Indigenous Wisdom

Since we’ve had our house in the mountains, I have had the privilege of attending various events organized by the local community of Native American tribes, mainly the Chumash people. Last weekend some friends and I attended an Intertribal Summer Solstice Ceremony held at Mt Pinos, known as “Iwihinmu” or “the Center of the World” according to the Chumash.

The ceremony was led by a local elder, Alan, who initiated the event by blessing the medicine circle and sharing captivating stories about the Chumash and other indigenous groups. Having attended these these ceremonies on numerous occasions, I always learn something new. This time I heard Alan’s storytelling took on a different dimension, shedding light on the righ history and significance of his people. One of the most remarkable part was that the Chumash are among the oldest civilizations in existence. Equally inspiring was the fact that the tribes inhabiting Southern California were predominantly peaceful, favoring peaceful resolutions over warfare. This tendency for harmony likely fostered intertribal trade, which led to the use of shell bead money — an iconic aspect of Chumash culture.

I must admit my awareness of how the modern world has eroded indigenous cultures and wisdom has only recently deepened. The culture possesses a profound understanding of living harmoniously with the earth, which seems to me as astoundingly logical. It is only the past decade, as my involvement in the sustainability and regenerative movement has intensified, that I am coming to fully appreciate the inherent wisdom embedded within indigenous cultures.

I find the indigenous wisdom so aligned with the teachings of Buddha. Both indigenous cultures and Buddhism emphasize the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of living in harmony with nature. Just as indigenous wisdom recognizes the earth as a provider and urges us to respect and care for it, Buddha taught the principles of mindfulness, compassion, and non-harm towards all living beings. I know there are many other philosophies in the world with similar insights. It’s just another reminder to learn to live more mindfully and work towards a more harmonious coexistence with both the natural environment and fellow beings.