Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World
Indigenous cultures are often referred to as “primitive.” However, today we are continuing to discover how their ancient wisdom can help us in the modern world. From sustainable multi-crop agricultural systems to more comprehensive understandings of our environment and our universe, scientists are finding themselves reaching into the past to discover the breakthroughs of the future.
If we look at the history of mankind, indigenous cultures around the globe were able to sustain a balanced existence far better than most modern societies. Tribal peoples maintained a lifestyle of harmony and balance with nature. Today we find ourselves striving to regain that innate connection with our natural world.
There are countless examples of this rebirth of “archaic” knowledge. Biomimicry is one such example. We can see the evolution of clothing and apparel to more closely resemble our natural movement. From shoes that allow us to walk or run with a more natural gait, to the sharkskin-inspired swimsuits used by Olympic athletes, the high-tech industry is looking at what was once considered low-tech inspirations. Indigenous cultures survived for thousands of years through bio mimicry; by embracing nature instead of trying to conquer it.
Throughout modern history and into the industrial revolution, there arose a constant urge to separate ourselves from nature. People were striving to build larger walls, bigger buildings and to increase the overall productivity of the land. Mono-crops and other industrial farming and livestock techniques became increasingly ubiquitous.
In more recent years, scientists and environmental researchers have begun to realize that maybe indigenous practices weren’t so primitive after all. In Mesoamerica for example, the multi crop technique often referred to as the “Three Sisters” planting system, utilized the natural symbiotic relationship of corn, squash and beans. Various tribes planted these three foods together in a simple, yet highly efficient multi-crop method. This sustainable and environmentally viable practice nurtured various tribes for thousands of years. The Huichol people of central-western Mexico continue to employ this multi-crop method to this day.
Physics too has become more and more closely aligned with indigenous beliefs related to the cosmos and our universe. The popularized multiverse theory sounds amazingly similar to the teachings of the universe I was given by Don José Matsuwa (renowned Huichol shaman and healer). When I was first adopted into the Huichol culture as his grandson, Don José described to me how at night, the sun sets into the underworld and is then reborn each morning in the east. Though I respected this revered elder for his amazing spiritual wisdom and psychic abilities, I wasn’t so quick to accept this teaching. I figured I would teach my teacher for a change and so I began to describe my modern-world understanding of the daily cycle of the sun. I explained that though it appears the sun is setting into the horizon, it is actually rising in Japan.
Don José responded, “Who told you this wild story!” and then followed up with, “and what is Japan?” I respectfully challenged him, saying, “Grandfather, this is a proven scientific fact.” I used a stick to draw a rough globe in the dirt and struggled to explain an elementary fact of the modern world to an old shaman living in the remote mountains of the Sierra Madre. After a few moments, Don José responded, “Well, I’ll believe you if you believe me.” He said, “Why can only one of us be right? There are many parallel realities coexisting at the same time. If not for this, only one tradition would be right and everyone else would be wrong.” This was a teaching I would never forget. It was at that moment that I realized I didn’t have to find THE answer, but rather strive to see the multitude of dimensions that can provide the answers for each moment in life.
In the Huichol culture and in most indigenous cultures, the shaman learns to see and tap into an alternate universe; a world of spiritual energy that surrounds all of us whether we are aware of it or not. A shaman thus could be seen as a ancient physicist of sorts, venturing to make and maintain a connection between our conscious world and an unseen hidden universe.
It is clear that more and more parallels are being drawn between modern world knowledge and ancient indigenous wisdom. As it continues to mature, science is tapping into this wisdom and learning the lesson that sometimes we should listen to our elders.
Personal Story • Merging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Tech from 6x Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Champion Mark Allen
I raced the Hawaii Ironman six times before finally emerging victorious. I was winning everywhere else around the world, but I was constantly falling short on the Big Island. I tried training more than all of my competitors. I tried using the best technology, but something was still missing.
It wasn’t until I made a connection to Brant and the Huichol, that I was able to bring everything together into a recipe for success. Finally, I was able to feel at home within the harsh environment of Kona and quiet my mind in order to connect with an alternate reality; a reality in which every step I took was an offering to the island, which once made me sulk in fear.
From then on I was able to race not to prove something to myself or others, but rather as an act of gratitude for what nature was allowing me to do. I was able to call upon nature for energy; to summon what the Huichol call kupuri (life force) from the sun-scorched lava fields and the unrelenting ocean. Winning suddenly took a back seat to experiencing the wonder and intensity of my relationship with nature.
I believe we can all benefit by embracing the nature-based wisdom of indigenous peoples. On the one hand we can use this wisdom to improve our scientific understanding and entrepreneurial inventions, but we should also strive to utilize the tried and true practices of ancient cultures to better ourselves and create a more harmonious and sustainable spiritual existence. We can all learn from people such as the Huichol, who have maintained generations of peace and happiness through a holistic approach to healthy living.
If we see ourselves as a part of nature, we inherently remove the obstacles keeping us from living our most natural life. And when we truly learn to tap into the life force Mother Nature has to offer, we begin to realize our own potential for empowering the world we live in.
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Brant Secunda is a shaman, healer and ceremonial leader in the Huichol tradition of Mexico. He is the Director of the Dance of the Deer Foundation – Center for Shamanic Studies and has been teaching worldwide for over 30 years. He is also the co-founder of the Peace University and the Huichol Foundation and is the co-author of Fit Soul Fit Body – 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You.
