Aboriginal Spirituality

Aboriginal spirituality

Aboriginal spirituality is not a religion as such, but more a way of life that integrates widely varying sets of beliefs into most every aspect of a follower’s existence. They believe that everything is sacred, from the largest mountain, to the smallest plant or animal. They believe that we are one with the world. There are many rituals, beliefs and practices that might help someone facing a decision to be a live donor, donate an organ of a loved or to be waiting on a recipient list. The powwow ceremony in particular, would celebrate the life of a recipient. The powwow is a dance of renewal for the restoration of right relationships and the healing of all of creation. It is a community celebration, a time to get together to sing and dance, and to celebrate one's identity, heritage, and life. As in all Aboriginal rituals, the powwow takes place in a circle. Always blessed by a spiritual leader, the space within the circle is holy. After being healed, the individual should go back to the community to celebrate and give thanks to the creator. They have been given a second chance at life, and in that case have been renewed, which is exactly the purpose of the powwow.

Hinduism

Hinduism is the oldest living religion in the world, enduring today as a healthy, spirited and colourful group of traditions. The fundamental teaching of Hinduism is that a human being's basic nature is not confined to the body or the mind. Beyond both of these is the spirit or the spark of God within the soul. Hindus believe that all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore practice ahimsa, non-injury, in thought, word and deed. In other words, this means that all efforts must be made to preserve a life. This can be related to organ tissue donation, as helping someone to face a decision to be a live donor. One ritual practised in this religion is a puja, which can