Today is the Fifth day of Kwanzaa and today's principle is Nia or Purpose; to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Something I find really interesting about Swahili is the fact the much of its vocabulary comes from the Arabic language, which gives a whole other layer of meaning to some of the principles of the Nguzo Saba. For example, today's principle of nia makes me think of niyyah (or intention). In Islam it is emphasized that every action must begin with the proper intention. Sincerity is important. And actions are judged by their intentions.
The Nguzo Saba emphasizes the collective side of this principle; the masses of people have to get together and move in the right direction. But Islam (at least when it comes to this particular concept) puts the emphasis on how the individual heart absolutely has to start with pure and sincere intention, or else what follows will be incomplete, corrupt and empty.
Tomorrow's principle is Kuumba or Creativity
2 comments:
Thanks for the very thoughtful considerations of Kwanzaa. For whatever reason I decided to see what others were saying about this holiday, and see how it was expressed beyond being included in the attempts for multicultural holiday well wishing.
You wrote below, "I figure that no matter what people have to say about Karenga, we can do worse things with our time than spend the next seven days thinking deeply and conscientiously about our principles and values and where we are headed as a people."
This sentiment alone is enough to help me appreciate the celebration for what it is and should be.
Your insights and thoughtful meditations on the liturgy have transformed how I see this holiday.
Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate your comments.
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