Aboriginal Spirituality
Spirituality for indigenous Australians takes many forms. Its forms and practices have been profoundly influenced by the impact of colonialism,both past and present. Some indigenous australians share the same religious beliefs and values of religions introduced into Australia from other countries around the world,particulary Europe. But for most people religious beliefs are derived from a sense of belonging to the land, to the sea, to other people, to one's culture. The form and expresssion of spirituality differs between Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. Aboriginal spirituality mainly derives from the stories of the Dreaming,while Torres Strait Islander spirituality draws upon the stories of the Tagai.
The dreaming has different meanings for different Aboriginal People. It is a complex network of knowledge,faith and practices that derive from stories of creation, and it dominates all spiritual and physical aspects of Aboriginal life. The dreaming sets out the structures of society, the rules for social behaviour and the ceremonies performed in order to maintain the life of the land. In essence, the dreaming comes from the land. In Aboriginal society, people did not own the land it was part of them and it was part of their duty to respect and look after mother earth.
The dreaming did not end with the arrival of Europeans but simply entered a new phase. It is a powerful living force that must be maintained and cared for.
Spirituality for indigenous Australians takes many forms. Its forms and practices have been profoundly influenced by the impact of colonialism,both past and present. Some indigenous australians share the same religious beliefs and values of religions introduced into Australia from other countries around the world,particulary Europe. But for most people religious beliefs are derived from a sense of belonging to the land, to the sea, to other people, to one's culture. The form and expresssion of spirituality differs between Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. Aboriginal spirituality mainly derives from the stories of the Dreaming,while Torres Strait Islander spirituality draws upon the stories of the Tagai.
The dreaming has different meanings for different Aboriginal People. It is a complex network of knowledge,faith and practices that derive from stories of creation, and it dominates all spiritual and physical aspects of Aboriginal life. The dreaming sets out the structures of society, the rules for social behaviour and the ceremonies performed in order to maintain the life of the land. In essence, the dreaming comes from the land. In Aboriginal society, people did not own the land it was part of them and it was part of their duty to respect and look after mother earth.
The dreaming did not end with the arrival of Europeans but simply entered a new phase. It is a powerful living force that must be maintained and cared for.