Aboriginal Spirituality Smarts Seven Dimensions Essay Sample
Aboriginal Spirituality Smarts Seven Dimensions Essay Sample

Aboriginal Spirituality Smarts Seven Dimensions Essay Sample

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  • Pages: 5 (1174 words)
  • Published: August 28, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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For thousands of years, the land of Australia has been inhabited by Indigenous people.

Before the arrival of the British 200 years ago, the Aborigines had minimal contact with external sources. Their belief system revolves around protecting their environment and is rooted in an ancient faith centered on the Dreaming. The purpose of this project is to examine the Aboriginal religion through Smart's seven dimensions, utilizing a methodology that involves three SOR categories from 11th grade embarking on a journey to Chillagoe on May 3rd.

In 2006, during our journey to Chillagoe, we made a stop at Tjapukai, an Aboriginal Cultural Park. There, we were educated on the way of life and history of the Aboriginal people. Shortly after, we visited St Stephen's College where we conversed with some elderly members of the community. Upon arrival at Chillagoe, we explored caves and witnessed Abori

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ginal art and artifacts.

The Chillagoe area was located at the junction of three Indigenous groups: the Wagaman, Wakoora, and Djangun peoples. In 1887, James Venture Mulligan, the first European to arrive in Chillagoe, discovered the gold field that would become known as Chillagoe-Palmer River. William Atherton later built a homestead in the area and named it Chillagoe. In the same year, John Moffat, a wealthy individual involved in mining, discovered native copper.

Calcifer and Mungana both had smelters by 1894. One of these smelters was the Chillagoe cardinal smelter, constructed by 'The Chillagoe Smelting Company' and operational since 1901 for the purpose of smelting Cu.

Chillagoe's smelters, which used to process gold and silver, were shut down in 1943. Nowadays, the town's main industries are focused on tourism and the distribution of marble.

Minerals and cows

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were integral to the practical and ritualistic practices of Aborigines. Through rites like the corroboree, they established a connection with the Dreaming and their ancestors. This ceremony brought together Aboriginal communities for energetic dancing and music that linked them to the spiritual realm. Often, performers would act out events from the Dreaming during these gatherings.

The passing of sacred rituals from one generation to another is a tradition among the Aboriginals. The custodians of specific sacred locations hold ceremonies throughout the year. It is not permissible for non-Aboriginals to observe or participate in a corroboree. During a visit to Tjapukai, we were taught how to perform a corroboree and play traditional Aboriginal musical instruments.

The Aborigines possess a profound relationship with their land, holding the belief that they merge with it upon passing away. Moreover, they highly value the expression and experience of emotions via cultural pursuits like playing the didgeridoo and performing customary dances. Furthermore, any damage inflicted on their land significantly impacts the Aborigines' psychosocial health and sense of self.

According to Aboriginal beliefs, a part of themselves is lost when they pass on through the land using their ancestral spirits. The indigenous people in Chillagoe thought that the caves held wicked spirits and if one entered them, they would never return. Dreamtime stories are used to explain the creation of the universe.

Various accounts of how the universe was brought into existence exist among different Australian communities. Native oral traditions often focus on the reason for the universe's current state. The Djabugay people's creation story was presented at Tjapukai. According to their narrative, two components emerged from a cassowary egg: the Wet and the

Dry. All living things were subsequently formed by these two elements.

Besides, two brothers arrived - one from a wet environment and the other from a dry one. The Wet brother created difficulties for the locals in order to toughen them up, while the Dry brother made things easier. Unfortunately, the Wet brother ended up killing his sibling.

During a day by the river, the Wet brother was unfortunately killed by a crocodile, which was one of his creative pursuits. In terms of doctrine and philosophy, the Dreaming is where the natives obtained their laws. The elders impart the knowledge of the Dreaming and how to live in harmony with the land to the younger members of the community.

Among Aboriginals, it was important to adhere to the teachings of the Torahs and also maintain respect for all aspects of life. Seniors played a crucial role in resolving conflicts within their community to prevent internal disputes. Totems, which were often an animal but could also be a significant plant or landmark, held immense significance in Aboriginal culture.

According to Aboriginal culture, individuals receive a totem at birth and must never harm, kill, or consume it throughout their lifetime. The Dreaming has established rules for both ceremonial and everyday activities, resulting in ethical and legal implications.

Aborigines who violated these rules faced punishment decided by their elders, which could include banishment, death, or physical harm.

Survival of an aboriginal who was penalized with a spear through their leg meant they could be reinstated into the community. At Mareeba, an elder gave insight into their role to educate the next generation about their beliefs and ensure adherence to them. Additionally, seniors are

protectors with designated responsibilities to safeguard sacred areas from external disruptions.

The social and institutional dimension of the indigenous people was based on a network of relationships that governed interactions among the community members. Within this network, elders held authoritative roles and were often sought out for advice. Men were responsible for hunting large game while women gathered fruits and other small sources of sustenance, as well as preparing meals. When an Aboriginal child was born, they were given a totem, typically representing an animal, which came with specific duties and laws that had to be upheld.

An important Aboriginal ceremony was marriage, and breaking their Torahs and duties resulted in punishment, as illustrated by their prohibition on harming, killing, or eating their totem.

In Aboriginal culture, it was forbidden for individuals of the same totem to marry and falling in love with someone was against the law. Although they lacked buildings, they did have sacred sites and art. The Aboriginal people utilized sculptures, bark and stone paintings to represent their beliefs. To utilize colors in their artwork, they often had to trade with external communities in order to obtain different hues of ochre paint that were not available in their region.

The indigenous people used the art to communicate and convey stories. Previously, Aboriginal artifacts and images were not recognized as art until the arrival of white people. The didgeridoo was created as a form of musical expression to showcase their beliefs. It was used in ceremonies and to mimic animals for observation purposes. Traditionally, the didgeridoo could only be played by men.

The Chillagoe natives had various sacred sites specific to each of their peoples. For instance,

the Bogey Hole was considered a sacred site to the Chillagoe people due to its provision of water throughout the year. This visit to Chillagoe has enriched my understanding of Aboriginal society and their way of life, including their ancient religion.

It is my belief that we should adopt the environmental practices of the Aborigines and learn from them.

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