The Mythical Origins of the Tibetan Goose: The Tale of Siddhartha's Goose

In the vast tapestry of Tibetan mythology, there exists a captivating tale that explains the origins of the revered Tibetan goose. This enchanting story revolves around Siddhartha, the historical figure who would later become known as Gautama Buddha, and a loyal goose that played a pivotal role in his spiritual journey.

According to legend, Siddhartha was a prince who renounced his luxurious life to seek enlightenment and find the path to end suffering. During his years of austere meditation and self-reflection, Siddhartha sought solace in the serene landscapes of Tibet.

In the days of yore, when kingdoms flourished and princely tales were woven, there lived a noble prince named Siddhartha. One fine morning, accompanied by his cousin Devadatta, he ventured into the enchanted woods for a leisurely stroll. Amidst the whispering trees and melodies of nature, Siddhartha's keen eyes caught sight of a majestic goose gracefully soaring through the heavens. With great excitement, he pointed out this magnificent creature to Devadatta.

However, in an impulsive act driven by his misplaced ardor, Devadatta hastily drew his bow and unleashed an arrow towards the unsuspecting goose. Alas, the arrow found its mark, and the bird descended, wounded and in pain. Swift as the wind, both young boys rushed to the fallen creature's side. It was Siddhartha who arrived first, his heart brimming with compassion and a desire to ease the goose's suffering.

Gently cradling the wounded goose, Siddhartha skillfully removed the arrow and tended to its grievous wound, offering solace and healing touch. In that fateful moment, Devadatta arrived, his heart devoid of remorse. Asserting his claim over the wounded bird, he demanded its surrender from Siddhartha. A dispute arose, and the matter was taken to the court, seeking the wisdom of a venerable judge.

In the hallowed chambers of justice, the judge cast an observant gaze upon the bird nestled in Siddhartha's caring hands. In his infinite wisdom, he pronounced his judgement, gracing the courtroom with words of profound insight. "Had the bird met its demise by your arrow, the claim would have been rightfully yours," spoke the sagacious judge. "But it is Siddhartha who nurtured its wounded spirit back to life. The bird, therefore, belongs to the savior, not the one who aimed to harm."

As time passed, the bird's wounds healed, and its strength was restored. Siddhartha, with his heart attuned to the harmony of all beings, chose to set the bird free. With gentle hands, he released the goose to the open sky, declaring, "The bird is unbound, beholden to no earthly tie." As the goose soared to new heights, a testament to its recovered freedom, Siddhartha beheld its flight with a sense of profound fulfillment.

And so, in the annals of timeless tales, this story of compassion, justice, and liberation found its place, forever enshrining the noble spirit of Prince Siddhartha and his encounter with the wounded goose.

As Siddhartha embarked on his quest for enlightenment, the goose remained faithfully by his side. It became his constant companion, offering solace, protection, and spiritual guidance. The goose, imbued with wisdom and an innate understanding of the universe, became a trusted confidant to Siddhartha, who shared his deepest thoughts and insights with this celestial companion.

As Siddhartha reached the pinnacle of his spiritual awakening, attaining enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, the goose played a significant role. It is said that as Siddhartha achieved enlightenment, the radiance of his awakening spread throughout the universe, transforming into a radiant light that shone from his being.

Witnessing this miraculous transformation, the goose absorbed the divine energy and wisdom emanating from Siddhartha. It was then that the goose itself became an embodiment of enlightenment, a symbol of purity, compassion, and spiritual awakening. From that moment forward, Tibetan Buddhists regarded the goose as a sacred creature, embodying the teachings of Siddhartha and the essence of enlightenment.

In art and iconography, the Tibetan goose is often depicted with its wings spread, symbolizing the flight towards liberation and the transformation of consciousness. Its radiant feathers represent the wisdom gained from the enlightened mind, and its unwavering loyalty mirrors the devotion and commitment required on the path of enlightenment.

Through the tale of Siddhartha's goose, the mythical origins of the Tibetan goose come to life, reminding us of the profound bond between humans and nature, and the potential for transcendence and spiritual awakening that lies within us all.

The Moon Goose Era (Aztec culture, Lewis Spence)

 In the rich tapestry of Aztec mythology, the origin of the world is a tale intertwined with gods, sacrifice, and the eternal cycle of creation and destruction. According to Aztec cosmology, the world has gone through multiple iterations, each with its own unique era and destiny. Among these iterations, the fifth incarnation of the world, known as the Moon Goose Era, holds a special place in Aztec lore.

