African Zen - 'Ubuntu' in Action

Ixopo BRC

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I just completed another retreat in Ixopo at the Buddhist retreat centre. We danced, sang, drummed and prayed. I was overjoyed to be joined by the Zulu cooking staff who helped keep the rhythms sweet and joyful. It is always such an honour for me to be able to share the wisdom of Sangoma culture with people. The Sangoma people of Southern Africa are equivalent to the Buddhist monks and nuns in the Far East. After my time in South Korea in the early 90's studying Korean Zen under the late Zen Master Su Bong, I discovered a number of similarities with my Sangoma colleagues in South Africa. The similarities involved an emphasis on prayer, humility and connecting with the divine through chanting.  This included working together as a team, putting differences aside for the common good. In this way we all help to realise our ‘Ubuntu’, our humanity, and thus also our spiritual direction.

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I was delighted to see the dedication of fellow South Africans to learn about Sangoma traditional culture. This is the future, and it gives me great hope. We had a number of elders with us who were over 80 years old. One of them said to me that this weekend retreat at the BRC in Ixopo was ‘a wish come true’ for her, and she quietly said that she had wanted to learn about Sangoma traditional culture her whole life, and now she had. She was very happy. This warmed my heart and inspired me to continue sharing the beauty of South African traditional medicine.

I will be back at the Buddhist Retreat Centre in Ixopo again next year from the 15-17th January 2016, and I welcome all South Africans to join us.

John Lockley April 2015.

In Blogging Tags African Zen, Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, John Lockley, Sangoma Medicine, Ubuntu

Modern Shamanism & the Sangoma's Song

I was recently interviewed in New York City by Sam Liebowitz from Talking Alternatives radio. I was joined by my good friend, Itzhak Beery from the New York Shamanic Circle. We discussed the relevance of ancient shamanic practices for the modern world. I enjoyed the interview, and I hope you do too.

Link to Interview no longer available.

In Blogging Tags Ancestors, ancestrally trained, Dream Healer, dreams, indigenous healer, Itzhak Beery, John, Lockley, Nelson Mandela, New York Shamanic Circle, Sangoma, Shaman, Talking Alternatives, Xhosa, Xhosa Sangoma

Tribute to Mandela 1918-2013

As the sun sets on our first national day of mourning here in South Africa, I pause to reflect on an extraordinary human being, Nelson Mandela.

Words fail to describe the man we know as Nelson Mandela. As a traditional healer, Sangoma in Mandela’s tribe, the Xhosa nation, I look to nature as a source of renewal and strength. Yesterday I witnessed a bird die in a strange and tragic way. I felt that something powerful was going to happen and true enough on waking this morning I was told of Mr Mandela’s passing.

Mandela’s life was characterized by struggle and harmonized by love. Even though he was old, we ‘South African’s’ could never truly believe that one day he would die. His life and message held us all together. He gave us hope, and made us believe that one person can make a difference. His message of equality, freedom and love between all people on the planet has become a symbol of ultimate goodness for all of us.

Sadly I never met Mr Mandela, however those friends of mine who did describe him as a man of incredible goodness, humour, strength and dignity. He was as he appeared to be on TV, a man who ‘walked his talk’ and demonstrated his beliefs through his everyday actions.

When he was released from prison in 1990 we were all spell bound by his oratory gifts and whenever he spoke on TV we would crowd around and listen to him avidly. He made us laugh, cry and believe in ourselves.  Mandela made us South Africans believe that we can love one another regardless of race, creed or ethnicity. That are future is bright and that we don’t have to live in fear of one another. He was funny and always surprised us when giving serious political talks. He would finish his talks with a human interest story of things that happened to him behind the political veil. We loved him all the more for this and we felt safe and secure in the future of South Africa.

In 1994 we held our first democratic elections. I was in South Korea at the time. I was invited to become a monk in a Zen Buddhist order by my grandmaster, Zen Master Seung Sahn Sunim. I declined, deciding to rather return to South Africa to follow my African calling and becoming an African monk, a Sangoma, traditional healer in the Xhosa nation. During South Africa it was illegal for a white person to walk around in the townships. These were strictly ‘black’ areas and unless you were in the army or police you had to have a special pass to walk in these areas. This made it near impossible for me to find my teacher and follow my calling to become a Sangoma. However after Nelson Mandela became president in 1994 everything changed, and the door to my work and life in townships around South Africa, swung open. I was greeted with warmth and love, like a lost son by my teacher Mum Ngwevu. When she asked me what took me so long to find her, I said, “Apartheid”. Her response was “Ah Thixo, enkosiam”. “Oh God, I’m so sorry!”. I feel a deep sense of gratitude towards Mr Mandela for making it possible for me to fulfil my destiny and calling to become a Xhosa Sangoma.

