Ep. 186: Our African Unconscious with Edward Bruce Bynum, Ph.D.
Dec 11, 2023
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Esteemed author and scholar Edward Bruce Bynum, Ph.D., discusses his groundbreaking book Our African Unconscious, exploring the spiritual and psychological origins of humanity in Africa. He traces the roots of religion and science back to Africa, emphasizing the significance of this continent in the evolution of civilization. Dr. Bynum highlights the notion of a primordial African unconscious shared by all modern humans and its reflection in contemporary times. He explores the beginnings of early religions and mysticism in Africa, the influence of Egyptian Nubian culture, and the spiritual implications of our shared African heritage.
Embracing our African unconscious means recognizing that we all share a deeper identity beyond our surface differences.
The current climate crisis is pushing us to change our ways and prioritize alternative energy sources over carbon-based options.
Looking towards our African roots offers a ray of hope amid the challenges we face by providing a bridge between different traditions and fostering a deeper sense of unity.
Discovering and embracing our African unconscious can deepen our sense of self, enhance our understanding of ancestral consciousness, and lead to a transformation of consciousness.
Deep dives
Recognition of a Deeper Identity
Embracing our African unconscious means recognizing that we all share a deeper identity beyond our surface differences. Despite our preferences for different spiritual practices, the goal is the same: to raise the primordial energy up the spinal line, regardless of what we call it. All great spiritual traditions emphasize our oneness and shared origins, and scientific studies support this as well. Our collective salvation as a species depends on rediscovering this common bond.
Climate Crisis and the Need for Change
The current climate crisis is pushing us to change our ways. Drastic measures will be necessary, such as limiting the use of carbon fuels, expanding renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal, and exploring safe nuclear energy. Technological advancements and alternative energy sources exist, and we need to prioritize them over carbon-based options. We have the capacity to achieve this, but it will require a collective effort and a shift in our thinking.
Hope in Rediscovering Our African Roots
Looking towards our African roots offers a ray of hope amid the challenges we face. Recognizing the ancient spiritual practices originating from Africa, such as Kundalini awakening, can provide a bridge between different traditions and foster a deeper sense of unity. As the climate crisis propels us forward, embracing our shared heritage and roots can transcend cultural differences and bring us together as a species.
Triumph of the Human Spirit
Amid the crises and challenges we encounter, it is essential to remember that as a species, we have always faced adversity and triumphed. We have survived plagues, adapted to changing climates, and overcome conflicts. Our ability to evolve and transcend is a testament to our strength. While we may experience a difficult decade ahead, we have the capacity to find solutions and create a better future for ourselves and future generations.
Embracing African Ancestry
Discovering and embracing our African unconscious can deepen our sense of self and enhance our understanding of ancestral consciousness. Our individual consciousness is influenced by ancestral history, which can be biogenetic and behavioral. Exploring and integrating our African roots can lead to a deeper connection with our soul and a greater sense of peace. It is important to engage in intuitive meditative disciplines, prayers, or contemplation that resonate with us personally and to commit to these practices for an extended period of time. This can lead to a transformation of consciousness and a stronger recognition of the continuity of our being.
Challenges of Identity and Culture
In the United States, the concept of being "American" often meant shedding ancestral traditions and embracing a new national identity. This process was more complex for African-Americans, as their African roots were suppressed during slavery. However, many African traditions survived and influenced various aspects of African-American culture. It is important to recognize the impact of ancestral consciousness on our behaviors and decisions. By exploring and understanding our ancestral history, we can navigate the challenges of identity and culture with a deeper understanding and appreciation.
Transcending Fear and Finding Peace
Fear has been used as a tool throughout history to control populations and instigate conflict. Fearful individuals are more easily manipulated and controlled. It is essential to recognize that much of our fear is unfounded and perpetuated for political or social reasons. By engaging in meditative disciplines and practices, such as Kundalini Yoga, we can develop a sense of peace and stability. These practices allow us to tap into a deeper consciousness and transcend the influence of fear. By cultivating inner peace, we can contribute to a more harmonious society.
In this episode of the Ultraculture podcast, Jason Louv welcomes esteemed author and scholar Edward Bruce Bynum, Ph.D. Dr. Bynum discusses his groundbreaking book Our African Unconscious, which focuses on the spiritual and psychological origins of humanity in Africa. He explores the concept of the Oldawan, or the Ancient Soul of Africa, and its connection to what modern psychologists define as the collective unconscious.
Dr. Bynum takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating archaeology, DNA research, history, and depth psychology to trace the roots of religion and science back to Africa. He emphasizes the significance of Africa in the evolution of civilization, arts, sciences, and philosophy, highlighting how the fossil record confirms humanity's origins on this continent.
A key aspect of the conversation is the notion of a primordial African unconscious shared by all modern humans, regardless of ethnic or racial categorizations. This shared identity is both psychic and genetic, deeply rooted in our African ancestry. Dr. Bynum also discusses how this African unconscious is reflected in contemporary times, particularly in the Americas, and in modern psychospirituality.
The episode covers the beginnings of early religions and mysticism in Africa, the influence of Egyptian Nubian culture in the rise of civilization, and the spiritual implications of our shared African heritage. Dr. Bynum's insights offer a profound understanding of our shared heritage and identity, encouraging listeners to recognize the deep connections that bind us all.
In conclusion, Dr. Bynum's discussion urges us to embrace our collective past and understand its influence on our present and future. Enjoy the show!!