Long before the birth of mankind, the gods convened in the celestial realm to create the world anew. They gathered around the primordial bonfire, known as the Sacred Hearth, and embarked on a cosmic dance to bring about the rebirth of the universe. It was during this time that the mighty god Quetzalcoatl and his brother Tezcatlipoca emerged as the guiding forces in shaping the destiny of the new world.

In the Aztec creation myth, the world that preceded the Moon Goose Era was destroyed in a catastrophic event known as the Fourth Sun. The gods, determined to create a more harmonious and balanced world, embarked on a daring journey to shape the fifth incarnation. It was during this process that Quetzalcoatl, the plumed serpent deity associated with wisdom and fertility, assumed a central role in the cosmic drama.

As the world took shape, Quetzalcoatl and his divine brethren needed a symbol to represent the delicate balance of life and the cyclical nature of existence. They turned to the majestic goose, a creature known for its graceful flight and connection to the celestial realms. The gods bestowed upon the goose an otherworldly radiance, making it a celestial messenger and a vessel of divine energy.

In the Moon Goose Era, the world flourished under the watchful eyes of Quetzalcoatl and the cosmic goose. The land was abundant, and the people thrived in an era of prosperity and enlightenment. The celestial goose, its feathers imbued with the luminescence of the moon, served as a symbol of wisdom, fertility, and divine guidance. Its cry echoed across the vast landscapes, reminding the people of their connection to the celestial realm and the cyclical nature of life.

During this golden age, rituals and ceremonies honoring the moon goose became central to Aztec society. Temples were erected in its honor, and the people celebrated its presence in their daily lives. The celestial goose was believed to bring blessings, fertility, and protection to the land and its inhabitants.

However, as with all eras in Aztec cosmology, the Moon Goose Era eventually reached its destined end. The cosmic cycle demanded change, and the world would undergo yet another transformation. The era of the moon goose, marked by its radiant presence and celestial significance, would yield to a new era, ushering in the next chapter in the perpetual dance of creation and destruction.

In the annals of Aztec mythology, the Moon Goose Era stands as a testament to the cyclical nature of existence and the delicate balance that governs the world. Its mystical allure continues to captivate the imagination, reminding us of the profound connection between the celestial and earthly realms and the eternal dance of life and renewal.

Sources: Lewis Spence (1874 - 1955) - "The Myths of Mexico and Peru" (1913): Spence, a Scottish historian and mythologist, explored the mythology of various ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs. His book "The Myths of Mexico and Peru" offers an overview of Aztec mythology, focusing on their gods, creation myths, and religious beliefs. While his interpretations have been subject to criticism, his work sheds light on the understanding of Aztec mythology in the early 20th century.

Member Letter to the Hay-on-Wye Parish, Church of NSI

Look friends brothers sisters creatures    there is something i want to share with you 

on the occasion of this ceremony    we do not discuss this enough   

ceremony ritual and all of that    we are all a bit lost

let us take a moment

if you leave this place with its pews and cruciform geometries   

and come out to the churchyard and appraise the ancient twisting yew 

treading carefully

and if you allow yourself into the ancient yew    respectfully   show some respect

ceremony is about respect    and ceremony is about order    imposing some order

on these messy proceedings we find ourselves in    shaping it    

into circles or crosses or pentagrams but some sort of shape 

and a gift too please    something beautiful does not have to be material

a sacrifice can take many forms   

also some self restraint    let us rein in our baser instincts thank you

we need some order    can we have some order please 

you see    well maybe you will see    we will see    it is all part of the great cosmic order

the great cosmic order speaks to me sometimes    it speaks through the yew

it may speak to you    through the yew    but you will have to allow it to    be nice

i have learnt these things from many wisdoms and ceremonies   they are all paths really

paths to the great cosmic order    nobody owns the cosmic order    it owns us

no all we can do is seek it    jesus and me and the yew    all the holy men and women

all the witches who lived at the edge of the village and drank from the sacred well

all the people who worked with the sacred plants and the sacred medicines   

played the sacred music    the rhythms and the chants    you can call them shamans

they called me that    the kids did   seamus the shaman   like it was fate    it is all fate

all of this

by Seamus Wilson