During the Apartheid years we were all imprisoned because we couldn’t express our human feelings for one another. No-one epitomized this more than Nelson Mandela. He came out of prison like a diamond from the roughest soil and taught us how to be human again without restrictions and fear. We will always honour his memory, and be forever blessed that he walked amongst us, and showed us how we can empower ourselves with dignity and grace. He set an example for us all to follow. Like many South Africans today I feel proud to have had him as my mentor, guiding me along the road of how to be a human being.

In Xhosa we say: Uthando lo thando, ubuntu olothando. ‘Love is love, humanity is love’.  It means that when we act with compassion from the deepest part of us, then we realise our humanity. Mandela was a fine example of a man who overcame huge obstacles and demonstrated ‘Ubuntu’ (humanity).

Hamba Kahle Tata Mkhulu ! Go well reverend Father.

Written by:  John Lockley  6/12/2013

In Blogging Tags anti-apartheid, apartheid struggle, iconic world leader, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma, South Africa, South African philosophy-, Ubuntu, Xhosa nation

Sangoma Medicine coming to the USA

Ancient prophecies predict that African and American teachings will help save the planet. The reason is that they still remember the old ways and how to reconnect us to Mother Nature. I have been encouraged by my Xhosa teachers and medicine colleagues to bring our ancient teachings to the Western World. These teachings are simple and profound, focusing on helping people to reconnect to their Ancestors and Dreams.

The Sangoma tradition in Southern Africa is literally thousands of years old. I am lucky to be part of the Xhosa lineage that represents one of the oldest living shamanic cultures in the world today. The ceremonies we perform are simple and profound encouraging people to go deep within themselves and their roots (ancestors).

The ancient ways teach us that it is no important how high we travel but how deep we go within ourselves. Because all life's questions about destiny, pain and suffering reside in our DNA. Our ancestors, and all of life within the great mother have battled with these questions. When we sit and ponder the question of 'why are we alive' and what is life all about we are left with a deep question ? This question takes us directly into the world of the mystic, sage, shaman, where it is okay to not know and this not knowing world opens our minds to multiple dimensions beyond time and space.

In South African Sangoma culture all spiritual journeys begin with saying our name out to the universe and announcing ourselves to all our Ancestors. For we believe that the first gift our parents gave us was our name. And our name holds within it the seeds of our destiny. In the same way that a small acorn holds the seed and potential of becoming a great oak tree. Gratitude is central to Xhosa ritual. We invoke our ancestors by showing gratitude to them for the gift of life. For without them we wouldn't be here.  The question is never 'what can our ancestors do for us, but rather what can we do for them'. For the circle of life needs to be healed now more than ever before. We heal the circle by welcoming our elders home to us and thanking them for the sacrifices they made.

Join me in ceremony. Here are a list of dates and places  where I will be in the USA.

I look forward to meeting you.

Warmest wishes,

John Lockley,

Ucingolwendaba (Above) I stand  with my medicine colleagues, Elliot Rivera from Puerto Rico, brought up in New York; and Dancing Thunder, medicine chief of the Susquehannock nation.

Portland, Oregon

1

st -

10

th  October

• 3rd Thursday - Renaissance Book shop

• Public Talk: Dream Tracking the Indigenous Way

• 4th - 6th, Workshop: Dancing with our Ancestors

• 7th - 9th, Individual Sangoma Healing or Divination Sessions.

• Booking for Workshop & private sessions:

• Contact: Jan Engel-Smith, jan@lightsong.net,

• Tel: 503-669-3013

• www.lightsong.net

New York City

10

th - 

30

th  October

• 10th Thursday - Edgar Cayce Center (ARE)

• Public Talk: Introduction to Xhosa Sangoma Medicine

• 11th - New York Shamanic Circle (NYSC) - Open Circle

• A time for the Community to gather, pray, rattle, drum and dance.

