Rites of Passage
Bridging Adolescence and Adulthood
This is the first of a series of collaborative essays by myself and Kostandin Zyba () that draw from both “The Bushido of Bitcoin” and “100 Thoughts for the Inner Warrior”.
Stay tuned for more pieces as we explore overlapping ideas from each of our books.
Rites of passage have existed in cultures all over the world, irrespective of location or people, from as early as tribes themselves existed. They’re a practice lost in the malaise of the modern materialist world - at least the conscious and intentional practice of a rite or ritual that is meant to symbolize the entry or exit from one period or paradigm into another. The world is still certainly full of unconscious rites which people perform regularly, that largely have no meaning or transcendent value: participation in the public schooling system, the humiliation rituals at the airport, the four year election cycle, are but a few examples.
“One answer may be that the young man or woman is seeking a rite of passage. One way to do that is to go to war. Young men have been undergoing that ordeal of initiation for ten thousand years. This passage is into and through what the great psychologist Carl Jung called “the Warrior Archetype.”
Steven Pressfield: The Warrior Ethos
Rites of passage vary by culture, by gender, by age and by stage of life or context. Women, for example, bring life into the world, and in doing so experience transcendence. Birth is a rite of passage not only for the mother, but literally for the child which enters the world through a physical passage. Men on the other hand experience transcendence when we stare death in the face. Nietzsche correctly pointed out that we are ‘the barren sex’. As such, our roles, our drives, and the rites that emerge from them differ significantly, as does our relationship to pain and suffering.
For men, pain leads to growth. Exposure to pain is how we strengthen ourselves, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s how we prepare ourselves to perform our duties in life, whether that involves conquest, creation, providing for those we love or protecting them from the harsh realities of life. A man will shed blood for the duties that matter most, but in order to do so without breaking, he must be strong enough.
“Men nurture their societies by shedding their blood, their sweat, and their semen, by bringing home food for both child and mother, by producing children, and by dying if necessary in faraway places to provide a safe haven for their people.”
Manhood in the Making; Professor David Gilmore
The word nurture sticks out here, because we think of nurturing as a feminine trait … which it is, but men nurture in a fundamentally different way from women. Men nurture through sacrifice. The descent into hell is so prevalent in ancient literature and mythology because it’s a metaphor for pain and suffering. To “climb out of Hell” is to defeat one's demons (flaws) and to learn of something higher and more beautiful (Heaven) in the process. It’s part of an archetypal initiation and a ‘facing of death’ that all heroes - and for that matter, all males who become men - must undergo. Rites of passage transform the boy into a man, and the man into a warrior. These often-hellish ordeals scar or alter the initiate in some way, so he emerges anew. They are acts that transform the actor.
To be clear, it’s not that “all suffering is good.” Conscious suffering, suffering freely undertaken and endured, can produce these effects. Pointless suffering, for example the pain of a long illness, or the drudgery of life in a PoW camp, does not not necessarily do so - although it can, if one is conscious about it and uses it. But ultimately, the point of a conscious Rite of Passage is both a preparation for life’s unfair, but inevitable suffering and a symbolic point at which the initiate's identity is transformed, and a new chapter of life begins.
Bridging Adolescence and Adulthood
Rites of passage have for millennia, symbolized the transition from one stage of life to another. Some of the most significant of these ceremonies serve to mark the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. These journeys are not just a societal formality but a profound psychological metamorphosis that sets the stage for an individual's identity, purpose, and place within the era and society they live.
Throughout history, many cultures have devised rites of passage that reflect their unique values and societal structures. Among the most renowned are the warrior cultures, where such rituals were pivotal in preparing the youth for their roles as protectors and leaders. From the stand point of the Warrior Archetype, this practice was devised to purify the child’s personality and prepare it in order to be able to host the warrior energy which would be harnessed regularly.
Let’s explore some key examples.
Spartan Agoge: A Journey of Discipline and Resilience
In ancient Sparta, boys underwent the agoge, a rigorous training and education program. From the age of seven, they were taken from their families and subjected to intense physical training, survival skills, and discipline. The Spartan society valued strength, endurance, and military prowess above all, and the agoge was designed to instill these qualities in its young warriors.
The culmination of this process was the Krypteia, a test where young men were sent into the wilderness with minimal supplies to fend for themselves and prove their readiness for warfare and citizenship. During this time, they had to demonstrate their ability to survive under harsh conditions, often engaging in acts of stealth and cunning against the helot population. Successful completion of the Krypteia marked the boy's transition into adulthood and full acceptance into the ranks of Spartan warriors.
