Tribute to Mandela 1918-2013
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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
Glastonbury talk/ Ceremony
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
John will talk in Glastonbury on Sunday 30th.
Private Sangoma Sessions Monday 1st July
In Events Tags African Mysticism, Ancestors, dreams, Glastonbury Festival, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Modern World, Nelson Mandela, South Africa, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe
Talk at Consciousness Cafe, Totnes
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
John will be giving a talk on Thurs 27th in Totnes entitled 'Indigenous Medicine for the Modern World'.
Private Sangoma Sessions Fri 28th & Sat 29th
In Events Tags African Mysticism, Ancestors, Consciousness Cafe, dreams, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Modern World, Nelson Mandela, South Africa, Totnes, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe
Dreams, Mysticism and beyond...?
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
London talk entitled Dreams, Mysticism and beyond with John Lockley & Charlie Morley.
To Book click above link
Private Sangoma sessions in London on Mon 8th..
In Events Tags African Mysticism, Ancestors, Buddhism, Charlie Morley, dreams, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Journey of Truth, London, Modern World, Nelson Mandela, South Africa, Tibetan, Tibetan lucid Dreaming, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe
Sangoma Medicine Clinic in New York City
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
John will be giving private Sangoma divination & healing sessions in New York City. For help with: your life path/ destiny, dreams and ancestors please book a private session.
Sangoma Medicine USA Tour Oct-Nov 2012
In Events Tags Ancestors, dreams, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, New York City, South Africa, traditional Shaman, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe
Shamanic Gathering in Central Park, New York
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
John will be presenting at the 14th Annual Shamanic Gathering in Central Park, New York City, USA. Presented by New York Shamanic Circle.
See Sangoma Medicine USA Tour Oct-Nov 2012
In Events Tags African Shaman, Ancestors, Dreaming, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, New York City, New York Shamanic Circle, South Africa, Xhosa Sangoma
Sangoma Workshop in Shropshire, UK
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
John will be leading a Sangoma workshop in Shropshire. The workshop will focus on the ancient art of Dreaming, connecting with the Ancestors/ Spirit World, and Medicinal plants.
The workshop will include live African Drumming, Singing and Dancing.
Let your Spirit Soar and your Heart expand...
Sunday will involve private Sangoma Divination Sessions.
In Events Tags Ancestors, Ancient spirituality, Dreaming, John Lockley, Medicinal plants, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma workshop, Shropshire, South Africa, UK, Xhosa Sangoma
Sangoma Divinations in Dublin
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
John will be available to give private Sangoma Divinations/ Readings in the Dervish Center in Dublin, Ireland. To book please contact the Dervish Center on 01-475-9000
In Events Tags Ancestors, Aungier Street, Dervish Center, dreams, Dublin, Ireland, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, South Africa, Traditional African shamanic Readings/ Divinations, Xhosa tribe
Sangoma workshop in Bedfordshire, UK
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
Friday,16th September, Public Talk/ Blessing Ceremony in the ancient way, around the fire.
John will deliver a Sangoma talk with singing, live African drumming and an opportunity for questions.
Time: 7:30 - 9:30pm
By Donation,suggested £10 - £20
Saturday, 17th, Sangoma Workshop
Sunday, 18th, Private Divination Sessions, By appointment
Venue: Clophill Farm
In Events Tags Ancestors, Bedfordshire, Clophill Center, Dreaming, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma Medicine, South Africa, traditional Shamanism-, Ubuntu workshop, United Kingdom
Workshop in Cork City, Ireland
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
Friday,26th August, Public Talk/ Blessing Ceremony
John will deliver a Sangoma talk with singing, live African drumming and an opportunity for questions.
Time: 7:30 - 9:30pm
By Donation,suggested €10 - €30
Saturday,27th, Sangoma Workshop
Sunday, 28th, Private Divination Sessions, By appointment
In Events Tags Ancestors, Cork City, Dervish Center, Dreaming, Ireland, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma Medicine, South Africa, traditional Shamanism-, Ubuntu workshop
African Healers Unite
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
Special fireside community talk with Malidoma Some, John Lockley and Glenn Leisching. A time to sit back and reconnect with the ancient wisdom of Africa.
In Events Tags African Healers, Ancient wisdom of Africa, Dagara tradition, fireside community talk, Glenn Leisching, John Lockley, Malidoma Some, Of water and the Spirit, South Africa, West Africa, Xhosa Sangoma