Читать книгу The First Boomerang - Paul Bryden - Страница 14

The two men walked in firm brown sand for about two hundred metres, passing a small rock pool of water just deep enough to reflect flashes of sunlight as their eyes caught the right angles. Upon seeing the red cabbage palms about fifty metres away the Elder held up his hand to stop. They both stood still and he alerted the spirits that they were approaching. Then as Rob concluded his silent words he wondered whether thought-messages would be acceptable on some occasions, and would ask the Elder about it later.

They reached the palms and the Elder selected a young plant, telling Rob to hold the slim trunk and bend it towards him a little. Choosing a frond the Elder carefully peeled off the outer layers with his fingers to reach the softer inner layers. He then took a small pocket-knife out of his trousers, unfolded the blade and cut small sections, handing one to Rob.

“This food is a gift from the Ancestors. Hope you like it.”

Rob put it onto his tongue and began chewing slowly.

“Be perfect in a salad,” he said, savouring the smooth, slightly tart flavour. The Elder also had a piece and chewed it until it was watery in his mouth. He had not tasted this rare bush tucker for many years, and after doing so had the look of a contented man.

“I remember grandfather letting me taste it, but our people stopped eating it years ago. Why? Because this palm will probably die now.’’

“Oh,’’ Rob uttered, surprised.

“Yes, but my actions should be okay because I’m explaining culture, and the Ancestors understand what we’re doing...’’

“Well, that’s good. And thanks for the huge privilege.’’ Rob responded, happy that he was gaining information about the old ways.

The mid-afternoon sun hit their hats at about 30 degrees Celsius, but they were comfortable enough. Rob called it honest heat because it was dry with no humidity. The gorge was hotter than Alice Springs because sunlight reflected into it from high rocky walls on both sides, and there was no breeze. They had become used to it because the temperatures had been higher ever since they arrived. Even so they began walking back on the shaded side and did not have far to go, or so Rob thought.

Large rocks stood around, water-worn and sun-baked after millennia in the elements. Rob walked ahead and after passing a larger rock suddenly stopped. On the other side was a circular-shaped depression in the ground at least twenty metres across. Compelled to walk down into it, he found a dark, round stone with shiny flecks about the size of a marble at the bottom. It was surprisingly heavy for its size and unlike any others Rob had seen in the gorge. He made a quick mental note that it looked out of place, then called out to the Elder who was several metres behind.

“What’s this?” Rob asked, his voice brightened by the joy of discovery as he held the small stone above his head. The Elder caught up, and leaned against one of the taller shaded rocks.

“There’s a big story about this fella. That’s no ordinary stone! You know we’ve got stories about stars and planets. And we discovered asteroids and meteors before Europeans arrived. I’m using English names so what I say has more significance. This ancient burnt stone is a tektite, part of a meteorite!”

“What? That must be so rare,” Rob responded as he glanced up into blue, expansive Central Australian sky, before refocusing on the stone.

“They are. But we found them from time to time,” the Elder confirmed as he looked closely at the tektite.

“I know the stars and earth are connected in traditional culture, but are you saying your elders knew this little, heavy stone came from outer space?”

Rob could not have asked his question more precisely or succinctly. The Elder was expecting it and suggested they walk the hundred metres or so back to camp and the refreshing shade, before he answered.

The water in their bottles was not very cool but both men drank and replenished themselves. Rob, now sitting on his rolled-up swag had an expectant expression as the Elder began.

“Ancestors have always lived in the Sky-World and they’re still up there as stars and constellations. They gave us stories about meteors and asteroids, but our Elders also knew these dark, round stones came from beyond earth. There was no other possibility because they knew how stones behaved. Stones are living objects, but they didn’t jump around making holes in the ground!”

“That’s fantastic,” Rob enthused. “I’ve never thought of them knowing the connection between a stone on earth and its cosmic origin.”

But there it was staring him in the face. Proof that the old people knew exactly what happened in their country.

* * *

They had brought sufficient supplies for their stay, the morning had been eventful, and it was mid-afternoon so food was the next priority. The fire soon burned down and Rob removed the tops from cans of braised steak and onions, placing them in the coals to heat. Their spirits were being deeply nourished in this sanctuary of pure, loving energy, and the Elder mentioned another visit to the cave.

“We’ll go in about an hour before dusk in time for last daylight. The paintings vibrate beauty and spirituality, and maybe we’ll receive information about their origin and whether human hands were involved. You asked about that earlier, remember?”

Rob was feeling very excited as he stood up.

