So, I was reading about iron ore mining in Australia, and I came across a passage that took me on a tangent.
This part of the book addresses the history of mining in that part of the world and the blatant disregard that mining companies had for the lands held sacred by the original inhabitants, i.e. the aboriginal people. Their philosophy – the Dreaming, is all about connection with the land, said the book.
And so I went about reading more about the Dreaming. Here is an extract from Wiki:
- The concept of the Dreaming is inadequately explained by English terms, and difficult to explain in terms of non-Aboriginal cultures. It has been described as “an all-embracing concept that provides rules for living, a moral code, as well as rules for interacting with the natural environment … [it] provides for a total, integrated way of life … a lived daily reality”. It embraces past, present and future.
- The term is based on a rendition of the Arandic word alcheringa, used by the Aranda (Arunta, Arrernte) people of Central Australia, although it has been argued that it is based on a misunderstanding or mistranslation. Some scholars suggest that the word’s meaning is closer to “eternal, uncreated”…
- Another definition suggests that it represents “the relationship between people, plants, animals and the physical features of the land; the knowledge of how these relationships came to be, what they mean and how they need to be maintained in daily life and in ceremony”.
Perplexity introduces the concept as below:
The Australian Aboriginal concept of the Dreaming, also known as Dreamtime, represents a complex and multifaceted worldview that encompasses creation, spirituality, law, and cultural identity. This concept is foundational to Aboriginal culture and is expressed through stories, rituals, and art.
In the Dreaming, ancestral spirits emerged from a formless landscape, creating the natural world—rivers, mountains, animals, and plants—through their journeys and actions. These spirits are often depicted in various forms, including animals and natural elements, and are considered to be alive within the landscape itself. For instance, the Rainbow Serpent is a common figure across many Aboriginal cultures, symbolizing creation and the interconnectedness of life…
Dreaming stories often convey moral lessons and cultural obligations, ensuring the transmission of knowledge across generations…
Rituals and ceremonies are integral to the Dreaming, often performed at sacred sites believed to be created by ancestral beings. These practices serve to honor the spirits and maintain the life force of the land, reinforcing the connection between people, their ancestors, and the environment.
Sounds familiar?
- The concept of Dharma
- The concept of Sanatana
- The world is one family – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
The philosophy of the Aboriginals – from the ancient times, continuing till today and beyond – and the philosophy of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) both speak the same language – interconnectedness, eternal and the wholesome worldview of all beings and objects being part of ONE – indestructible, never created, never destroyed, the holiness of life and it’s experience itself.