Friends,
My interest in Native American culture and society was early on stimulated by references in W.Y Evans Wentz’s books regarding the similarities with Tibetan Buddhist practices and philosophies laid out in his Tibetan Book of the Dead, and of The Great Liberation.
My Native American Indian Sites Guidebook was “inspired by W.Y Evans Wentz dedicated to those seeking wisdom.”
Recently I came across this classic that I was not aware of, Cuchama and Sacred Mountains.
Evan Wentz lived his later years near San Diego and Mount Cuchama.
Knowing full well that our Mount Diablo was considered to be a sacred mountain for thousands of years I read it with sustained interest.
Here are a few quotes:
Evans-Wentz “There is more to climbing a “celestial” mountain than conquering perpendicular footage. Upon returning some report having found a true peace of mind, sometimes akin to that of a spiritual initiation.”
Black Elk “Then I was standing on the highest mountain of them all, and round about me was the whole hoop of the world. And while I stood there, i saw more than I can tell and I understood more than I saw; for I was seeing in a sacred manner the shapes of all things in the spirit and the shapes of all shapes as they must live together as one being.”
Lama Govinda “There are mountains which are just mountains and there are mountains with personality. The power of such a mountain is so great and yet so subtle that without compulsion pilgrims are drawn
to the mountain from near and far.”
“Even among mountains that are sacred, there are some of such outstanding character and position that they have become the spiritual foci of the most ancient civilizations and religions of humanity.”
Frank Waters “One can’t deny the fundamental truth in Dr. Evans-Wentz’ belief that an Indian or “American Renaissance” is under way. It would be spiritual, not physical; and would take place on a rising level of consciousness.”
“It is the unconscious projection of Indian America’s longing for fulfillment and brotherhood with all races. It is the unfulfilled dream of all humanity.”
Signage looking over Volvon Territory on Mount Diablo