And How Are the Children?

Perhaps the most recognized of Africa’s tribes is the Maasai, comprising nearly 2 million people in Kenya and Tanzania. Particularly of note is their reputation as Africa’s most fearsome (and feared) warriors. Thus it may be surprising to learn that their traditional greeting to one another is casserian engeri, “And how are the children?”

No casual “How are you?” or “How is it going?” but rather a genuine inquiry into the wellbeing of the youth. And how are the children? The Maasai believe the health of a society is best assessed by the condition of its rising generation.

Their focus on the collective rather than the individual serves as a profound model for spiritual growth. The belief that an individual, a “me”, can transcend “my” ego is a heavily cloaked ego-driven, ego-enhancing desire. All attempts to tame or rise above the nature of self are paradoxically destined to reinforce it and thereby fail. But by shifting awareness out of the self and into the formless presence of mind, we sense the unbreakable bonds of love that unite everyone and everything. As we read in A Course in Miracles “Healing is the effect of minds that join, as [suffering] comes from minds that separate.”

By prioritizing the welfare of their children and, by extension, the community, the Maasai exemplify interconnectedness. We can take their lessons to heart, inspiring us to contemplate the non-dualistic nature of oneness. Returning awareness to the mind dissolves all concepts of separation and identity, reflecting the infinite bliss of eternal union.

Join me in Thursday’s class where we’ll further explore these concepts and lessons we can practice to experience the serenity of inner peace. I look forward to seeing you then.