Session #2 of The Mind and Life XXXII Dialogue at Botho University in Gaborone, Botswana held on August 17-19, 2017.
Presentation by Mandaza Kandemwa: 3:00
Panel Discussion: 39:37
Audience Q&A: 1:20:39
Program Description: The Botswana Dialogue brings African humanitarian and spiritual leaders, scholars and healers into conversation with international neuroscientists about the African worldview of Botho/Ubuntu, during five sessions followed by a concert performance by Vusi Mahlasela.
Defining humanity through our connections with one another, Botho/Ubuntu is expressed as: “I am because you are.” Examining African values and healing practices in light of new scientific research on social connection and trauma, the Dialogue in Botswana explores the potential of Botho/Ubuntu as a framework for healing the legacy and trauma of wars and colonialism, and advancing social justice and women’s equality.
The purpose of this Dialogue is fourfold: 1) To explore the indigenous African ethic of Botho/Ubuntu as it relates to Buddhist ideas of interdependence and compassion; 2) To examine current scientific understanding of how our interconnectedness impacts one another for good or ill; 3) To understand how Botho/Ubuntu can be distorted to maintain cultural norms and systems of power that lead to oppression of, and violence against, women, children and other marginalized groups; and 4) To envision how our connectedness can heal division, forgive profound transgression and point toward a richer understanding of what it means to be human.
Mandaza Kandemwa
Mandaza Augustine Kandemwa is a spirit-medium and medicine-man from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. In Shona, his native tongue, he is known as a Mhondoro, Svikiro and Gombwa. He was initiated through the … MORE
