Prayer style in Rastafarian religion by Matthew Swalek

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 15:57:24 UTC

Rastafarians regard marijuana as a sacred herb and use it as a part of prayer and worship.

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 15:58:00 UTC

Consumption of marijuana, which rastas often call "wisdom weed," involves saying a special prayer before it is smoked in a group setting in what is known as a "reasoning session."

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 16:01:35 UTC

Combining traditional African drums with 19th-century gospel, nyabinghi typically accompanies reasoning sessions and other forms of prayer.

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 16:02:21 UTC

The rhythm of traditional drums is believed to deepen the spiritual effects of prayer and reasoning sessions.

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nyabinghi is accompanied by the recitation of traditional chants, which are also a form of prayer, with lyrics about Africa, freedom and the redemption of black people.

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 16:03:58 UTC

Just as music plays an important role in Rastafarian prayer, dancing is also a key part of religious worship.

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 16:04:24 UTC

On special occasions and Rasta holy days, like Groundation, which celebrates the arrival of Haile Selassie I in Jamaica, believers take part in dances that may last for several days, according to Religion Facts.

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 16:04:43 UTC

Special Rasta events will bring thousands of people together for singing and dancing in a special tabernacle.

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 16:07:27 UTC

Before smoking the plant the Rasta will say a prayer to Jah (God) or to Haile Selassie I.

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 16:08:06 UTC

The Rasta call them reasoning sessions when they use Ganja for Nyabinghi.

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-19 16:08:26 UTC

A Nyabinghi session is much different from a casual marijuana smoking session that western people take part in.

Jah

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praying beades

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Black Jesus

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swalekmatthew — 2016-12-20 15:14:02 UTC

Rastas believe that the Tree of Life mentioned in the Bible is the marijuana plant and that several other biblical passages further promote its use, such as “Thou shalt eat the herb of the field” (Genesis 3:18), “Eat every herb of the land” (Exodus 10:12) and “The herb is the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2).

swalekmatthew — 2016-12-20 15:16:55 UTC

The Rastafari way of life encompasses the spiritual use of cannabis and the rejection of the degenerate society of materialism, oppression, and sensual pleasures, called Babylon.