Decolonizing Methodologies is a seminal work that examines the relationship between research and colonialism. It provides a critical analysis of Western research methods and their impact on indigenous communities. The book advocates for decolonizing research practices by centering indigenous voices, knowledge, and perspectives. It offers alternative methodologies that are culturally responsive, ethical, and empowering. Through its powerful critique and transformative vision, Decolonizing Methodologies has become an essential resource for researchers, activists, and anyone committed to social justice.
Sword Catcher is a fantasy novel that follows the story of a young man caught in a web of political intrigue and magical conflict. Set in a richly imagined world, the book explores themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice. The protagonist must navigate treacherous alliances and uncover hidden truths to protect his kingdom and those he loves. With its compelling characters and intricate plot, Sword Catcher offers a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
Ashe, The Power That Makes Things Happen explores the concept of Ashe in Afro-Brazilian traditions. It delves into the understanding of Ashe as the life force and spiritual energy that permeates all things. The book discusses how Ashe is given, received, gained, lost, accumulated, and dissipated. It offers insights into the rituals, objects, and practices through which Ashe is understood and worked with. Through its exploration of Ashe, the book provides a deeper understanding of Afro-Brazilian spirituality and its connection to the natural world.
Pele and Hiiaka is a book that tells the traditional Hawaiian story of the volcano goddess Pele and her sister Hiiaka. The narrative explores themes of creation, destruction, love, and betrayal. It provides insights into Hawaiian mythology, culture, and spirituality. The book delves into the complex relationship between the two sisters and their impact on the Hawaiian landscape. Through its rich storytelling and vivid imagery, Pele and Hiiaka offers a profound understanding of Hawaiian beliefs and values.
The novel tells the fictionalized story of Mizoguchi, a young Buddhist priest who becomes obsessed with the Kinkaku-ji temple, known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Mizoguchi's life is marked by his stutter, poverty, and a complex relationship with beauty, which he sees embodied in the temple. The story delves into his psychological journey, influenced by his childhood, friendships, and the devastating effects of World War II. Mishima's work closely follows the real event of the temple's burning by Hayashi Yōken in 1950, while also exploring broader themes of beauty, death, and the human psyche.
The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature[2][3][4].
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
POWER is on the mind these days, as the world grapples with shifting global power dynamics, old powers crumbling, new ones rising, and archaic power paradigms resurfacing… Yes, issues of power run rampant and discussions on power are front and center. But like everything else in modern discourse, the discussion on power has been decontextualized. Power is seen as an abstract bodiless force that governs from above, or an arbitrary human construct that is either relentlessly pursued or seen as 'bad' and flattened entirely. Traditional animate systems hold a very different vision of power, in which power is a tangible presence, a living breathing force inherent to the structure of nature itself. Within this vision there is the recognition of a greater power that operates in cycles and spirals of creation and destruction, and to which all temporal powers are beholden. When the existence of this power is acknowledged, then human beings can architect their ritual and social systems to be in alignment and harmony with it. In the absence of recognition of this power, human beings settle for the crudest, most obvious vision of power — the power to seize and force and control. These 'obvious' powers have come to dominate our vision of power. Yet the world is shaped by a multitude of powers, some silent and invisible. Every small power in the mandala of powers has its role to play in the overall web of power, and perhaps a complete vision of power means recognizing the power of the less obvious things, and cultivating those powers that slowly shift and repattern the more obvious powers. This means recognizing first and foremost that power is real and tangible, and that the structures and harmonic architecture of nature itself reveals much about what it means to construct systems that can honor it, call it, receive it, hold it, and pass it on. Featuring contributions from Nyoongar writer, storyteller and researcher Jack Mitchell, Hawaiian cultural practitioner Kanani Aton, and Living Sanskrit's Shivani Hawkins, with music by Althaea, Victor Sakshin, Marya Stark, and Travis Puntarelli. Let's take a deep dive into... the ***POWER***
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