The Sacred Journey of Our Soul...
On a serene and sunny afternoon, Shunkmanu sat on the shore of a majestic mountain lake. The water reflected the sky's brilliant blues and the surrounding pines and firs, creating a mirror-like surface. The mountain peaks, capped with snow even in the season's warmth, stood watch over the land like ancient sentinels.
His grandchildren—Natayu, Ella, Maya, and Oliver—sat in a semicircle around him, their youthful eyes wide with curiosity and their hearts eager for wisdom. Today was special. Today, they would learn more about our life's purpose and our soul's eternal journey.
"My dear grandchildren," Shunkmanu began, his eyes twinkling like the sunlit ripples on the water, "today I will share a teaching passed down from our ancestors through countless generations. This teaching, a gift from the Great Spirit, will help you understand our life's true nature and purpose."
The children leaned in, attentive to their grandfather’s words.
"Our life," he continued, "begins at conception. This is when our soul, a divine spark from the universal sea of consciousness, attaches itself to our physical being forming in the womb world. But remember, this connection is temporary. When our body wears out, we die, and our soul continues on its journey to the spiritual worlds beyond."
Nahtayu looked puzzled. "So, what happens when someone dies, Grandfather?"
Shunkmanu picked up a small wooden cage he had brought with him. Inside, a wooden bird was perched. "Imagine this cage is our body, and this wooden bird is our soul. What would happen to the bird if the cage breaks?"
Ella quickly responded, "The bird would fly away, Grandpa!"
"Exactly," Shunkmanu smiled. "Just like the bird, our soul is unharmed when our physical body ceases to exist. Our soul continues, even more powerfully than before."
Maya was captivated. "So, what is it like after we leave the cage? What is the spirit world like?"
Shunkmanu looked toward the horizon. His eyes were lost in thought for a moment. "The world beyond is as different from this world as this world is from the time we spend in our mother's womb. Just as the womb is necessary for physical development, our time here on Mother Earth is essential for spiritual growth."
Oliver, the youngest, tilted his head. "Does that mean we stop growing once we leave this world?"
Shunkmanu chuckled, "No, my grandson. Our soul continues to evolve, to manifest the signs of the Creator, and to reflect His loving kindness and bounty. We never stop growing, just as the Great Spirit's grace never ceases. And the good deeds we do here, the spiritual qualities that develop through the challenges of this physical life, and the prayers of our loved ones continue to aid us in our eternal journey."
For a moment, silence enveloped them, each child immersed in their thoughts as the weight and beauty of Shunkmanu's words settled in their young minds.
"The lake, the mountains, the sky—all of it is beautiful, isn't it?" Shunkmanu asked.
Four heads nodded in agreement.
"But remember, the real beauty lies within our soul's journey towards eternal growth and enlightenment. That is the ultimate adventure, one that we all will embark on. Always
keep these teachings close to your heart, for they will guide you in both this and the spiritual worlds to come."
As they all sat together, taking in the grandeur of the natural world around them and contemplating the even greater mysteries of the worlds beyond, they felt a profound sense of peace. They knew they were connected to something far larger and more wondrous than they could fully comprehend. And they were eternally grateful for the wisdom their grandfather, Shunkmanu, had shared, as was shared with him.
The sun descended behind the towering peaks, casting a golden glow over the land. The day was ending, but for Natayu, Ella, Maya, and Oliver, it was just the beginning of a lifetime journey toward understanding our soul's eternal journey.
As the golden light of the setting sun played upon the lake, Shunkmanu sensed that his grandchildren were ready for a deeper understanding of the journey and impact of our souls. He looked into their eyes, seeing a mixture of awe and inquisitiveness, and knew it was time to impart wisdom from the Ancient Ones.
"My dear grandchildren," he began again, "there is another important lesson to share before we conclude our time here today. Our presence on our Mother Earth is not only for our personal growth but also to positively impact the world around us."
The children listened intently, the earlier teachings still fresh in their minds, making them receptive to what would come next.
"You see," Shunkmanu continued, "an illumined soul that has cultivated wisdom and love continues to influence progress in this world even after it has moved on to the spiritual worlds. The power of such souls brings forth the beauty of the arts, the marvels of science, and the wonders we witness in our daily lives."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. Then he picked up a small flat stone from the ground and handed it to Natayu. "Throw this into the lake and watch the ripples it creates."
Natayu took the stone and skimmed it across the surface of the water. As it danced, touching the water briefly before lifting off again, they all watched the ripples expand outward, reaching further and further.
"Think of each ripple as the impact of an illumined soul, a person who has lived a good life, full of loving deeds and positive influences," Shunkmanu explained. "Even when the
stone is no longer visible, the ripples continue to move, affecting everything in their path."
Ella thought for a moment. "So, the good things we do here keep helping others, even after we are gone?"
"Exactly," Shunkmanu nodded, smiling at his perceptive granddaughter. "And that is why our earthly existence is so vital. We are here to prepare our souls for the journey ahead and to bring about positive change in our world. The actions we take, the love we share, and the wisdom we pass down are the legacies we leave. And they continue to ripple through time, influencing the advancement of our Human Family and enriching the world in untold ways."
Maya looked at Oliver, then back at their grandfather. "I want to make good ripples, Grandpa," she said, her eyes shining with youthful resolve.
Shunkmanu's heart swelled with joy and love. "Ah, my sweet Granddaughter, Maya, that is a wish that the Great Spirit will surely honor. Remember, you are all young now, but the choices you make today will shape not just your future but also the future of those who come after you."
\The sun had now dipped behind the mountains, leaving a sky ablaze with orange, pink, and purple hues. The day's light was fading, but in the hearts of Natayu, Ella, Maya, and Oliver, a new light of understanding and purpose had been kindled.
"Let us head back home," Shunkmanu said, rising to his feet. "And as we walk, think about the ripples you wish to create in this limitless ocean of existence. For the path of an illumined soul is beautiful and everlasting, always guided by the grace of our Great Spirit."
Hand in hand, the family made their way back through the forest, each lost in thoughts of eternity, legacy, and the endless ripples of a well-lived life. And so they walked, their steps full of newfound purpose, their hearts radiant with love and wisdom, as they moved onward in their earthly journey toward eternal enlightenment.
Shunkmanu He Me Yedo! Chanupa Sapa He Me Yedo!
