Journey of a Song: From Quiet Mornings to the Heart of the Amazon
Benny Oyama
Embarking on a medicine path for three years and treading the Buddhist way for two decades has been a transformative journey for me. Along the way, I've encountered moments of profound connection and inspiration, and one such instance unfolded on a quiet morning in my friend Eduardo's house in La Roma. Little did I know that picking up his grandfather's guitar absentmindedly would lead to the spontaneous creation of a song that seems to have been already written in the fabric of existence.
The Birth of a Song
In that spacious white wooden living room, the chords resonated with the stillness of the morning, and the lyrics flowed effortlessly. This song, a product of serendipity, is a testament to the inexplicable beauty that can emerge when the soul is in tune with the universe. Songs like these, often channeled in ceremony, capture the essence of our spiritual journeys.
Recording at Restaura Festival
Fast forward to March 2023, during the Restaura Festival at Ikal by the ocean of Tulum, Mexico. The song found its way into a recording, featuring two significant individuals in my life – Moncaya and Rafa Chaman. These remarkable souls are not only part of my extended family but also serve as teachers, dedicated practitioners, and talented musicians in their own right. The recording unfolded amidst the vibrant energy of the festival, with bright spirits and teachers from diverse traditions contributing to its magic.
The Unfolding Tapestry:
Beyond the festival, the life of this song continued to unfold in unexpected ways. In August of the same year, I embarked on a journey to Acre, five days up the river Taruacá, reaching a Huni Kuin community called Aldeia Mibaya. It was here that I met Mana, a young Huni Kuin who became deeply passionate about the song. In a poignant moment, Mana added his people's ancestral prayers to the lyrics, infusing the song with the wisdom of his community.
A Tragic Turn
However, life's narrative is often bittersweet. A few days after sharing this musical connection, Mana tragically passed away. His untimely departure left an indelible mark on the song, transforming it into a poignant tribute to a young soul whose spirit had briefly intertwined with the melody.
Looking Forward:
As the journey of this song continues to unfold, I find myself on the brink of sharing Mana's prayer and his story. The intricacies of his life and the profound impact he had on this creation deserve to be heard. When the song is recorded next, it will carry the echoes of Mana's spirit, a testament to the interconnectedness of our journeys, transcending time and space.
In the quietude of a morning and the vibrancy of a festival, a song was born. Its evolution, marked by unexpected collaborations and poignant farewells, reflects the ebb and flow of life's melodies. As I carry the memory of Mana and the ancestral prayers within the chords, I look forward to the day when the world will hear the full tapestry of this song's extraordinary journey.
