Ritual: Sacred Repetition in Community Formation

Description

Rituals are symbolic acts. They represent, and pass on, the values upon which a community is based. In ritual, things are not consumed or used up…but used. The more they are used, the more meaning they embody. Ritual objects become “old”, associated with many memories and significant events. Thus, the meaning of ritual objects swells over time, stabilizing and deepening our attention in ways that single experiences cannot. Such repetition fosters longevity (people will return to the familiar) and intensity (people will experience transcendence).

This curriculum will help you understand the power of ritual repetition and how to harness it toward noble purpose; identify the various components of ritual and consider how best to leverage them; and consider new rituals, their use, their value, and their scheduling.