outside readings 2 - sundance

 outside readings 2 - sundance

One religion we talked about that has really stuck with me over this class was sundancing. I think it was very interesting that indigenous tribes use pain and torture as a method of spiritual renewal. When they dance they want to see a spiritual vision. What I've learned from the sundance is that indigenous people pierce their skin as a way of giving themselves to their creator as well as communicate with them. During the sundance period they do a lot of things involving prayer, fasting, dancing, and getting together as a community. At first I asked myself “why do they hurt themselves as an act of giving themselves to God and communicating with him?" but I've found that it's relative in a way to sacrifice. In a way they are sacrificing themselves, giving their flesh to their creator as a way of surrender and to communicate with their god and get visions from him. 

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