Rastafarianism - An Introduction
page 4
In Rastafarianism,
rituals involve prayers, the smoking of ganga, reciting poems and most
often playing or singing Reggae music. The controversial use of the ganga
plant in Rastafarianism, which is smoked for religious experiences, is
supported by the following biblical passages: Genesis 1:12, "And
the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind,
and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind:
and God saw that it was good"; and Psalm 104:14, "He causeth
the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man..."
However, the greatest common denominator of the Rastafarians is in the
Reggae music, which expresses their feelings and beliefs. Most notable
of the Reggae musicians are Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse, and the
Third World.
For more information:
The best way to learn more about the Rastafarian movement is to listen to their music and then go to where a Rasta group is playing near you.
Recommended Reading:
 The
Rastafarians
by Leonard Barrett
 Rasta
and Resistance: From Marcus Garvey to Walter Rodney by Horace Campbell
 Reggae,
Rasta, Revolution: Jamaican Music from Ska to Dub by Chris Potash
Recommended Audio:
 Exodus
by Bob Marley
 Scrolls
of the Prophet: The Best of Peter Tosh by Peter Tosh
 Ultimate
Collection by Steel Pulse
 Reggae
Greats by Third World
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