9 Simple Rules For Living

[Steve Hutchinson]

9 Simple Rules For Living, as learned from proper Yagé shaman of the Amazon.

1. Abundant laughter is the hallmark of spiritual achievement. Laugh first and laugh often.

2. All life is beautiful and priceless, and even the most pitiful or comical of creatures is infused with the sacred.

3. Always be productive in the service to others, and even if all you can offer is a smile, your positive contribution is important.

4. Love everyone equally, for we are all equal in spirit and life.

5. Silence is golden. Communicating without speaking is more penetrative than attempting to express the infinite with language.

6. It is in stillness you will find that which you seek. The ability to highly control one’s impulses is the key to spiritual advancement.

7. Gentleness is often more powerful than force.

8. Sincere dedication to spiritual development is the highest calling in life.

9. Follow nature instead of following man, for the lessons in nature are universally true and infinitely pure.

Secoya Elders: Don Delfin Payaguaje, Don Augustin Payaguaje, and Don Rogelio Payaguaje

Final Thoughts

“In the collision between the remoteness and purity of the rainforest realms and the crassness of consumer culture, the difference is so extreme that for the most part there has been no authentic or practical method for this medicine system as traditionally practiced to integrate and adapt to the changing times.’ ~Jonathon Miller Weisberger, Rainforest Medicine

As Ayahuasca continues to push its way ever further into the consciousness of contemporary society, the brew may be available for us to drink, but the presence of traditional elders is fading. The transmission of their priceless cultural knowledge is still happening today, however, and in honoring their presence there is much we can learn about how to live a good and productive life in harmonious balance with nature.

In the following video, ethnobotanist and conservationist Jonathon Miller-Weisberger explains some of the ways in which the Secoya tradition is so unique.

Video: "Rainforest Medicine: Traditions of Ayahuasca and Yage Part 1"

https://youtu.be/YbDfSGU4LMc