How Babemba Tribe Forgives

--by brighteyes, posted Sep 26, 2007

In the Babemba tribe of South Africa, when a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he is placed in the centre of the village, alone and unfettered. All work ceases, and every man, woman, and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual.

Then each person in the tribe speaks to the accused, one at a time, each recalling the good things the person in the centre of the circle has done in his lifetime. Every incident, every experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy, is recounted. All his positive attributes, good deeds, strengths, and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. This tribal ceremony often lasts for several days.

At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe.

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Posted by brighteyes
Sep 26, 2007
Comments (25)

Readers Comments

wheels wrote: Wow! This is a really neat idea. I do agree we need to do more of this. Thanks for sharing.

AURELIA wrote: We all make mistakes, and it is wonderful to be forgiven. Peace. ~Aurelia

Shriraj wrote: Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heal that has crushed it.

- Mark Twain

Life at best is a struggle, and at worst is barely worth living.

And that's just the REAL world. So, Enjoy it today, for there
is no telling what tomorrow may bring.

So, Let's learn to forgive . . . .

fatma wrote: Forgiveness is great!

afriendlysmile wrote: Hi Brighteyes

Lovely story, why harbour bad thoughts when you can fill your heart and head with love and beauty.

Brighteyes you are like the sunshine
thank you for taking the time for shining warmth and light on us.

Lots of Love and Smiles

Afriendlysmile :):):)

brighteyes wrote: Hi SmileGroup members.....thanks for your replies and comments....you are all special and made my day. Let's keep those RAOK and stories (kindness or inspirational) coming daily as WE ARE making a difference one kind act at a time! Yeah! Smiling "Eyes" ;)

ieiblue wrote: hi bright... it takes a lot in my part to forgive the guy I almost married but went away but I think forgiveness paves the way for me to really move on... hold on more to God and to friends....thank you... ;p

Nickgrand wrote: Thank you!

Coral wrote: The babemba tribe is not from south africa, but rather from southern africa. They make their home in the countries of zambia and the congo.

Martha wrote: This mis-quote and excerpt was taken from the book contact:the first four minutes, by leonard zunin. The quote is nearly exact, although zunin writes that the tribe is in 'southern africa', (ie, zambia). Zunin also gives a bit more detail, but this information was otherwise lifted word-for-word.

It's good to see the information brought to a wider audience, and the concept is remarkable, but the source should be acknowledged.

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