The Shaman

Kahu Fred Sterling
Senior Minister, Honolulu Church of Light

I have just returned from Mexico and want to share something with you while it is still fresh and tangible in my consciousness.

During my trip, I had a day off from teaching and went into the jungle with a guide and some others.  I knew nothing of our destination, but I was feeling ready to walk forever.  I felt a certain curiosity and anticipation that something magical would happen.  As we travelled up hills and through dense foliage, I found myself lagging behind my guide.  As a result, I was the last one to walk into the magic world that was about to unfold.

As I approached those I was with, I saw what seemed like just another man traversing the forest.   However, it did not take long for me to realize that this was no ordinary man.  He was dressed completely in white and was glowing in a brilliant mist of light.  He held something in his hand that looked like smoke.  I shook my head and thought, "How could that be?"  It turned out to be tree sap that smelled like a camp fire.  Still, I wondered, "How could that be?"  

This magical person was a native Shaman guide of Mayan heritage.  His presence was transformative.  He spoke in a language that was foreign to me, and although I had no idea what he was saying, I knew it was important, and on a level I cannot explain, I understood his words.