role in the current world and tells how he has lived up to the mission foretold in his given name. What I especially liked, having read several other books on various spiritual traditions, was how the rituals and beliefs of the Dagara resonate with the wisdom found in traditions from Wicca to the "new age" ideas put forth in books like The Celestine Prophecy and Conversations with God. I was sad to come to the end of this book, because I wanted to learn more. I hope Some' will write a sequel that continues his story, as well as those of his father, Guisso, Nyangoli, and others he has encountered on his path through his adult life. This book reaffirms the truth of our divine nature; and powers that we in the West need to accept and "understand" without needing scientific "proof". Everyone should read this book -- it's good for the soul!

Rating:
Summary: A good read!
Review: I just finished reading the book. I give it 4 stars. I have to say it was an interesting read. At some points however, I did feel like Malidoma was adding his own embellishments to compensate for all the other material that Guisso did not want him to reveal (I might be wrong). Traditional Black Africa has always been a place of sacred ritual, form ancient Egypt to the present world. The book is an example of how the coming of colonization has changed all facets of life in Africa. Certain features of our culture have been brutally obliterated. Sadly, "the (Western) book has totally replaced the elder", in the words of Some himself. Even today, the dark children are being kidnapped (like the author himself) mentally and spiritually from their African realm by Western missionary schools and accompanying doctrines of total de-Africanization. We, the Africans, are also culpable. Why let it happen (and even fuel it) in the first place?

I agree that the kidnapping of Malidoma can partially be blamed on the father, who befriended the missionaries, exposing the young Malidoma to vultures (without even knowing it). His disrespect of his own culture and religion was absolutely detestable.

I admire the way in which Patrice balanced the two worlds that had morphed him into what he was. He did it with admirable poise.

Rating:
Summary: Of Water and the Spirit
Review: Kidnapped from his home by white Christian brothers who brutalise him as part of his 'training' to become a priest, Malidoma describes his amazing journey back to his home village in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The only way he can be truly accepted as one of his people - the Dagara - is to undergo a dangerous and possibly deadly initiation. The second half of the book illustrates the poetic, mythical and very real ordeal Malidoma undergoes in order to truly return home. This powerful, moving book illustrates how African traditions are under threat and how we must learn to live harmoniously with people who are different from us - even the 'stranger and enemy'.