A buried treasure, Elena’s experience
Four years ago, in September of 2013, I became aware of Damanhur’s existence. Before I had even physically gone there, I felt a new sensation within me, as if a big machine with incredibly complex gears had finally been put into motion.
It was as if I could clearly see the dust rise as a result of the movement of all the rust-covered parts, the same sensation that I imagine could be felt in bringing a precious wreckage from the bottom of the ocean into the light.
Sand, mud, landslides of the surrounding earth… all kinds of scenarios that are unstable, but that help to bring life back to a buried treasure.
When I hear a Damanhurian affirm that his or her life choice has been dictated by the urgency of responding to the “call,” with joy I return to the image of the wreckage of treasures: anyone would spend all the energy they have to bring it back into the light!
So, the buried treasure is not just a personal good, it is a wealth that concerns every infinitely small atom of this marvelous and mistreated planet.
I firmly believe that in the life of every human being, there are many opportunities for opening to awareness, moments when everything suddenly seems clear, even if it is not obvious.
What do you need in those moments? You need the courage to change, the courage to do things, to act.
In the Damanhurian school of thought, everyone knows the dividing line that separates those who do nothing but seek from those who decide to find something!
It’s a lesson that brought me back to the school desks, to Dante’s inferno, “You are not here to live like brutes, but to seek virtue and knowledge.”
We can also close our eyes and pretend not to exist, but our consciousness drives us to reawaken that divine spark that is contained within us.
I found this in Damanhur four years ago: the awareness of bringing this hidden treasure within me into the light.
Ours is a popolo (people) rich with many shades of color: there are women, men, artists, healers and those who have been healed, lovers of life and officiant of its rituals and rhythms.
Over time, I am learning not to seek perfection in my brothers and sisters, not judging personal weaknesses, because we all struggle with our limitations every day, observing them, welcoming them and then loving them, and in this way, attempting to go beyond ourselves.
What I love about them is to see my dream reflected in their eyes. Together we are learning to love, together we feel that in every moment, the buried treasure is a little closer to the surface.
Elena Pinto
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