Maasai Enkipaata: From Boyhood to Warriorhood
Similarly, among the Maasai of East Africa, young men participate in the Enkipaata, the warrior initiation ceremony. This involves enduring physical hardships, learning warrior skills, and performing acts of bravery. The rite concludes with a celebration where the young men are recognized as moran, or warriors, signifying their readiness to take on adult responsibilities within the tribe.
The Enkipaata is a multifaceted process that includes not only physical challenges but also the impartation of cultural knowledge and values. Elders play a crucial role in guiding the initiates, teaching them the history, traditions, and moral codes of the Maasai. This mentorship ensures that the new moran are not only capable warriors but also responsible and respected members of their community.
Lakota Vision Quest: Seeking Purpose and Guidance
In Native American cultures, such as the Lakota Sioux, the Vision Quest is a spiritual journey undertaken by adolescents seeking guidance and purpose. This solitary experience in nature often involves fasting, prayer, and the quest for a vision or dream that will provide direction and insight into their future roles within the community.
The Vision Quest is a deeply personal and spiritual rite that underscores the importance of introspection and connection with the natural world. During the quest, the initiate isolates themselves in a remote location, often on a mountaintop or other sacred site, and engages in prayer and meditation. The visions or dreams experienced during this time are interpreted as messages from the spiritual realm, offering insights into the individual's path and responsibilities.
Samurai Genpuku: Entering the Way of the Warrior
In feudal Japan, the Genpuku ceremony marked the coming of age for young samurai. Typically occurring between the ages of 12 and 15, this rite involved the donning of adult clothing and armor, the cutting of the boy's hair into a topknot, and the receipt of an adult name. The young samurai would also participate in martial arts demonstrations, showcasing their skills and readiness to serve their lord.
The Genpuku was not merely a ceremonial event but a significant milestone that signified the young samurai's entry into the adult world of duty, honor, and combat. It marked the end of childhood and the beginning of a life dedicated to the Bushido code, which emphasized loyalty, courage, and discipline.
Psychological Metamorphosis
The transition from adolescence to adulthood through these rites of passage is akin to a metamorphosis. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, shedding its old form to emerge anew, individuals undergoing these rites experience a profound psychological shift. This transformation involves several key elements:
Separation and Liminality: The initiate is separated from their previous life, entering a liminal phase where they are neither child nor adult. This period of ambiguity and exploration is crucial for self-discovery and growth.
Challenge and Mastery: Facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges during the rite tests the initiate's resilience and capabilities. Overcoming these obstacles builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Reintegration and Identity: Upon successfully completing the rite, the individual is reintegrated into the community with a new status and identity. This acknowledgment by the community reinforces their transformation and newfound responsibilities.
The Liminal Phase: Embracing Ambiguity
The liminal phase, derived from the Latin word "limen," meaning threshold, represents a transitional state where the initiate is between two worlds. In this phase, the individual is no longer a child but has not yet attained the full status of an adult. This period of ambiguity can be disorienting, but it is also a time of immense potential for growth and self-discovery.
During the liminal phase, initiates are often removed from their familiar environments and placed in situations that challenge their existing beliefs and behaviors. This separation from the known allows them to explore new aspects of their identity and capabilities. It is a time of introspection and learning, where the individual is encouraged to question, reflect, and redefine their sense of self.
Mastery through Challenge
A core component of rites of passage is the element of challenge. Whether through physical endurance, mental fortitude, or emotional resilience, these challenges serve to test the initiate's limits and push them beyond their comfort zones. In overcoming these obstacles, the individual gains a profound sense of accomplishment and mastery.
In the Spartan agoge, for example, the physical challenges were designed to cultivate strength, endurance, and discipline. The harsh conditions and rigorous training prepared the young warriors for the realities of battle and survival. Similarly, the Maasai Enkipaata involved tests of bravery and skill, reinforcing the values of courage and resilience.
The Vision Quest of the Lakota Sioux, while less physically demanding, posed significant mental and spiritual challenges. The isolation and fasting required deep introspection and a strong connection with the spiritual realm. The insights gained from this experience provided the initiate with a sense of purpose and direction.
Reintegration and the Formation of Identity
The final stage of the rite of passage is reintegration, where the individual is welcomed back into the community with a new status and identity. This reintegration is often marked by ceremonies and celebrations that publicly acknowledge the initiate's transformation.
The new status conferred upon the individual comes with new responsibilities and expectations. In warrior cultures, this often meant taking on roles as protectors and leaders. The community's recognition and validation of the initiate's new identity reinforced their sense of belonging and purpose.
The psychological transformation during this stage is profound. The initiate not only gains confidence and self-efficacy but also a deeper understanding of their place within the community. They develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose, which guides their actions and decisions in adulthood.
