Like the Fingers of Our Hand

“Just like the fingers of our hand appear different in size and shape so do the races of humankind appear different. And like the fingers of our hand, we are all one and need to work together.”

On more than one occasion, I heard different shamans say these words as they held up one of their hands and emphasized our common humanity. I find this message especially relevant for posting on this day of Ash Wednesday. As human beings, whatever our race, religion or nationality, we all share the same fate: life in the physical body will come to an end one day for each and every one of us.

My knowledge of the Maya comes from being in the presence of the Mayan elders during sacred fire ceremonies and during classes held at sacred sites. I learned from the Mayan shamans that most of the sacred teachings are passed down by word of mouth. The shamans indicated that much of what is written about the Maya and their calendar is based on the writings of a Jesuit priest in Spain during the time of the Inquisition. The shamans said his information was not accurate.
Sometimes we were by the pyramids, at other times we were in huts with dirt floors. On other occasions, we were in jungle clearings or on the side of a mountain. During classes, my Reiki teacher, Mercedes, who is also a Mayan shamaness, would sit by the side of the elders and translate their teachings into English.

What they taught me contributed to the awakening of my heart. During my time with them, I rediscovered what I knew in my heart as a child:

"God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God and God in him" (1 John 4:16).

Whatever your personal belief system, whatever religion or sacred tradition to which you subscribe, may your heart be inspired and awakened by the spiritual teachings of the Maya. Consider the following excerpt from an article featured on the front page of the New York Times that a friend shared with me just last week.

“The time has arrived for the world of humanity to hoist the standard of oneness of the human world, so that solidarity and unity can connect all nations of the world, so that dogmatic formulas and superstitions may end, so that the essential reality underlying all the religions founded by all the prophets may be revealed. That reality is one. It is the love of God.”

How amazing that these words were printed on April 21, 1912! They are a perfect fit for 2012 as a much-needed call for unity. They were spoken by Abdul Baha, the leader of the Bahai Faith at that time.