Join this powerful conversation between two South African voices deeply rooted in ancient traditions. In this session hosted by advaya founder Ruby Reed, Mpatheleni Makaulule of the Venda tradition and Pooven Moodley of Tamil ancestry come together to explore how indigenous perspectives on death can transform our experience of grief into an opportunity for healing and rebirth.
Mphatheleni was born in Venda in northern South Africa near to the Zimbabwe border to a father who was a traditional healer, community leader and farmer. He raised her with a deep indigenous spiritual knowledge which she has carried with her throughout her life. The Venda live in deep connection with the ancestors, the dead, and spirits of the land through sacred sites, rituals and traditions including dreams and visions. Guided by the ancient concept of Mupo – the primal energy of the cosmos that flows through all existence – Mpatheleni believes that death is not an absolute end but a movement into another state of being. Through her work and personal experience, including the profound loss of her own son, Mpatheleni offers a unique perspective on how traditional wisdom helps us navigate the intense human emotions that accompany loss, while also appreciating a larger, interconnected cosmic vision.
Pooven has spent his life deeply embedded within the South African struggle. His ancestors, brought to South Africa on an 1860 slave ship to work in sugar cane fields, maintained ancient practices from Tamil Nadu that continue to shape their understanding of death and the afterlife. Pooven will share how his family and community honor the departed through a series of rituals and ceremonies over the course of one year, highlighting the ongoing process of mourning, remembrance, and spiritual healing. Having experienced the loss of his mother, he articulates the struggle of reconciling profound spiritual insights with the deeply personal pain of bereavement.
Together, Mpatheleni and Pooven explore the broader implications of death in our world—from individual loss to the systemic death of communities, ecosystems and cultures. They explore how indigenous prophecy and the energetics surrounding sacred sites speak to the dual themes of annihilation and emergence, reminding us that even in times of darkness, the seeds of renewal are sown.
This webinar is a compelling invitation to rethink our understanding of death and grief, offering transformative insights that bridge ancient traditions with contemporary challenges. Join us as we embrace the journey of loss and renewal, finding hope and strength in the interconnected cycles of life. Discover practical tools, heartfelt stories, and enduring rituals that empower us to transform sorrow into strength while deepening our collective human bond.
