A Book of Balance - Kogi Wisdom, 2020-2023
English edition edited and adapted by: Jackson Gore
Mama Bernardo Mascote-Zarabata, a Kogi elder shares:
"We Kogi are also here to support you to find and restore your roots again, but it is up to you to bring back your own knowledge by constantly having your thoughts focused on it and being receptive to it. This is very important. Then the Mother (earth) will support you to go where you are supposed to go. Where will you find the knowledge again? It lies hidden in your earth. Your ancestors lived there and the knowledge is connected to these places. That is where you will find it. It resides in the trees, in the stones, in the water. We (The Kogi) still know these things, we still live according to them. We humans think that we support each other by helping ourselves to remember our knowledge, but actually we support the earth itself, that is why she will support us."
Inside cover book synopsis:
"In this beautiful book, the elders of the Kogi - a remote and ancient people in the Colombian mountains - pose nine thought-provoking questions to help us live harmoniously with the earth and in turn find happiness and purpose in every moment.
For centuries, the Kogi have lived in seclusion in Colombia's remote Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, known to them as "the heart of the world". But in recent years, concerned by the environmental changes they have seen in their villages and forests, a few emissaries have emerged to bring an urgent and loving message to the West.
Lucas Buchholz was invited to the Kogi's home to receive and transcribe this offering. He takes us on a journey into a startlingly beautiful landscape and into a sacred space: the traditional fireside circle held regularly by the Kogi. In this circle, members consider key questions essential to their community. Throughout A Book of Balance, we hear the words of the Kogi elders: wisdom that offers revelations, inspiration, and direction for our everyday lives."
Praise for A Book of Balance:
“Reading A Book of Balance is a call to action and a precious gift. Through its queries, we come close to engaging in conversation with Kogi wisdom holders concerning Earth-wise living, while learning to be better stewards of our planet. Stimulating and moving at once, A Book of Balance take us on a magical journey that culminates with a transformative message.”
— Stephanie Rose Bird, spiritual healer and author of Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones and Motherland Herbal
“A Book of Balance provides essential natural wisdom from the past to help us live more fully in the present so we can save our planet’s future. These indigenous teachings make for a powerful read.”
— Patrick McDonnell, creator of Heart to Heart with the Dalai Lama
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Original author: Lucas Buchholz
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English Translation: Fabienne Balmer
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Published by HarperOne in the US & Canada on 21st May 2024, the UK on 4th July 2024 and Australia on 4th September 2024.
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Order a copy Here - US & Canada - UK - AUS
© Simon Chaput
© Simon Chaput
© Simon Chaput