I believe that the Kogi Indians of Colombia are the most refined, intelligent, sensitive and advanced civilization on this planet today. I have been researching them for the past 20 years, since the first time I saw the astonishing BBC documentary, ‘The Heart of the World’ by Alan Eirera. Later, I read his book, as well as two books by Eric Julian, who lived with the Kogi for months on end and wrote about his experiences.
Kogi elder
Recently, my friend Jean-Paul, who manages the Indian Ocean Film Festival, let me know that my dream of many years was about to be fulfilled. A real Live Kogi was scheduled to come to London! It was the first time Jacinto, a Kogi Representative had been on a plane, and the first time any Kogi has visited London, a historic occasion! He came in order to let people know about a most phenomenal film which is being made about the Kogi and to help us understand the Kogi message.
Through the introduction by Jean Paul and the kindness of the Gaia Foundation in London, I was invited to attend the small informal gathering where Jacinto Zarabata would be presenting the Kogi message. Alan Ereira, who is helping them with their new film, was accompanying Jacinto, and helping to explain about the Kogi.
Kogi Indians in their home in the Sierra Nevada mountains
For those of you reading this who may never have heard about the Kogi, I will explain briefly:
They are a pre-Colombian civilization, with direct links to the earlier Tairona civilization and who live in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Colombia. They had a whole network of eco-villages and pathways throughout the Sierra Nevada, from the highest peaks to the coastal area. Their villages blended perfectly with the surroundings, with minimal impact on the ecology of the region. The structure of their society was deeply respectful of nature and of human beings. They felt they were placed on this earth to be custodians and protectors of the Mother, of a living Gaia. All was done in accord with Aluna, the mysterious force which is the source of our universe.
The conquistadores came and ravaged the land and killed the indigenous people. The people fled up the mountain, seeking refuge with their wise enlightened beings who act as spiritual guides. These beings are called Mama’s or Mamos. They live in the highest part of the Sierra Nevada. The Mamos devised a way of hiding the Kogi from the intruders and they continued to remain invisible for 500 years.
One day, through divination and experience, they realized that if they didn’t come out of hiding and educate us on what we are doing wrong, the very planet is in danger of being destroyed through our ignorance. They refer to themselves as the ‘Older Brother’ and to the so-called civilized man as the ‘younger brother.’ They invited the BBC to make a film where they could deliver their message. Then, they closed the gate into their world, allowing no one to enter uninvited. They waited 20 years to see if the ‘younger brother’ would ‘get’ the message. Now, they realize that a stronger message is needed since it appears that younger brother is hell bent on self-destruction. They called on Alan Eirera, who made the original film, to help them make a new film, to be called ALUNA (see www.alunathemovie.com)
This time, they have decided that in order to help the ‘younger brother ‘to understand, it is essential that they themselves make the film, and show us, through their own eyes, how the world of spirit and matter functions. They went to enormous trouble to get some of their people trained in film-making. The film will explore their sacred sites and sacred ceremonies, literally, how they are constantly maintaining stability on the earth and protecting her from damage, through their rituals and way of being.
The footage of the new film, what little I have seen, is simply breathtaking. It is certain that this will be a groundbreaking documentary, and one which has the potential to radically altar the way we see and experience life. Alan has to make it as an ‘independent film’ in order to maintain the integrity of the Kogi, with their own message, undiluted and direct. Alan has to raise a minimum of £1 million in order to do this heroic work. If you know of anyone who may be interested in contributing or investing in this project, please contact: alunathemovie@aol.com.
Jacinto Zarabata, Kogi Mamos
The night after I met Jacinto, he did a presentation on an internet TV station Esoguru (www.esoguru.com). This station has done interviews with the Dalai Lama, with the foremost Mayan elder, and other people who are instrumental in transforming our world. The program was 2 ½ hours long. I paraphrase here, some highlights:
Jacinto says: “The Mamos learn behaviour appropriate with the plants and about offerings which have to be made at sacred sites. When the Mamo’s voice deepens, he is given a Poporo and in this way is acknowledged as a man.
Alan adds: “The Poporo represents the womb, containing stardust or semen.”
Jacinto: “The Mamo continues his or her training and is given his divining bowl. He learns how to heal the water, the food, the place where we cut wood, or any other material we require to maintain life. The Mamo learns to make offerings to rivers, lakes and mountains. He learns how to carry out burial rites. He learns how to do ceremonies for pubescent boys or girls. They have to know how to make pots for cooking, how to support birth giving, how to prevent disease, and how to help family problems to be resolved. Mamo means, ‘the Sun.’
The Sun doesn’t only shine for one person, but for everyone and everything in the world. This is why Mamos work for the good and the benefit of the whole planet. The sun cannot deny its heat to anyone. It cannot say, ‘I will not give heat to the thief’ for example.
Our people consult with the Mamos about anything we want to carry out, whether that be the sowing of seeds or the building of a house.”
Alan asks: “Before doing anything in our world, should we consult with the Mamos?”
Jacinto: “Yes, it is obvious. Then things will go the way they should.”
Alan: “Are they prepared to help us in this way?”
Jacinto: “Yes, if a new disease is being created, they do healing and rituals to prevent it. For example, we do not have congenital defects as there are in the outside world.”
Question: what food do the Mamos eat?
Jacinto: “Some are forbidden to eat salt. Some are forbidden to eat meat. Some can eat crab but no meat. They eat white beans and potato. Those Mamos who eat nothing, which has blood, are able to look after the animals which have blood.
Question: why are the Mamos concerned?