• John will lead the group in some dancing, drumming & praying.

• By Donation: $20

• 12th - 13th, Workshop: Healing through Dreaming

• To Book: Click on ARE website

• 20th - New York Shamanic Circle's 15th Annual Gathering in Central Park.

• A gathering of indigenous & urban shamans from all cultures and walks of life.

• 15th - 17th, Sangoma Sessions with John focusing on

• Individual Healing Or Divination

• 21st - 24th

• To Book: Email Lubaina, empoweredheart444@gmail.com.

• Tel: 978-595-2926

• Cost: $151 preferable in cash

• 26th & 27th, John will be leading a ceremony over the weekend entitled, 'Ancestral Blessing Ceremony'.

• To book: email nyshamaniccircle@gmail.com

• Phone: Irma 718 396 4246

In Blogging Tags ancient traditions, Dancing Thunder, Elliot Rivera, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, New York City, Oregon, Portland, Sangoma Medicine, Xhosa Medicine

Trance Dancing the Ancient Way

In Southern Africa we 'Sweat our prayers' through the trance dance or ‘xentsa’ .

This dancing practice is an integral part of traditional Southern African life. Traditional healers known as Sangomas use the dance to connect to their ancestral spirits. The word ‘Sangoma’ literally means ‘people of the song’ because they use particular kinds of chants and rhythms to connect to the spirit world. Sangomas are the traditional Shamans or medicine people of Southern Africa. The job of a Sangoma is to ‘nceda abantu ukuvula indlela’ – to help people realise their spiritual calling. For we believe that when people are in harmony with themselves then they are in harmony with the world around them. There is no word for depression in the Xhosa and Zulu language from SouthAfrica, only ‘umoya phezulu’ okanye ‘umoya phantsi’. Spirit energy up or spirit energy down. Through rhythm and song the Sangoma helps to uplift people and in doing so helps them realise their spiritual potential.

The Sangoma rhythm is part of the sacred music from South Africa. Whenever a Sangoma plays their drum in a particular way it is said that they invoke the spirits of the land and community. The drum beat is a particular heart beat rhythm that helps ground, calm and connect people to their roots (ancestors). I have been playing my drum and singing my Sangoma chants all over the world. I am pleased to say that no matter where I am people connect with their ancestors in the most profound and humbling ways. I have often been touched to hear people in New York or Mexico come to me a few days after a ceremony, recounting beautiful and uplifting dreams from their ancestors. Music is truly universal, and the Sangoma drum is a call to spirit and the unseen world. Now let us wake up! Now let us rejoice in the beauty of being alive. With our chants, hands and feet, we pound the earth and feel at one with all things. Camagu!  (We honour & praise the divine).

On the 17th August Londoners will dance and shake their bones like never before. Are you ready to wake up?

In Blogging Tags John Lockley, London, Nelson Mandela, passing clouds, traditional African medicine-, trance dance, Xhosa Sangoma

Ubuntu 2012 in Review: A message of Hope

2012 Was an amazing year for me. I was invited to lead ceremonies all over the world from Canada to the USA, UK, and Belgium. I feel deeply honoured that people called on me to lead ceremonies and listen to how South African indigenous healers (Sangomas) operate.

In April this year I was working alongside my teacher, Mum Ngwevu performing thanksgiving ceremonies to honour our ancestors. After these ceremonies one of my elders, Tata Bongani said to me “Cingo uyasebenza kakhulu kulo nyaka!” “John you will be very busy this year”. He predicted quite accurately that this year was going to be my busiest year yet. I thanked him for his kind words and I left my beloved teacher and elders to lead my first ceremony overseas in Canada in May.

I was a bit nervous as it was my first time to Canada. The ceremony I lead was part of a 5 day Shamanic conference in Squamish, B.C. outside Vancouver. I lead the 101 + delegates in Xhosa chants, drumming and dancing. They loved it! I lead them in a special chant of “Umoya wam, ngumoya wam...” Meaning, ‘My spirit, my holy spirit’. I was impressed at how they all picked up the rhythm and went for it body and soul. The whole room was swaying in unison while I beat my drum. It was a wonderful moment. As always, I prayed in Xhosa, and sent a blessing to the delegates and their ancestors. I also mentioned my own parents, teachers and medicine elders back home. This ceremony set a wonderful precedent for the rest of the year for me.

