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.

Presents the combined scholarly literature on Damanhur Analyzes the various spheres making up the social, cultural, spiritual and organisational life of Damanhur Offers a multidisciplinary account of the community

Autorentext

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).

Inhalt
Chapter 1: Introduction.- PART 1: History and organization.- Chapter 2: The Origins. The Utopia of the People and Community.- Chapter 3: The Community in Numbers.- Chapter 4: Ubi societas, ibi ius: The Legal System.- Chapter 5: A Bridge between Inside and Outside: The Economy.- Chapter 6: The Politics of a 'New Spirituality' Community.- Chapter 7: Children of Damanhur: A Unique Education?.- PART 2: Culture and spirituality.- Chapter 8: Oberto Airaudi and the Community. Before-During-After.- Chapter 9: Secrecy and Spirituality: The Horusian Way and Alchemy.- Chapter 10: Oberto Airaudi and Selfic Paintings.- Chapter 11: Spiritual Tourism.- Chapter 12: Heritagization of Temples of Humankind.- Chapter 13: The Farewell: Taking Leave from the Community.- Chapter 14: Conclusions.