Modern Applications
In contemporary society, traditional rites of passage have largely diminished, but the need for meaningful transitions remains. Modern adaptations can draw from historical practices to create relevant and impactful experiences for today's youth. For instance, structured programs like Outward Bound or the Duke of Edinburgh's Award provide young people with opportunities to develop leadership, resilience, and a sense of purpose through challenging outdoor adventures and community service.
These programs incorporate elements of challenge, mastery, and reintegration, mirroring the traditional rites of passage. Participants are often required to complete physically and mentally demanding tasks, fostering resilience and self-confidence. The sense of accomplishment upon completing these tasks is reinforced by public recognition and celebration, similar to the reintegration stage of historical rites.
Moreover, cultural and familial rituals can be adapted to mark significant milestones, such as graduation ceremonies, bar and bat mitzvahs, or quinceañeras. These events celebrate the individual's achievements and signify their readiness to embrace new roles within society.
Transformation of the Psyche
The psychological transformations during these rites of passage are profound. Adolescents often grapple with identity, purpose, and belonging. Rites of passage provide a structured framework for addressing these existential questions. Through the challenges and guidance inherent in these rituals, young individuals can:
Develop a clearer sense of self and purpose.
Cultivate resilience and the ability to navigate adversity.
Foster a sense of belonging and connection to their community and culture.
Gain confidence and self-efficacy, essential for adult responsibilities.
Developing a Clear Sense of Self and Purpose
One of the most significant psychological transformations during a rite of passage is the development of a clear sense of self and purpose. Adolescence is a time of exploration and self-discovery, where individuals begin to form their identities and aspirations. Rites of passage provide a structured environment for this exploration, offering guidance and support from elders and mentors.
In traditional societies, the knowledge and values imparted during the rite of passage were essential for shaping the individual's identity and purpose. For example, the cultural teachings of the Maasai Enkipaata or the spiritual insights gained during the Lakota Vision Quest provided the initiate with a deeper understanding of their heritage and responsibilities.
In modern adaptations, programs like Outward Bound or cultural rituals such as graduation ceremonies can similarly foster a sense of purpose. By setting goals, overcoming challenges, and receiving recognition, young individuals gain clarity and direction for their future endeavors.
Cultivating Resilience and Navigating Adversity
Resilience is a crucial trait for navigating the challenges of adulthood. Rites of passage often involve physically and mentally demanding tasks that test the initiate's resilience and adaptability. The process of facing and overcoming these challenges builds inner strength and confidence.
The Spartan agoge, with its intense physical training and survival tests, exemplifies the cultivation of resilience. Similarly, the isolation and fasting of the Lakota Vision Quest require mental fortitude and spiritual endurance. These experiences teach the initiate to persevere in the face of adversity and to draw upon their inner resources for strength.
In contemporary contexts, resilience can be cultivated through structured programs that challenge young individuals to push their limits. Outdoor adventure programs, leadership courses, and community service projects provide opportunities for youth to develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging and Connection
A key aspect of rites of passage is the sense of belonging and connection they foster within the community. The public recognition and celebration of the initiate's achievements reinforce their integration into the adult world and their role within the community.
In traditional societies, the communal aspect of the rite of passage was vital for establishing the initiate's place within the social structure. The Maasai Enkipaata and the Spartan Krypteia, for example, not only prepared the youth for their roles as warriors but also affirmed their status and responsibilities within the tribe or city-state.
Modern rites of passage, such as graduation ceremonies or cultural celebrations, can similarly foster a sense of belonging. These events bring families and communities together to celebrate the individual's accomplishments and to reaffirm their support and connection.
Gaining Confidence and Self-Efficacy
The successful completion of a rite of passage instills a sense of confidence and self-efficacy in the initiate. The challenges faced and overcome during the rite provide tangible evidence of the individual's capabilities and potential.
In the Spartan agoge, the young warriors' ability to survive the Krypteia and demonstrate their skills in battle reinforced their confidence and readiness for adult responsibilities. The Maasai moran, having proven their bravery and resilience, gained the respect and trust of their community.
In modern contexts, programs and rituals that incorporate elements of challenge and mastery can similarly boost confidence and self-efficacy. Achieving personal goals, receiving recognition, and being celebrated by the community all contribute to a strong sense of self-worth and capability.
Conclusion
Rites of passage are transformative journeys that prepare adolescents for adulthood. They are timeless practices that, whether through traditional ceremonies or modern adaptations, remain crucial for fostering mature, resilient, and responsible individuals. As we navigate the intricacies of contemporary life, rediscovering and reimagining these rites can provide our youth with the tools and experiences they need to thrive.
The psychological metamorphosis that occurs during these rites—developing a clear sense of self, cultivating resilience, fostering belonging, and gaining confidence—ensures that the transition from adolescence to adulthood is not only a societal milestone but a deeply personal and meaningful journey.
Aleksandar Svetski & Kostandin Zyba
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