Malidoma Some: How to Be a Man

Born in Burkina Faso, Malidoma is the foremost teacher of African spirituality in America. Here, he discusses race, masculinity and how indigenous traditions are relevant to modern society.

For more: malidoma.com, eastcoastvillage.org

9 Comment(s)

i have read 3 of malidoma`s books and also some of the interviews that he has had; and i know that this is a man with the knowledge of a demention that we in the western world do not give recognition to. we need to listen to what he is saying and seek to understand what we have forgotten.

dorn | Jan 3, 2009 | Reply
There is much wisdom Malidoma brings to the world. I have had the tremendous blessing of receiving a divination from Malidoma. It has given me much insight and peace.

I have a five year old son that was born a quadreplegic. He is the most loving human being I’ve ever known. He came here to rescue me and he is doing his job well.

The message that I keep hearing over and over in every respected author, teacher or leader is, we are not helpless and there are messages and guidance we get everyday and we must look beyond the specific circumstance to what is trying to be communicated. It is all there for us if we are open to listening. No one can tell us what to do, we have to take responsibility and think for ourselves with the help of spirit.

Anna | Dec 16, 2008 | Reply
Wake up, Nicole.

If you were to visit Elmina (one of twenty slave dungeons along the coast of West Africa), you would find cavernous rooms where Malidoma’s ancestors were tortured and chained in horrific squalor before being forced through the “door of no return” to be loaded like cargo into the holds of slave ships; yet, just one level above sits a church where their CHRISTIAN KIDNAPPERS worshipped. Consider also the CHURCH PICNICS held at the sites of LYNCHINGS of African Americans as recently as the 20th century. And, of course, most SKINHEADS profess to be devout Christians. Now, is this good or evil? Careful, Nicole!

Try googling church and slavery. You also can listen to NPR here: http://wunc.org/tsot/archive/sot0812b08.mp3/view

Wake up, Nicole!

Elaine | Nov 29, 2008 | Reply
Nicole, your ignorance is showing…lol!!

ANY kind of religious or spiritual practice can be used for good or evil.

Look into history…

This man has a lot wisdom to share.

Nanu | Oct 19, 2008 | Reply
i think malidoma is an ‘earth elder’ and must be listened to carefully and without individual cultural baggage clouding the mind. i have just recommended him to be considered on ‘the elders’ web site of nelson mandela and company, as one of their elders, all who see this should do so also, it would be an important move to improve the world, move towards truth and spiritual enlightenment everyone, and away from mamon.

tom newman | Jul 17, 2008 | Reply
His message is life, love and peace.
We need this message for good life.

somé | Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Malidoma, is filled with wisdom. The western world should take heed to this knowledge. It’s what they are in lack of. I really appreciate the words of his wisdom and I will now start asking my deceased great/grand parents about my daily choices. Wow! why didn’t I think of that.

Pamella | Jun 19, 2008 | Reply
I have had the priviledge of experiencing several of Malidoma’s workshops. It is not “voodoo” as the following comment states but a direct effective means to encounter the vast interconnection that makes up this world. Malidoma is brilliant, brave man who has made a real personal sacrifices in order to bring this wisdom tradition her to the West. I bid the author of the following comment to be “careful” to listen closely to his message as it is true wisdom and a direct healing for those of us who have encountered his teaching. Malidoma is the real deal and great man. He should be encountered and considered and engaged with. He is not to be written off or feared.

Nicholas | Jun 16, 2008 | Reply
This man sounds like he’s practicing a form of voodoo, which can work for good or evil. careful!

Nicole | Jun 10, 2008 | Reply