Description
Book SynopsisShares the ancient Andean wisdom and practices of Sumak Kausay, the way of Abundant Life, as taught by master shaman don Alberto Taxo • Shows how to relate to and receive help from the elements, reconnect with nature to access abundance and joy, connect with plants, animals, water, air, and fire
• Explores don Alberto’s upbringing in a family of
yachaks, his initiation, and his personal work to fulfill the Andean prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor
• Includes reflections and essays from several of don Alberto’s students and others who have worked with him, including Itzhak Beery and John Perkins
Recognized as a master
yachak, don Alberto Taxo is a celebrated spiritual elder, shaman, and healer of the pre-Inca Atik (Kichwa) people from the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. He has been sharing ancient Andean shamanic wisdom and practices in the United States for more than 20 years--his personal quest to fulfill the Andean prophecy that the Eagle and the Condor will fly together in the same sky in harmony.
Written with don Alberto’s permission and as further fulfillment of the Eagle-Condor prophecy, this book shares don Alberto’s teachings and his simple approaches for building a reciprocal relationship with nature, centered on
Sumak Kausay, the way of joy and abundance. As a yachak, a shaman of the elements, don Alberto shows how to relate to and receive help from nature. When we are connected with nature on an emotional and spiritual level it creates joy that is deeply healing and can be accessed during life’s difficulties. The book discusses traditional Ecuadorian shamanic beliefs and practices, including Andean Inca cosmology; how to connect with plants, animals, air, fire, and water in sacred springs, the ocean, or your shower; and Inca concepts like Pacha, the space-time era in which we live that is now transitioning to a new one of connection and love after 500 years.
The book explores don Alberto’s upbringing in a family of yachaks, his initiation, and his assumption of the role of shaman for his community. It also includes reflections and essays from don Alberto’s students and others who have worked with him, including shamanic teachers Itzhak Beery and John Perkins, showing how he influenced their lives and awakened them to the path of
Sumak Kausay, Abundant Life.
Trade Review“In this era of ecological crisis, the human spirit cries out for teachings and practices that can restore balance between our species and the rest of God’s creation. Drawing from a range of genres--interviews, personal reflection, and stories--Shirley Blancke conveys the wisdom of don Alberto Taxo, a revered shaman and spiritual teacher from Ecuador, whose insights can awaken humanity to the interconnection of all beings and our responsibility to live more gently on Earth. His heart-centered perspectives will resonate with people of all faith traditions who seek healing for our planet.” * Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, Episcopal priest, coeditor of Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time *
Table of ContentsForeword by Hank Wesselman
Acknowledgments
Introduction: My Trail Winds to Shamanism
PART 1
Upbringing 1 A Walk in Quito
2 Grandparent Wisdom
3 The Power of Water
4 Initiation
5 An Encounter with Francis
6 The Formation of a Public Yachak
7 A Colombian Yachak
8 Contrary Winds and the Value of Spirituality
PART 2
Teachings9 The Eagle and Condor Dream
10 Sumak Kausay, “Abundant Life”
11 Building Habits of Connection
12 A Yachak Apprentices’ Retreat
13 Learning Plant Healing
14 Resolving Conflict: The Nature of Good and Evil
15 Medicine Wheel of the Four Winds: Life Lessons Drawn from Nature
16 The Chakana and the Staff of Gold
PART 3
Reflections17 Beginnings Stateside by Susan Cooper
18 Connecting with Awareness by Martha Travers
19 Furthering Dream Change by John Perkins
20 The Teaching of Yachak Tayta don Alberto Taxo by Itzhak Beery
21 Initial Impressions by Christiane Gottwald, Jeanne Dooley, and Susan Martin
22 Connecting with Springs by Shari Parslow
23 Connecting with Animals by Julie Bloomer
24 A Journey with don Alberto by Shirley Blancke
25 Becoming a Yachak by Lucas K.
26 Every Moment Is Sacred and Full of Possibility by Caty Laignel
Epilogue: A Christmas Story
Notes
Bibliography
Index
