The grand spiritual elder: guardian of our past/ guide to our future

Amongst those who find that everyday modern life often pushes us through the day and will not allow for a bit of rest until we are exhausted at days end with thoughts only of the next day’s toil and payments for food, shelter and family, we steal a moment to reflect upon the times that our elders spoke of- a time when a slower, compassionate and graceful pace prevailed. While rushing here and there we sometimes encounter a reminder of our past, perhaps an article of clothing, a song, even a face in the crowd that reflects a striking resemblance of an old friend or past family member, an old building. In an instant we are called by our ancestors through the presentation of the present not to forget them.

The Ancestors have chosen a few amongst us to remember the essence of life – the notion that the present reality is for a brief moment and that which propels us is non-material. The chosen are our spiritual elders- teachers and preservers of our indigenous culture, healers of the unbalanced and confused, Proprietors of the oft sought after ‘rest stop’ along the path of life. Yet in many instances we have forgotten about these elders, some find them amusing as outdated and strange with their ‘primitive’ spiritual practices and stories about ‘the holy ones’ as well as their reverence to nature as a divine object of worship.
These spiritual elders are our family, we come from them, and perhaps they remember that which we have forgotten- that we are loved by all of creation and happiness is our legacy. The culture that they maintain is far older than the current life situation by thousands of years and yet they are still here. Here to whisper, “ You are forever loved and never alone – come home to yourself and be at peace”.
Civilizations of long standing have never broken the ties to the past or to those whose who are chosen to protect the traditional spiritual culture. Guatemala has wisely chosen to maintain the link to its long and profound legacy. For today, we celebrate the appointment by the President of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom, of Maya Quiche’ Elder Don Alejandro as The Indigenous Ambassador to the World. A kind and insightful man, Elder Alejandro has ‘walked the talk’ of Mayan traditional spiritual practice since his youth in the mountains of his native region near Xela. The Grand Elder teacher has shared teachings of the Ancient Maya to many from diverse cultures worldwide. The path has not been easy, there were many personal sacrifices along the way. Yet his eyes are clear, his hearing sensitive and his heart always with the divine and his people.
We have no doubt that in his new capacity; our beloved teacher and friend will find new and unique methods to maintain the balance between modernity and spiritual tradition as Guatemala progresses in these times of challenge and opportunity. May the Great Love and the Ancestors continue to protect and guide him.