title: Python: import the containing package
body: <p>In a module residing inside a package, i have the need to use a function defined within the <code>__init__.py</code> of that package. how can i import the package within the module that resides within the package, so i can use that function?</p>
  
  <p>Importing <code>__init__</code> inside the module will not import the package, but instead a module named <code>__init__</code>, leading to two copies of things with different names...</p>
  
  <p>Is there a pythonic way to do this?</p>