For the ancestral Maya culture, the Spiritual Guide—once known as the benefactor—was seen as more than a teacher. They were considered the pillar of traditional groups, the person entrusted with the mission of teaching the science and wisdom of their clan, preserving ancient knowledge, and continuing the research. Wisdom, after all, is always an interactive process, enriched by every new experience in the realm of impeccable knowledge. This, Don Pascual told us, is how continuity is maintained, and its foundation is curiosity, which is represented by Ajmaq. This curiosity serves the purpose of seeking beyond the conventional, beyond what is established. It is a quest that begins with questions about the unknown and offers us answers from a magical world, where the terms by which we define reality are constantly shifting. Ajmaq encourages us to create space for curiosity in all things, as every experience brings learning and growth. Curiosity allows us the intention to search into the mystery, into what limits us, and to develop our hidden powers; it brings us closer to fulfillment as human beings.

~Elder Carlos Barrios
Para la cultura Maya ancestral el maestro espiritual, a quien antes se conocía como benefactor, más que un maestro era visto como el sostén de los grupos tradicionales, la persona que tenía la misión de enseñar la ciencia y sabiduría de su clan, de preservar el conocimiento antiguo y continuar la investigación, pues la sabiduría siempre es una acción interactiva a la que se agrega toda nueva experiencia en el orden del conocimiento impecable. Esto, nos decía Don Pascual, es la forma de dar continuidad, y su base es la curiosidad, que es representada por Ajmaq. Esta curiosidad tiene el propósito de buscar más allá de lo convencional, de lo establecido, es una búsqueda que inicia con las preguntas de los que nos es desconocida y que nos da respuestas de un mundo mágico, en el que cambian los términos de lo que definimos como realidad. Ajmaq nos indica a abrir el espacio a la curiosidad en todas las cosas, ya que toda experiencia es aprendizaje y desarrollo. La curiosidad nos permite esa intención de búsqueda hacia el misterio, a lo que nos limita y a desarrollar nuestros poderes ocultos; nos acerca a la plenitud como seres humanos.

~Tat Carlos Barrios

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Denise Barrios

Following the footsteps of her family, Denise started her spiritual path at the age of 15, when she began traveling frequently to the highlands in her home of Guatemala to learn about Maya culture from the elders. She is the author of the book "The Energies of the Day" which is a daily guide to the energies of the Sacred Cholq'ij Calendar.

Latest posts by Denise Barrios (see all)

• JOB’ KAWOQ ~ Today’s Ch’umil - April 16, 2025
• KAJIB’ TIJAX ~ Today’s Ch’umil - April 15, 2025
• OXIB’ NO’J ~ Today’s Ch’umil - April 14, 2025