However, in African tradition this
>maxim has a deeply religious meaning. The person one is to
>become "through other persons" is, ultimately, an ancestor.
>And, by the same token, these "other persons" include
>ancestors.

A former teacher of mine would say, "we should strive to become an 'enlightened ancestor'. If we consistently strive toward that, then 'enlightened ancestors' will assist us". I agree and I disagree. We will all become ancestors at some point, so might as well become "enlightened". As we strive towards that, we do receive assistance, but where that assistance is coming from is where I disagree..........on a side note, what awareness must one have to be considered "enlightened"?.....you don't have to answer, just a thought relative to what my former teacher said.

Ancestors are extended family. Dying is an
>ultimate homecoming. Not only the living must therefore
>share with and care for each other, but the living and the
>dead depend on each other (Van Niekerk, 1994:2; Ndaba,
>1994:13-14).

I would ask, what do the living and dead depend on each other for?

Peace and Truth 2 U Solarus