Damanhur: An Esoteric Community Open to the World

ISBN-13: 9783031101366 / Angielski / Twarda / 2022 / 304 str.

Stefania Palmisano; Nicola Pannofino

Opis

The Damanhur Federation, situated in Valchiusella, North-West Italy, is one of Europe’s longest-lasting spiritual-esoteric communities. Nevertheless, there has hitherto been nearly no scientific study of this group, with the exception of a handful of specialised-journal articles. This collection fills that gap by collating the various scholarly contributions which over the years have dealt with Damanhur, aiming to present the phenomenon to a public of specialists, students and people who are just curious in a volume focusing on the multidisciplinary nature of the community as a whole. We consider the various spheres making up the social, cultural, spiritual and organisational life of Damanhur through analysis and interpretation of its historical evolution and more recent changes which have affected the community since its founder’s death. The contributions combine field research with theoretical reflection, making use of both qualitative (discursive interviews and participant observation) and quantitative (questionnaires) methods.

Spis treści

Introduction. Stefania Palmisano and Nicola Pannofino

PART 1 – History and organization

1. Luigi Berzano. The Origins. The Utopia of the People and Community

2. Anna Lo Presti, Monica Gilli. The Community in Numbers 

3. Monia Ciravegna. Ubi societas, ibi ius: The Legal System

4. Nicola Pannofino. A Bridge between Inside and Outside: The Economy

5. Luca Ozzano. The Politics of a ‘New Spirituality’ Community

6. Massimo Introvigne. Children of Damanhur: A “Unique” Education? 

PART 2 – Culture and spirituality

1. Maria I. Macioti, Elena Zapponi.  Oberto Airaudi and the Community. Before-During-After

2. Stefania Palmisano. Secrecy and Spirituality: The Horusian Way and Alchemy 

3. PierLuigi Zoccatelli. Oberto Airaudi and Selfic Paintings 

4. Monica Gilli. Spiritual Tourism

5. Giovanna Rech. Heritagization of Temples of Humankind 

6. Mario Cardano. The Farewell: Taking Leave from the Community

Conclusions. Stefania Palmisano and Nicola Pannofino

Appendix. In the words of Damanhurians themselves

O autorze

Stefania Palmisano is Associate Professor in the Sociology of Religion at the University of Turin, Italy, where she teaches the Sociology of Religious Organization and the Sociology of Religion. . She is the author of several books, including Exploring New Monastic Communities. The Re-invention of Tradition (2015).

Nicola Pannofino is Research Fellow in Sociology of Religion at the University of Turin, Italy. He is the author (with Stefania Palmisano) of Invention of Tradition and Syncretism in Contemporary Religions: Sacred Creativity (Palgrave, 2017).