After Canada I toured America, going to New York City, Colorado, San Francisco, and then again at the end of the year Memphis as well. I was hosted by the New York Shamanic circle, Earth Medicine Alliance in San Francisco and the Sacred Earth Foundation in Colorado. Again I felt very blessed and honoured to be invited by all these groups. I was touched by their dedication and commitment towards remembering the old ways and reaching out towards indigenous healers like myself.

I see people everywhere with an insatiable spiritual hunger to rediscover new ways of working with nature and the timeless ancestral/spirit world which is like a river moving in a continuous circle. The gifts that I have received in all these places is the gift of ‘Ubuntu’, humanity. For I am constantly reminded that no matter where I go there are good people everywhere who open their doors, hearts and communities to me, and allow me to sing in Xhosa, drum and teach these beautiful ways.

In October I was invited to San Francisco for the yearly Earth Medicine Alliance conference, and also the New York Shamanic event in Central Park. Both groups were well attended with people coming from all walks of life, and diverse cultures and traditions. We prayed, danced and rattled with Mayan traditions, Mexican and various North & South American indigenous cultures. It was gratifying and humbling to witness all of us as one human family with a commitment to peace and harmony in our fragile world. It gave me hope for our future, and the future of our children.

In my private divination sessions I was privileged to hear the hopes and dreams of hundreds of people. While we sat together in silence contemplating my sacred divination bones spread out in various constellations, I heard the whispers of our ancestors guiding us forwards. These whispers were always hopeful, inspiring and empowering. For each person holds so much light and power. It is my hope and dream that more and more people can hold onto their light and realise their potential. A potential that is truly limitless. For we are all free, and we have to take responsibility for it. I feel that it is this awesome freedom that makes people fearful. We all have choice. Embrace your freedom and allow your spirits to soar towards 2013 like eagles entering a new era. For I believe 2013 will be a wonderful year.

Blessings to all my friends, new and old in South Africa, USA, UK, Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, Germany, Poland and beyond. It has been my privilege to serve you in 2012 as a Sangoma and I look forward to doing the same in 2013.

Uthando lo thando, Ubuntu olo thando (An old Xhosa saying: Love is Love, humanity is Love).

Warmest wishes,

John Lockley.

( Special thanks to Thomas Donley for taking these pictures).

In Blogging Tags Hope, international teaching, John Lockley, Ubuntu 2012, Xhosa Sangoma

An African Blessing Ceremony

As the sun started to set across the African sky the elders gathered, the herbs burnt, and the prayers were uttered. We all joined together to celebrate our community in the Sukwhwini kraal. The kraal is the sacred home of the Sukhwini ancestral spirits and my adopted family for over 15 years.

When I first me my teacher, Mum Ngwevu and her husband Tata Sukhwini I felt I had found gold. The gold of an ancient, intact medicine lineage that stretches back hundreds and possibly thousands of years. For the Sukwhini clan is connected to the Khoi San, and they are reputed to be one of the oldest indigenous peoples in the world today. As a white South African who has lived through Apartheid I have been deeply touched and humbled by the Sukhwini elders who have adopted me as their son, and taught me everything they know in terms of ancestors and connecting to the ancient world. Every year I organise a 'thanks giving' ceremony to say 'thank you' to the Sukhwini, Ngwevu (my teacher's line) and Xhosa Sangoma ancestors and elders, for keeping these ancient medicine teachings alive in the world today. We invite Xhosa elders, medicine people and local community members. It normally goes over 2 days and includes sacred prayer and ceremony. This involves going to the sea, river and forest to offer prayers in the old way. It also involves talking in the kraal (ancestral temple), and listening to the elders speak. One of the highlights of the weekend is marked with Sangoma dancing and singing.

Every time I do a workshop overseas I get a photograph taken to show my community and elders back home the people I am helping. At a certain point during the ceremony I stood up and called forth my ancestors, I spoke in Xhosa honouring the ancient ones and the Great Spirit. I then passed around my photo album covering all the ‘Ubuntu Ubunzulu’ (depth of Humanity, traditional Sangoma workshops) workshops that I lead during the past year. I told my elders how I have taught people in the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States and Mexico, to reconnect to their ancestors, elders, dreams, Great Spirit. I tell them how I use Xhosa Medicine to help people to dream. I emphasise the importance of following the old Xhosa ways because they are sacred, beautiful and very powerful. The whole community were speechless.

