Sacred Day – Day 179

Prayer Made Visible – Photo: L. Weikel

Sacred Day   

This morning was filled with tasks that are not a part of an ordinary day (for me, at least).

When the birds in the trees outside my windows pierced my dreams and enticed me to awaken, I was pleased to see that it was pretty much precisely the time we’d all agreed upon last night to meet for ceremony.

No need for an alarm. They’d sensed my intention and obliged my desire to participate in the ceremony we’d discussed last evening.

Blessing of the Sacred Springs

Simply stated, we’d agreed that today would be the day Amchi Nyima would bless the sacred springs on the property (called ‘pakarina’ in the Andean tradition – sources of the creative, feminine essence of the land) in ceremony based in his tradition: Bön Po shamanism, a very ancient form of Buddhism that is steeped in animism and shamanistic practices.

Installing Prayer Flags – Photo: L. Weikel

I was honored to be able to witness these ceremonies and hold space while Amch Nyima blessed and hung new prayer flags over the sacred springs of this land.

Sacred Fire

Upon the conclusion of the installation of the flags, we offered a sacred fire to the pakarinas to bless and honor them.

The morning unfolded in a manner that we could not have imagined better, even if we’d tried. The attention and presence of the spirits of this land as we conducted ceremony was palpable. There was an ayni (a reciprocity) of appreciation and benevolence that is hard to describe.

Indeed, like most things sacred, the magic was in the direct experience.

One thing I know to be true: the spirits of this land know that they are being stewarded by humans that have an awareness of the sacred.

I, for one, am honored to have participated in this dedication, appreciation, and blessing of the life-giving springs that flow from the heart of this mountain sanctuary.

Preparing for ceremony – Photo: L. Weikel

(I have to ask myself sometimes: How in the world did I get so lucky to experience such magic?)

(T-932)