The sound “na” is the sound of the land. When you tap on the earth, “na” is the sound that arises. The sound “na” also arises when you tap your chest. Joseph illustrated this often. Then he would say, “The land and the Self are the same”.
Some elders say that, at one time, humanity was present on the single continent of Pangea. Over time, earth changed and the people went to the four directions. Diversity arose. Spiritual traditions emerged from the interactions of the people and the land. As people were presented with different climates, different crops were cultivated based on soil, water and sun. And different ceremonies arose. And as different ways of prayer came into focus, and incarnated Great Realized Beings inspired people, different religious and spiritual traditions evolved.
We don’t often think about the direct connection between earth and the evolution of humanity’s spiritual traditions, but this connection is vital because as Joseph taught, the earth and the self are one.
I am here in northern New Mexico, where pre-Puebloan cultures thrived. Human life appeared and apparently disappeared and reappeared with the current day Pueblo people. Recent studies showed a direct genetic link between Picuris Pueblo and the pre-Puebloan people. The study demonstrated genetic continuity between ancient and modern inhabitants of Picuris Pueblo, and between them and Ancestral Puebloans from Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon, about 275 km to the west. Their ceremonies and ancient spiritual traditions were rooted in place, the local landscape, for centuries. Truly ancient wisdom.
Today, within a 50-mile radius of Abiquiu, you will find a Christian Franciscan Monastery called Christ in the Desert, a Muslim Mosque called Dar Al Islam, a Sikh community known as Hacienda de Ram Das, several Tibetan Buddhist and Zen Buddhist Centers, the Hindu Neem Karoli Baba Ashram and Hanuman Temple, and numerous other Christian traditions. One could say that the land called each of these centers here to this place. That the vibration of spirit is strong here.
At the House of Mica Peace Chamber and Little Mesa Peace Chamber we honor the earth and we embrace teachers from several different lineages. An important question that I feel we can benefit from reflecting upon is this:
“How do the ceremonies and prayers that we offer connect with the Spirit of Place, the land, the earth, sun, stars and rain that falls uniquely here on this land? As we offer prayers in different languages and honor Great Beings from different places on this planet, how can we be sure to please the Spirit of Place, the unique spiritual vibration that is present here?
I want to say that remembrance is key. It is said that a person does not disappear when they die, they disappear when their name is no longer remembered. Yes, God is One and the Earth is One and all people are One. And at the same time, because earth and self are one, it enriches our prayers and our practice to remember where we stand. To honor the unique vibration of place. To call the names of those who came before us and humbly bow to the timeless wisdom that is all around us in these mountains, cliffs, formations, sun, wind and rain. In all our ceremonies and in all of our prayers, may we always remember to call the name of the Spirit of Place and the Ancient Ones who inhabited this place.
May we honor the timeless wisdom that uniquely arises from this sacred land which called us here.
Some elders say that, at one time, humanity was present on the single continent of Pangea. Over time, earth changed and the people went to the four directions. Diversity arose. Spiritual traditions emerged from the interactions of the people and the land. As people were presented with different climates, different crops were cultivated based on soil, water and sun. And different ceremonies arose. And as different ways of prayer came into focus, and incarnated Great Realized Beings inspired people, different religious and spiritual traditions evolved.
We don’t often think about the direct connection between earth and the evolution of humanity’s spiritual traditions, but this connection is vital because as Joseph taught, the earth and the self are one.
I am here in northern New Mexico, where pre-Puebloan cultures thrived. Human life appeared and apparently disappeared and reappeared with the current day Pueblo people. Recent studies showed a direct genetic link between Picuris Pueblo and the pre-Puebloan people. The study demonstrated genetic continuity between ancient and modern inhabitants of Picuris Pueblo, and between them and Ancestral Puebloans from Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon, about 275 km to the west. Their ceremonies and ancient spiritual traditions were rooted in place, the local landscape, for centuries. Truly ancient wisdom.
Today, within a 50-mile radius of Abiquiu, you will find a Christian Franciscan Monastery called Christ in the Desert, a Muslim Mosque called Dar Al Islam, a Sikh community known as Hacienda de Ram Das, several Tibetan Buddhist and Zen Buddhist Centers, the Hindu Neem Karoli Baba Ashram and Hanuman Temple, and numerous other Christian traditions. One could say that the land called each of these centers here to this place. That the vibration of spirit is strong here.
At the House of Mica Peace Chamber and Little Mesa Peace Chamber we honor the earth and we embrace teachers from several different lineages. An important question that I feel we can benefit from reflecting upon is this:
“How do the ceremonies and prayers that we offer connect with the Spirit of Place, the land, the earth, sun, stars and rain that falls uniquely here on this land? As we offer prayers in different languages and honor Great Beings from different places on this planet, how can we be sure to please the Spirit of Place, the unique spiritual vibration that is present here?
I want to say that remembrance is key. It is said that a person does not disappear when they die, they disappear when their name is no longer remembered. Yes, God is One and the Earth is One and all people are One. And at the same time, because earth and self are one, it enriches our prayers and our practice to remember where we stand. To honor the unique vibration of place. To call the names of those who came before us and humbly bow to the timeless wisdom that is all around us in these mountains, cliffs, formations, sun, wind and rain. In all our ceremonies and in all of our prayers, may we always remember to call the name of the Spirit of Place and the Ancient Ones who inhabited this place.
May we honor the timeless wisdom that uniquely arises from this sacred land which called us here.
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