Gabriel Mahia

  From the cradle to the grave, humanity has been guided by the teachings etched in sacred texts. Whether you're sitting in a bustling home in Lagos or a tranquil garden in Kyoto, the whisper of ancestral wisdom governs the private and public spheres of life. This dialogue invites you to explore how spiritual teachings from the Vedas to the Bibles have subtly, yet profoundly, influenced our most intimate spaces—our homes and our hearts. The air is thick with incense as a Hindu priest recites verses from the Rigveda. Across the globe, a family gathers around a Bible during Sunday service, adhering to the Ten Commandments as a moral compass. Unbeknownst to each other, both families are united by the invisible threads of spirituality that shape their domestic lives. It's as if W.E.B. Du Bois himself declared, "The power of the spiritual world is the loom upon which the fabric of our private lives is woven." Spiritual teachings remind us of a common understanding that tra...

We've come to live in a world obsessed with fleeting moments, a world that often glorifies youth while sidelining the old. It’s a fast-paced culture that impatiently scrolls through wisdom to get to the next viral sensation. And yet, in African communities, both on the continent and in the diaspora, the elders are not just remembered; they're revered. Why? Because they are living libraries, chronicles of trials, triumphs, and traditions. More Than a Seat at the Table In Western societies, it's not uncommon for elders to be relegated to nursing homes or forgotten in day-to-day activities. But in African communities, their role extends far beyond ceremonial appearances at family gatherings. Elders are consulted for every major decision, be it marriage, land disputes, or community projects. They’re not just seat fillers; they are the cornerstone upon which societies are built. A Tapestry of Wisdom and Culture James Baldwin once said, "You think your pain and your heartbre...

The world of medicine is vast and diverse, with treatments and therapies rooted in various traditions and cultures. Among these, traditional African medicine holds a special place, offering unique insights into healing and well-being that have persisted for centuries. Understanding Traditional African Medicine Traditional African medicine is a holistic approach to health that has been practiced across the African continent for thousands of years. This system involves a mix of herbal remedies, spiritual beliefs, and physical treatments. It emphasizes balance, understanding the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Herbal Remedies and Treatments At the core of traditional African medicine lies a rich array of herbal remedies. Various plants and minerals are used to prepare treatments for ailments ranging from common colds to more complex diseases. Knowledge about these natural remedies is passed down through generations. The Role of the Healer In African communities, the trad...

There's a world of wisdom that's been nurtured over centuries, shaped by the landscapes and climates of a continent, and passed down from generation to generation. It's called African traditional medicine, a holistic system of healthcare that's steeped in the very fabric of the African people's way of life. The typical western conception of health is primarily focused on treating symptoms. You have a headache; you take a painkiller. It's a reactive approach. African traditional medicine, however, embodies a holistic ethos where balance is key, and health is an interconnected web of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In Africa, traditional healing is not an isolated event but rather a communal experience often involving ancestral spirits and rituals that are deeply ingrained in the community's cultural fabric. The guiding principle of this healthcare system is the belief in the vital interconnection of the human body with the environment and the spir...

In the heart of the African continent, there is a pulse. It beats to the rhythm of ancient wisdom, an intricate tapestry woven with generations of knowledge passed down from ancestors, storytellers, and guardians of culture. These are Africa's indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), a treasure trove of wisdom that has been the bedrock of societies for millennia. This knowledge, often overlooked in the rush of modernity, is complex and multifaceted, encompassing everything from agricultural practices, medicinal herbs, to conflict resolution techniques. And it's not just historical artifacts – these systems continue to be an active part of African communities, a living, breathing testament to cultural resilience and sustainability. Africa's Green Thumb: Agriculture & Biodiversity African IKS is rich with strategies for sustainable farming and biodiversity conservation. From the polyculture systems of West Africa to the water management techniques of the Sahel region, these pr...