Then Tata Khumalo stood up. He is a dignified elder who the people respect as a preacher, prophet and wise man. He was quiet for a moment, and then he said “Andithetha ngoku...” I cannot speak right now. He had a lump in his throat and he was very emotional. The whole community was quiet and they uttered one long sigh, aaaaaaaaah. Then his voice returned and he said “enkosi Cingolwendaba!” “Thank you John!”. The spirit started moving through him and his voice returned. He shouted with joy about the work I am doing, and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for me honouring his community, Mum Ngwevu, and Tata Sukhwini. He finished with tears running down his face and saying, “hamba phesheya Cingolwedaba!” “Go overseas John and teach people these old ways”.

I was deeply touched with the support my elders gave me, and to highlight it my teacher Mum Ngwevu gave me some beautiful beads. Her ancestors had told her in a dream to make the beads for me, to say ‘thank you’ for honouring them and helping to spread the sacred teachings of the Xhosa medicine people, the amagqirha.

 Spirit News by John Lockley ‘Ucingolwendaba’          

                  

English

I have travelled all over this world, such as Australia, England, Ireland, Germany, France and all over South Africa. In all these places I have not seen or felt the connection to the Ancestors that I have felt here in the Eastern Cape, Joza location.

Ladies and Gentlemen be proud of your culture and customs.

You are lucky and rich. You have no money but you are connected to your ancestors.

When you sing and dance you raise the spirits of the Ancestors. I tell people overseas that here in South Africa we have gold, the Sangomas.

The world is dying, my friends.

In Europe people have forgotten the old ways of living.

The world is dying because of greediness and a lack of humanity.

You give hope because here I receive the depth of humanity through Sangoma teachings. Wherever I am in the rural Eastern Cape I feel the presence of humanity and the Ancestors guiding us.

Fathers and men don’t forget to teach your children your culture and customs.

When you do spiritual work here in the Eastern Cape you send light throughout the world.

You give people hope, thank you.

Indaba Zikacingolwendaba

Isixhosa

Ndihambile phantsie omhlaba wonke, Australia, England, Ireland, Germany, France noMzantsi Afrika wonke. Kuzo zonke ezindawo andikubonanga okanje andiluvanga unxibelelwano eninalo apha eRhini/ Joza.

Mawethu zingceni ngamasiko nezithethe zenu. Nenethamsanqa nobutyebi obungaphaya. Anina mali kodwa ninxulumene nezinyanya zenu.

Xa nisombela nikwaxhentsa, ninyusa umoya wabaphantsi nivuselela nathi.

Ndixelela abantu phesheya, apha Mzantsi Afrika sinayo igolide engamagqirha.

Elizwe liyathsabalala bahlobo bam.

aEurope abantu bakhona balibele ngendlela endala yokuphila. Leyafa elizwe labo, ngenxa yokunyoluka nokungabina buntu.

Ninika ithemba kuba apha ndifumene ubuntu obunzulu. Naphina apho ndikhoyo ndiyaliva ifuthe lobuntu.

Botata nanimadoda sanakulibala ukufundisa abantwana benu ngamasiko nezithethe zenu.

Xa nisenza omsebenzi apha eJoza nithumela ilitha ehlabathini. Ninika abantu ithemba, Enkosi.

In Blogging Tags African viewpoint, ancestrally, Divine ceremonial experience, John Lockley, Powerful teacher, Sangoma, Shaman, Shamanic State of Consciousness, spiritual wisdom, trained, Ubuntu, veteran lineage holder, Xhosa

Credo Mutwa Appeal

Credo Mutwa

Credo Mutwa is one of the world's leading authorities on african spirituality. He is an icon of world mythology and african traditional knowledge. His book 'Indaba my children' won widespread acclaim both locally and internationally. It highlighted the rich tapestry of African spirituality.

Last year I had the good fortune of spending some time with him and his wife, Virginia. I was deeply saddened to hear how much they are struggling financially. Virginia is also in the process of building a hospice for AIDS sufferers.

