Mapuche Philosophy: Ancient Words to Awaken the Being

Mapuche Philosophy: Ancient Words to Awaken the Being

The book delves into the profound philosophical and spiritual essence of the Mapuche culture, a principal indigenous culture of Chile. The work aims to facilitate a change in worldview and mentality by exploring the Mapuche ethos, deeply rooted in nature's language and unalterable truths. It emphasizes the cultural and mental shift necessary for addressing the challenges faced by postmodern societies​​​​.

"Filosofía Mapuche: Palabras Arcaicas para Despertar al Ser" by Ziley Mora Penros elucidates the role of language as a pivotal element in the Mapuche cosmovision. This language, Mapudungún, is not merely a tool for communication but a vehicle for understanding the universe and a reflection of Mapuche practices, ceremonial life, and central tenets in various fields such as art, law, and medicine. The author aspires to re-enchant Latin American and Western culture with mystery, reverence, and harmony through understanding and embracing this indigenous paradigm​​. Mapuche philosophy, as presented in the book, is deeply connected with consciousness and the concept of "true humans" living in harmony with the world. The Mapuche worldview does not recognize strict boundaries, believing that the world flows through individuals as the wind does through the air, shaping perceptions and, in turn, being shaped by them. This perception challenges the dualistic rationalism predominant in Western thought and suggests a more holistic approach to understanding the world and oneself​​. The work also delves into the ontological and moral conditioning within Mapuche culture, highlighting how knowledge and understanding evolve with the individual. The Mapuche creation myth, for example, illustrates the complex interplay of genders, cognitive limitations, and moral evolution. This philosophical approach is contrasted with Western Christian mysticism, emphasizing the need for introspection and moral reform to achieve higher consciousness and understanding​​. The book further explores the linguistic nuances of the Mapuche language, emphasizing how the words and their etymology in Mapudungún reflect deep philosophical and spiritual meanings. For instance, the concept of "trepen," meaning awakening, conveys a sense of surprise, joy, and positive outlook, reflecting the profound spiritual experience of enlightenment, comparable to the highest ideals of Eastern philosophies and major world religions​​. The Mapuche language, as analyzed in the text, is not only a medium of communication but also a powerful tool for shaping reality. It holds a generative dimension, where naming something is akin to invoking its presence. This perspective on language reflects a deeper understanding of words as expressions of meta-physical relationships, where the act of naming is seen as transformative and consciousness awakening​​.

FILOSOFÍA MAPUCHE, Palabras Arcaicas para Despertar el Ser