Sarayaku: Living Well and Resisting Oil

Ecuador 2004 136Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the community of Sarayaku has sustained their way of “Living Well” by keeping extractive oil industries out of their territories.  Saq’ Be’ has a long time connection with the community.  In 2004, my wife and I travelled to Sarayaku where we got to know the people of the community and recognize a way of life that embodies the potential that humans have when in balance with each other and our place. We had the privelage of being welcomed by the children of Sabino Gualinga, a powerful medicine man, with deep roots in a profound healing lineage.  It was also a time when the petrol companies were deploying numerous strategies to remove the community from the territory – modern day versions of the same tactics used to extract people and resources throughout history.  You can read more about that experience here: Cry in the Jungle: Defending Life, Resisting Devastation

The struggles Sarayaku has faced is indicative of both the challenges and the hope that Indigenous communities around the world hold.  These communities have much to to teach the world about how we live our lives and relate to our home:

Sarayaku residents describe sumac kawsay as “choosing our responsibility to the seventh generation over quarterly earnings, regeneration over economic growth, and the pursuit of well-being and harmony over wealth and financial success.”

Through our board member, Karen Marrero, we hope to continue to provide much needed support to the community in their successful efforts to turn back extractive industries, live in right relationship, and to bring that wisdom forward into the world.  Please contact us if you are interested in contributing to support these developing efforts to help Sarayaku.

Please read this timely, and eloquent article that appears in Yes! Magazine:

Deep in the Amazon, a Tiny Tribe Is Beating Big Oil

1 Tz’i’ – Nawal & Prayer for Trecena

Nawal Tz'i'Tz’i’ represents authority and justice; it is the energy of the material and spiritual law, of the righteous path. Number 1 is the beginning; it contains a great power, but it lacks the experience. During this trecena (thirteen days) connect to the energy of Tz’i’ and ask for its power and intervention to solve any problems and injustices that may appear on your path.

Prayer from Pedro Ixchop for Tz’i’

In this sacred day Cholq’ij Tz’i’ Ajaw, I ask that in your presence Ajaw Heart of the Sky and Heart of Mother Earth there is no rumor, slander, or defamation from false accusers that can involve me; that all blasphemy from my enemies is discarded by your divine force. I ask that all falsehood in the words is abhorred by the people, so that we can live at peace, Ajaw Heart of the Sky and Heart of Mother Earth. I ask you to purify my ears from the gossip and the false testimony, I ask you to purify my mind, my hands, my feet, and my soul Ajaw Heart of the Sky and Heart of Mother Earth.

I ask you Ajaw that all lies are soon completely elucidated so that they cause no harm in me and in my sons and daughters. I’m grateful, Ajaw, for not being involved in any rumors from people who are unfaithful to your sacred word, so that there is no threat or intimidation to me or to the creatures that follow you, Ajaw. For this reason I kneel  in your presence, I talk with you, and I worship you with all my heart and devotion , because I trust you Ajaw, because I have had faith in you from the beginning until the end of my existence, Heart of the Sky and Heart of Mother Earth. I ask you to save me and free me from all wicked gossips throughout my life. Free me from all temptation of lust, arrogance, and lie; let all those desires be vanished with your divine force, Ajaw Heart of the Sky and Heart of Mother Earth. Maltiox, Maltiox, Maltiox, and four times Maltiox. 

Maya Elder Pedro IxchopAjaw Great Father or Supreme Being

Maltiox Thank you

13 Toj – Today’s Maya Day Sign (Nawal)

Nawal TojToj symbolizes the Sacred Ceremonial Fire; it is the sign of payment and the energy that repays us for all the good and bad we have done in our lives. Number 13 contains strength, wisdom, and experience, it is the magic of being able to change and create. This is a special day for making offerings to the Ajaw thorough the Sacred Fire, thank him for everything you have and will receive, for all you are, and for what you have accomplished. This is the last day of the No’j trecena (thirteen days) thank the Creator and Maker for all the knowledge and wisdom you have received.

Filming Lineages

Modern technology is opening new ways for us to learn from and nourish living lineages.  A couple of years ago, Jim Jenner and Brenda Bynum joined us in Santa Fe for a consultation with Maya Ajq’ij Lina Barrios.  Their immediate connection with the tradition brought Brenda back here from her home in New York to participate in sessions, workshops and a ceremony in July of last year.  This quick connection suddenly found Jim and Brenda on a journey to Guatemala this past January, applying their film making skills while traveling with Denise, Lina, Carlos and others, filming elders, ceremonies and sacred locations.  This footage is being compiled to make use of the medium to further tell the stories of the living Maya lineage, so that we may learn, transform, and return to nourish the roots of the tradition.  They are hard at work compiling these videos in their spare time, putting forth a tremendous volunteer effort to make this content available.  We are excited about the potential that is being unleashed by filming lineages in an appropriate manner.

While this is being compiled, we are able to share some images of their journey in the gallery below.  More to come soon…

Organization for Mayan and Indigenous Spiritual Studies