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Gate of Paradise: Secrets of Andean Shamanism

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This book is the entrance way to a world of tranquil thinking and harmonious actions. The Gate of Paradise explores the Andean teachings of ageless wisdom which lays dormant in the heart of all wayfarers who journey within. The knowledge in this book is so potent and inspiring that its hard to put it down until you've soaked it all up. The teachings breathe life into the reader and causes a retrieval of innocence, along with an aire of care for the entire earth kingdom. All becomes mystic, all is mystic, all of life is a wonder once the shamanic teachings are absorbed and experienced. As Chamalu states, live in the poetic dimension. This is an author that lucidly transmits the sacred message worthy of all times and spaces(try Chamalu, another title). Enjoy, you'll love this.

If the above four words attract you, so will "The Gate of Paradise." The book's title is not hyperbole. If you are looking for that gate, this book will take you there.

Chamalu's love, gentleness and passion are found on every page, along with the beauty of his expression. His prose is poetic and exciting. He writes, "I sense eternity flowing through my body, the infinite parked on the tracks of my memory. So -- what do I have to fear if I am greater than circumstances and my greatness, beating darkness off, turns death into the dawn of another day?"

He tells us charming and important stories about his people and how they live in balance and harmony with the Earth. He explains, "My countrymen and I are cosmically free because we have not forsaken the natural condition in which all human beings ought to live. Because we have not sacrificed innocence, nor have we given up spontaneity, because we have learned that we do not have to be specialists in anything -- except in living."

Chamalu has compassion for white culture, asking, "For how much longer will modern man feel afraid to lead a meaningful, complete life?" He warns, "Each intention is a word, each action a verse in the existential poem you write in this sequence of experiences." He promises, "Love is the gateway to a full life."

This book is one of those that the reader can savor over time. To race through it is to miss the flavor and color of it just as you cannot race through a sunset.

Chamalu tells us about talking to animals, trees, stones. He has a subtle sense of humor, stating, "No, our words are not scientific; they are just true." He knows it takes courage to make this journey to your inner spaces. He comforts, "You are never alone from the minute you start to move forward hand in hand with the Pachamama."

There are poems scattered throughout. His poetry is rich, deep and moving. It holds praise for life (Pachamama) and wise counsel:

"All the words in the world

fit into a splinter of silence,

into the innocent eyes of the forest dweller,

into the majestic flight of the condor over the Andes.

Reconcile yourself to silence,

the voiceless voice of the Pachamama."

Chamalu has written his book, I think, primarily as a love letter for Western man, who is trapped in his own greed and desperation. A message to that end is plainly delivered, although sometimes encoded,

on every page. It is a message we need to hear, a message whose time has come. He tells us (eyes alight, I imagine), "The age of the native is coming. It is starting now, clothed in humility, the best way to show essential knowledge. He who is not ready to live to the full has already started to die."

Wonderful, poetic book. Enter the authors perspective, feel his way of being. Simply spell-binding and inspiring.