According to the Dogon branch of the human family tree, there are four levels of awareness & understanding: (1) Giri So (2) Bene So (3) Bolo So (4) So Dayi
Giri So
Giri So means word from the front. The person is only aware of what is directly in front of them. Giri So is a simplistic awareness that only looks at what's presented. It is literal. What you see is what you get. At the level of Giri So, a person takes information at face value. Giri So awareness is superficial, thus the person is only aware of what is on the surface. Giri So is sight without understanding – being able to use the senses but not being able to put the information into proper context. This is the level upon which European worldview is built.
Bene So
Bene So means word from the side. The person is able to use intellectual peripheral vision. In Bene So, the person becomes aware of what is less obvious. The person begins understanding more profound explanations of events. Bene So is where thinking begins. Bene So is sight with thought and perspective - looking at things from different angles.
Bolo So
Bolo So means word from the back. The person is able to see what is behind them – past events, history. In Bolo So there is reflection. The person begins to look at the opposite point of view. Bolo So is penetration to inner meaning – word from the outside in. It is the ability to see through something and find the essence. [Sankofa is part of Bolo So.]
So Dayi
So Dayi means clear word and vision. It is word from the inside out. There is introspection. The cosmic consciousness expands. The person must draw upon collective experiences of those present and past. So Dayi is imagination informed by the African spirit. This imagination is “image a nation.” The person envisions the African nation and self as inseparable. In So Dayi a veil is lifted. Nun creates four pairs of chromosomes within the person. Just like all chromosomes, these extra chromosomes contain information, /instruction and capabilities unavailable to those who have not reached this level of awareness.
So Dayi is the stage where evolution begins. Since those in Giri So have yet to evolve, how can societies evolve based on a superficial level of awareness and understanding?
Definitions above paraphrased from :
Dr. Marimba Ani Speaks in Atlanta on Oct. 28. 2012
History of Dogon, Dr. Booker T. Coleman in Holland
Related Information:
Understanding Digesting Information And So Continues The Meaning Of Life & Existence (Part 8h)
6-30-16 Update
Perhaps this metaphor will be useful:
Giri So – looking through windshield only
Bene So – using side mirrors and windshield
Bolo So – using rearview mirror, side mirrors and windshield
So Dayi – using all mirrors and views and being able to see all around with no blind spots, including what's under the vehicle
