Sumak Kawsay
AUTHOR DAVID HONëR
- or good life means "life in abundance" for the indigenous peoples of Ecuador and Bolivia. This traditional way of thinking is not only their historical and political project, but also has to do with the knowledge of how to live in harmony and balance; harmony with the earth, the cosmos, life and history. And in balance with every existence.
There are similar, cultural ways of thinking in different cultures around the world. On all continents, among all peoples.
Sumak Kawsay is the way and the goal of all communities. One must first learn to live by oneself in order to live together. It is impossible to live well when others live worse. Those who live at the expense of others do not understand or realize that such an imbalance causes a deterioration of the whole.
Sumak Kawsay also proposes an altruistic type of relationship between people, in which selfish individuality must be subordinated to a principle of social responsibility and ethical obligation. The relationship with nature, in which nature is recognized as a fundamental part of human 'sociality' is the basis for this.
This implementation of Sumak Kawsay as a recognized model of development, consists in accepting knowledge for the collective development of human beings and their intention to live a harmonious life. Such a life is supported by ethical values.
Fernando Huanacuni Mamani, activist, indigenous politician and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia until 2018, presents the 13 principles of Sumak Kawsay:
Suma Manq' aña (Know how to eat).
It is important to choose healthy foods. In the Andean cosmovision, everything lives and everything needs food. Therefore, food is given through offerings to Mother Earth, the mountains and the rivers. These provide the necessary nourishment. Therefore, one must eat the food of the time and the food of the place.
Suma Umaña (Knowledge of How to Drink)
Before drinking, one starts with the challa. The challa is a traditional ritual thanksgiving in the culture of the Aymara, an indigenous people of the Andes. One gives to drink to Pachamama, the mother earth. It is about entering into the heart of the world, taking from one's own heart, in harmony with the river, the earth, the sun, life. Society celebrates social togetherness. At weddings, wakes, or other social activities where the consumption of alcohol is permitted and desired, it is customary for the first shot of an alcoholic beverage to be dedicated to Pachamama by pouring it on the ground.
Suma Thokoña (Knowing how to dance).
To relate together with the organic, non-organic and spiritual world. All activities should be done with a spiritual dimension.
Suma Ikiña (knowing how to sleep)
One must sleep for two days, that is, sleep before midnight, in order to have the two energies; that of the night and that of the next morning. In the southern hemisphere, one must sleep with the head facing north and the feet facing south; in the northern hemisphere, one must sleep with the head facing south and the feet facing north.
Suma Irnakaña (knowing how to work)
For man, work is not suffering, but joy. One must work with passion.
Suma Lupiña (Knowing how to meditate)
It is important to know oneself, to observe. This is done in silence. It balances and harmonizes, establishes one's own balance and is connected to the balance and silence of the environment. As a result of this interaction, calmness and serenity germinate.
Suma Amuyaña (Knowing how to think)
It is the reflection from the rational and from the feeling: "Without losing the mind, let us go the way of the heart“.
Suma Munaña, Munayasiña (Knowing how to love and be loved).
Love is a two-way process. Respect for all that exists creates a harmonious relationship.
Suma Ist' aña (Knowing how to listen)
Listening not only with the ears, but with the whole body. Feeling and hearing how everything lives. In this way everything becomes good.
Suma Aruskipaña (Speaking well)
Before speaking, one must feel and think. Speaking well means; speaking to build, to encourage, to contribute. Everything that is spoken is written in the hearts of those who listen. Sometimes it is difficult to erase the effect of some words; therefore, it is necessary to choose one's words with care.
Suma Samkasiña (Knowing how to dream)
Dream is the beginning of reality. Through the dream, one perceives life. To dream is to create life.
Suma Sarnaqaña (Knowing how to walk)
There is no tiredness for those who know how to walk. One must be aware that one does not walk alone; one walks with the community, the family, the wind, with Mother Earth, with the sun, with the ancestors and other beings.
Suma Churaña, Suma Katukaña (How to Give and Receive Knowledge)
Life is the interaction of many beings and forces. In life, everything flows: one receives and one gives; the interaction of forces generates life. We must know how to give with joy and be grateful for all that we receive.
