NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, NOV 4
Travelling teaches a lot than the corridors of education and age is no bar for this edutainment. This has been proved again by none other than the Isha Foundation founder.
Journeying through picturesque landscapes to learn Native American history, culture, spirituality and mysticism, exploring spiritual America has been quite the adventure for Sadhguru.
It was over a week into Sadhguru’s bike journey across the United States when 65 miles-an-hour headwinds threatened to blow the motorcycles off the road. But for the yogi and founder of the Isha Foundation, there was just one solution: keep riding.
To explore the rich history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States, Sadhguru revs his way through a 10,000-mile motorcycle ride from Tennessee to over 16 states. He rode through Illinois, Missouri, Wyoming, South Dakota, Utah, and further in this edition of the ‘Of Motorcycles and a Mystic’, which kicked off on September 20.
During these weeks of travel, Sadhguru aims to achieve a deeper understanding of the indigenous cultural mosaic and spirituality that has made these societies so unique. The Indigenous Peoples are known for their intimate connection with the elements – a connection that has endowed them with profound intuition and a heightened sense of perception.
Over 10 million Indigenous peoples populated the US once upon a time. However, having been expelled from their homelands and subjugated for centuries, today Indigenous Peoples make up only about 2% of the US population, according to the US Census Bureau.
Sadhguru, who established the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences (III) on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee on the Trail of Tears, says, “About seventeen years ago, I came in touch with the certain spiritual aspect of Native Americans in a very powerful way when I was in Tennessee. That was probably the most painful moment of my life – I saw such pain, resentment, and shame in that space, that the very land that I stood on was soaked with it. I thought we must do something. Because there is pain, because people suffer, the spiritual dimension of the work is important. I’ve been interested in Native American culture for a very long time but my exposure was limited. Now this pandemic gave me freedom from my regular schedules so I decided this is the time to do it. And being on a motorcycle, I’m socially well distanced from everybody!”
Stunning Explorations
On the southern bank of the Illinois River, lies the Starved Rock state park. According to legend, a group of Peoria Indians was besieged by a war party of Potawatomi Indians, who starved to death while being trapped on the rock with no food or water. Sadhguru said, “With the variety of history recorded in every part of the world about how cruel we have been to each other, it’s the time history lessons are taught to children so that it does not bring resentment, hatred and anger, but brings us to see ourselves as one people, and build a future for every one of us.”
Sadhguru was welcomed by leaders of the Lakota and Crow Nations. In Wyoming, he visited the awe-inspiring 867-feet tall Mato Tipila (or the Devils Tower), which is also America’s first national monument. Made of igneous rock, formed from solidified lava, this picturesque butte is also considered a sacred place for at least 20 Native American Nations.
Sadhguru and his team, who took all necessary COVID-19-related precautions during the journey, were also enthralled by breath-taking rock formations at the Arches National Park when they rode into eastern Utah. Sadhguru also offered a Satsang beside the turquoise waters of the scenic Bear Lake on the Utah/Idaho border. They also explored Custer National Park (Montana), Little Bighorn National Monument (Wyoming), Bryce, Zion, Arches National Parks, the Mojave Desert, Grand Canyon, and many other historic landmarks along the way.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 12, is a day to remember and celebrate the Native American Peoples and their rich cultures. Sadhguru celebrated the day talking with Taboo, a rapper from the Grammy-winning musical group Black Eyed Peas, about the culture and contributions of Native Americans. Taboo is part of Mexican Native American. They touched more broadly on the generational trauma and other challenges of Indigenous Peoples in the US and around the globe.
Hollywood star Will Smith invites Sadhguru
Hollywood star Will Smith also invited Sadhguru to his home to meet with his family. “Sadhguru is in town. I have been following him for a while. He wrote a wonderful book called “Inner Engineering.” I want my family to meet spiritual people, to start interacting with people who are not hooked on the material world,” Will Smith said in a behind-the-scenes video shared by Sadhguru on Instagram, which is viral on the internet.
All along the journey, Sadhguru did not forget to keep in touch with his social media family. He shared tidbits and glimpses of captivating landscapes. This 10,000-mile journey is more than just a road trip. It is a way to learn and embrace the spiritual history of America that has eluded us for centuries.
