Cycles of energy spiral and shift
From one being to another
From one form to the next
We sit amongst the half harvested field of wheat, sipping on the well known mountain chai of numkeen (salt and butter tea) and dipping in wheat chapatti made from last year's harvest
Or
Resting among the stacked barley scattered within the harvested field eating kholoc (numkeen chia with tsumpa or roster barley flour) the tin can of tsumpa in the center
With the pit toilet (composting toilet) readily accessible and lines of donkey, cow, dzo or yak poop drying near the house waiting to be applied to the field to supplement next year's crop.
This cycle of energy comes alive as it is always spiraling and shifting from form to form, being to being.
In these Ladahki and Zanskari villages we have been blessed to experience and learn from this interconnection that is completely interlinked with the way of life here. Traditionally there was no such thing as waste as everything needed to live, sustain and survive was taken from the earth and then returned back in its different forms. Even though some of these places we visted and spent time do not yet have a motorable road they now have access and are using some packages products from the market and supplementing more and more with subsidized wheat and far off industrial grown rice and dal.
With this so-called development inching its way into this fundamental, self-sustaining way of living there has since been much breakdown in this once interconnected cycle and deep rooted values and wisdom. This breakdown is and has been seen and experienced everywhere as this harmonious way of living was how all life had lived, however the drastic impact is shown readily and clearly within the still partially routed Ladakhi culture here in the high desert of the Himalayas.
This impact goes far beyond this relationship with the land and immediate environment but also in the breakdown of community. Previously any struggles faced were remedied and supported within the community, Any help was met through time and reciprocal actions- even people coming from further away villages would make the journey to extend their time and hands in the neighbors harvest. Now government figures in far off cities decide on how these people should live without having ever cut grass or harvested barley.
This cycle of give and take within the community and between the land and animals was based upon dependence- giving each person purpose and dedication to this cycle.
Although this self sustaining way of living, especially in this harsh environment takes tremendous amounts of physical work from dawn to past dusk these individuals are the most rich in happiness through their connection with themselves, one another and the world around them. They each know their place, having a strong sense of belonging, without a questioning to their identity....
isn't this what we all look for?...
There is no need to look and strive for more purpose or to satisfy and supplement the identity with extra labels through actions or things. Simply living in the cycles that govern all life that allow for survival is enough.
Days are filled with hard work but the long days provide just as much time for interaction and connection with one another and leisure acitivies. Following harmoniously with the cycle these yearly and daily tasks are done with a mindful and calm pace as these traditional ways of doing these tasks take time and throughout this time laughs, rest and connections are interconnected in this cycle.
While the several hands sickling or pulling the wheat, barley or black peas from the land constant conversations, discussions and gossip is exchanged mixed in with the numerous tea breaks. Through out the daily harvest it is common to have people from the community drop in for a chat and a helping hand in the harvest.
While carrying loads of grass or peas on one's back or the back of donkeys passing conversations are had between neighbors often ending in holding 'O' (yes, yes) or Jeu, Jeu, Jeu (respectful acknowledgment)
Words cannot fully describe this way of living that we truly all long for as it is always within our hearts, based in our roots of existence.
Once in Leh (the main city of Ladakh) we watched a film showing that released many tears in the truth it way able to reveal and linked with many of the thoughts, conversations and feelings we have been experiencing throughout this journey.
Please take the time to watch this film called Ancient Futures as it will relate to all that are in anyway affected by this Western life and globalization.
**** here is a YouTube link that shows the film in full: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ayFTIcmO_Fw
Of course we can't all go back to the land in the way of the Ladahki people and nor should we as each group of people and each environment call for a different way of living. These differences that make cultures should be valued and appreciated. Instead of "bringing the remote to the mainstream" (one of the many road signs of the Border Roads Organization/ BRO) may we see the beauty, resiliency and importance of the many side streams that are essential in maintaining and providing life to the ecosystem of which we all live.
Ladakh used to be known as Little Tibet with Buddhism still very prevalent within its prayer flagged strewn mountains and the many stupas dotting the landscape. With this practice and philosophy present in many of the minds and lives here The Middle Path is seen as a way of hope- to not continue to live in such isolation as these villages once were but also not to totally leave this way of living to come to cities and depend on the global economy for survival. Instead taking a path in the middle that keeps the community intact and allows for more dependence within the local environment (people and nature). As we are all looking for this balance of how to deal with this growing globalization and development this Middle Path can be seen as the route everywhere as a means to localize- supporting local craftsmen/women, artists, musicians, farmers- supporting one another and our immediate environment and growing a stronger, more resilient community and ecosystem. In return giving each a sense of belonging.
So how can we live?
1) with awareness-
May we do our best to be aware of these effects on the relationships we have with ourselves, each other and the world around us as these interconnections and cycles always exist and are waiting to be expressed more fully in harmony with all life.
2) with pride and respect-
Pride for our own culture and the joy to share with others. Respect for all others and their way of living. To be open to learning from these ways of living and being and with wise thought be able to distinguish and utilize that of which compliments living in harmony with all life.
3) with oneness in our hearts and minds
This oneness is always present within our hearts but it is just the mind that tends to create division. No matter birthplace, religion, occupation or livelihood; no matter young or elder-
We all come from the creation of the universe, living under the same moon, the same sun, all with the same basic needs.
~May we live simply and with compassion
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