The world owes a debt to Credo Mutwa and all the sacrifices he has made to spread African spirituality around the world. Through his wonderful gift of storytelling he demonstrates the common links between all people.

As the world is a global village, we have a responsibility to making sure medicine elders like Credo Mutwa and his wife Virginia live out their golden years with dignity.

I encourage all people to make a donation to this worthy cause:

Bank Account Name: Virginia Mutwa

Bank: Standard Bank, Kuruman, South Africa

Account Number: 236059556

IBAN/BIC SWIFT Address: SBZAZAJJ

Many thanks,

John Lockley

Xhosa Sangoma

In Blogging Tags African Spirituality, Aids Hospice, Credo Mutwa, Indaba my children, John Lockley, Virginia Mutwa, zulua sangoma

Wikipedia

Please see a reference to John & his 'Ubuntu' work in Wikipedia.

In Press Tags John Lockley, Sangoma, Shamans, Wikipedia, Xhosa Medicine

World Cup Football meets Sangoma Medicine

Growing up during the 70s and 80s, in a South Africa torn apart by Apartheid, I’d often find myself barefoot, playing soccer with the local black farm kids.  A bunch of us, black and white, would kick a ball around in the dirt. In the game I was merely another participant - not white, not blonde, not English - just another soccer player. For those brief moments I felt a sense of camaraderie with my team mates and it gave me hope. Hope for an undivided country where the colour of one’s skin no longer matters.

Thirty years on, Apartheid has at last been consigned to the history books. Yes, South Africa still faces some tough challenges as a nation, but as hosts of the upcoming FIFA World Cup we have a unique opportunity to allow “the beautiful game” to bridge cultural and social divides. And as a soccer fan and a practicing Sangoma (I am a member of  ‘Uthando Bayaphantsi’ traditional healers Association) I can’t wait for kick off. The event will also provide the world with a unique window into traditional South African spirituality and, if people keep an open mind, it could promote positive awareness of our indigenous spiritual culture and heritage.

Sangomas, the traditional spiritual doctors of Southern Africa, will play a significant part in the World Cup. Most of the major soccer clubs in South Africa use Sangomas in much the same way that modern clubs overseas use sport psychologists.  Sangomas are psychologist, herbalist and priest rolled into one. They are trained and initiated in an intricate spiritual way much like Tibetan Buddhist Lamas and are seen as instruments or channels of ancestral healing. At a recent milestone conference in South Africa it was announced that African teams may consult with traditional healers and use traditional forms of treatment during the FIFA world cup finals.

This is an exciting time for us, and an opportunity for Sangomas to dispel any negative misconceptions about their work. Sangomas and traditional African healers have often been wrongly associated in the west with witchdoctors, muti killings and voodoo. Sangomas are professional priests and healers, but just as certain individuals in the Christian priesthood and western medicine may occasionally bring their professions into disrepute, so unfortunately do certain individuals in the Sangoma world. Traditionally Sangomas are healers and bonefide Sangomas would never perform negative acts, they work with honesty and integrity.

A Sangoma might bless a football team and the pitch in various ways according to their particular culture. An animal blood sacrifice is one way for us to perform blessings and ceremonies, as in our culture blood is seen as cleansing and purifying, but we are also able to use medicinal plants, prayers, song and dance for the same purpose. We pay respect to our forefathers and call upon our ancestors to support our endeavours, placing our fate in their hands, whether in life or on the soccer pitch. Not so long ago FIFA cracked down heavily on Sangomas performing their rites on the turf at the Somhlolo Stadium in Swaziland, after it was disclosed that a Sangoma from either Black Mambas or Mbabane Swallows had cut open a section of the expensive artificial pitch and buried a sacrificial chicken in the centre. Not an issue the English FA are ever likely to have to contend with!

I will be supporting  the South African Bafana Bafana during the tournament.  I would have  been behind the Republic of Ireland squad too as my mother’s Irish, from Dublin, but controversially they haven't made it to the finals.  I'll be in Ireland in May, so if the Irish team would like a blessing ceremony I would be up for it.  And don't worry, I'll leave my chickens and goats behind and focus purely on the use of medicinal plants.

In Blogging Tags John Lockley, Sangoma Medicine, World Cup Football