THE PEOPLE WHO WILL SAVE THE WORLD: the Kogui tribe 🇨🇴

Summary

In this powerful narrative, Giuseppe embarks on a journey to meet the Kogui people, guardians of ancient wisdom in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The Kogui, who live in harmony with nature, teach the importance of balance and respect for the Earth. Through the lens of their spiritual guides, the 'Mamos,' we explore the Kogui philosophy of interconnectedness, where everything in nature has a spirit and must be treated with reverence. Their message is clear: true happiness lies in protecting nature, living in harmony with all life, and passing this wisdom onto future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Kogui' people view themselves as the Elder Brothers, responsible for guiding the Younger Brothers (us) in reconnecting with nature and protecting it from destruction.
• 😀 The 'Kogui' see the Earth as a living, spiritual entity, with every tree, river, and stone having its own spirit that must be respected.
• 😀 To be a 'Mamo' is to dedicate one's life to safeguarding the balance between man and the planet, with 'Mamos' learning to listen to what others cannot hear through years of solitude and darkness.
• 😀 The 'Kogui' practice the concept of 'payment,' giving back to the Earth whenever they take from it, ensuring harmony and balance with nature.
• 😀 For the 'Kogui,' wearing shoes or clothing from the Younger Brothers (city dwellers) is forbidden because these items alter their spiritual connection with nature and change their energy.
• 😀 The 'Kogui' prioritize patience, respect, and non-interference, as demonstrated by their practice of greeting elders with coca and not disturbing sacred stones or spaces.
• 😀 The role of a 'Mamo' includes guiding the community through philosophy, cosmic vision, and imparting life lessons on how to live harmoniously with nature.
• 😀 The 'Kogui' emphasize that happiness is found in living without causing harm to nature, with the Earth giving everything in return as long as we respect her.
• 😀 The 'Kogui' view themselves as one family with all living things, teaching their children to respect nature and live in balance with everything around them.
• 😀 The Earth does not need saving from humanity, but rather, humanity needs to stop harming her. The message from the 'Kogui' is about healing our relationship with the Earth.

Q & A

Who are the 'Kogui' and what do they believe about humanity's relationship with nature?

The 'Kogui' are an indigenous group living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. They believe that humanity, particularly 'Younger Brothers' (those living in cities), have lost their connection with nature and are causing harm to it. They see themselves as the 'Elder Brothers' and believe it is their role to teach others about the importance of living in harmony with the Earth.

What is the significance of the 'Mamo' in Kogui culture?

A 'Mamo' is a spiritual guide chosen from childhood who dedicates their life to maintaining the balance between humans and nature. They grow up in isolation, learning to listen to the natural world in silence. The 'Mamo' plays a key role in protecting the Earth and passing down knowledge to future generations.

Why do the 'Kogui' reject wearing shoes and clothes from the 'Younger Brothers'?

The 'Kogui' believe that wearing shoes and clothes from the 'Younger Brothers' carries a different energy or vibration that disrupts their connection to nature. They view these clothes as altering their spiritual energy and prefer to wear garments made from natural fibers that keep them grounded to the Earth.

What is the concept of 'payment' in Kogui culture?

In Kogui culture, 'payment' refers to making offerings to the Earth in exchange for the resources they take from nature. This practice ensures that there is no 'debt' or imbalance between humans and nature, and it helps maintain harmony. For example, after killing an animal or harvesting fruits, they make an offering to give back to the Earth.

How do the 'Kogui' live in harmony with the Earth?

The 'Kogui' live in harmony with the Earth by respecting nature and all living beings. They believe that every tree, river, and rock has a spirit and is an essential part of the world. Their way of life is centered around not harming nature, planting more trees, and maintaining a balance with the environment.

What does the 'Mamo' say about the role of the Younger Brothers in protecting the Earth?

The 'Mamo' stresses that the Younger Brothers, particularly those in cities, must reconnect with nature and stop destroying it. They believe it is their mission to teach the Younger Brothers how to live in harmony with the Earth, as they are currently causing harm by cutting down trees and exploiting nature.

What role does the coca leaf play in Kogui society?

The coca leaf is an important part of Kogui daily life, as it provides energy for long meetings and long walks. The Kogui use the 'poporo', a traditional container, to mix lime with coca leaves, creating a paste they chew throughout the day. This helps them remain active and alert during their lengthy gatherings.

What is the meaning of the 'poporo' in Kogui culture?

The 'poporo' is a symbolic object representing the union of man and woman, with its phallic and uterine shapes. It is given to men when they marry and is used to store lime, which is mixed with coca leaves. The 'poporo' symbolizes balance and is an essential part of their spiritual and daily practices.

How do the Kogui view the Earth, and what is their perspective on happiness?

The Kogui view the Earth as a living, nurturing mother that gives them life and sustenance. Their happiness comes from living in balance with the Earth, respecting and protecting it. Happiness for them is about living without causing harm and ensuring the well-being of the Earth and all living things.

What is the significance of the meeting with the 'Mamo' and the spiritual cleansing ceremony?

The meeting with the 'Mamo' is a deeply spiritual and intimate experience. During the meeting, the 'Mamo' performs a spiritual cleansing by touching the visitors' hands and assessing their energy. This ritual symbolizes the connection between the visitors and the spiritual world, marking the beginning of their journey into understanding the Kogui way of life.