“Yeah, I’ve had a lot of thoughts about it. Either highly evolved artists, aligned to the Spiritual Source painted the images, or they miraculously appeared overnight. Like those out-of-this-world crop circle designs in England. I can’t even guess when it happened. But if it was local artists how did they receive information way beyond their experience and cultural traditions? It’s a magnificent mystery.”

The Elder did not comment directly on Rob’s ideas, but acknowledged him with warm eye contact, knowing they would be in the presence of the superb art very soon.

After a couple of hours relaxing at their shaded campsite they set out for the paintings. The rock steps they walked down for the third time were well defined, although definitely not made by human hands. The cave was long, formed by an overhang that arched towards the ground. At the bottom of the steps it was attached to the rock floor, but near the paintings it did not quite touch the earth, hence the variation in light along its length. It was a formation that only a higher hand could have created, something to be expected in this spiritual gorge.

The Elder carried a hunting boomerang in each hand and like Rob, stood in silence when they reached the sacred art. They wanted to know as much as possible. But what more would they be given or perceive this time?

* * *

Throughout Australia there are many outstanding styles of painted Aboriginal Rock Art. The most distinctive include the Wandjina in the Kimberley of Western Australia, the Quinkans and other Spirit Figures of Cape York Peninsular in Queensland, and the Lightning Brothers of the Northern Territory. These paintings represent stories, Ancestors and records of significant events, and are located in the country of specific traditional groups. When people who do not know the Aboriginal stories and interpretations view the paintings, they see examples of fine artwork comprising both familiar and unfamiliar images. Yet researchers who specialise in Rock Art speculate about the meaning and purpose of the paintings. They try and discover the ‘why’ and ‘when’ of the art, and many different theories have evolved. Aboriginal custodians are not always available to interpret, and sadly, because of forced removal from their land some sites may never be understood from a traditional perspective.

During the 1980s a tall, lone enthusiast discovered hundreds of previously unrecorded sites of Rock Art in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory. Most are located in extremely remote areas, some only accessible on foot, and they contain outstanding examples of figures, symbols, and animals, known and unknown. These recent recordings suggest an obvious conclusion, particularly when the vastness of Australia is considered. There must be many more Rock Art sites awaiting re-discovery across the Dreamtime continent.

* * *

The eager explorers wanted to examine the unrivalled artwork more closely than before, and looked with expectant eyes.

“They’re almost alive,” Rob said, his hands instinctively clasped together with respect in front of his chest. The huge life-like figures astounded him, and he knew that anyone who saw them would feel the same!

Yet no-one would ever expect to find such paintings in Central Australia. Billions would recognise them, but the deeper significance was not their names or forms. It was the spirituality they represented. Rob believed that Universal Love Energy connected all people everywhere, including all faiths and religions, and he knew this was the paintings’ vital message. It aligned with the Elder’s words about Oneness and he spoke with conviction.

“According to your recollections these paintings of Krishna, Jesus, Buddha, Sathya Sai Baba plus other figures and symbols materialised in the Dreamtime. This suggests that future events were known in the beginning. That’s absolutely incredible.” Rob said, shaking his head from side to side. “The people or creative energy responsible knew about man’s spiritual development on earth! These paintings whose age we don’t know, represent the history of Humanity’s spirituality, past, present and future! Totally mind boggling. I can hardly believe what I just said!”

Rob slowed for a deep breath and sat down on the cave floor, his thoughts overflowing with the revelations of the afternoon, especially the words he had just spoken. The Elder had been listening carefully.

“I still don’t remember these exact paintings, but when I was twelve I presumed they were from the Dreamtime! They’ll upset most academics and teachers. Images like these don’t fit their world view or reference books. It’s a hoax, they’ll say! And they won’t give your spiritual theories the time of day because for them the intellect is God, even though many don’t use the word. Anthropologists and Aboriginal leaders will dismiss your ideas. They’ll claim you’re mocking traditional culture for your own ends. And they’ll have a go at me too.”

Rob listened closely, but he’d been around long enough to know there will always be critics, as the Elder continued.

“They’ll write you off as an amateur, badly affected by the Outback sun. They’ll challenge you to reveal your so-called spiritual paintings. One or two religious leaders may be sympathetic, but others will strongly disagree with your big picture. You’ll have to handle a lot of criticism.”

“Yeah, I see that. Sure there’ll be noses out of joint, but awareness is growing and many people will be open to this discovery and what it represents,” Rob said confidently.

“I agree,” the Elder said, then his face lit up. “There’s a growing pathway on the planet: a wide, colourful Songline awakening people and nations to the Spiritual Source. It’s a multi-level journey and many will support the vision because now it’s time to link hearts and souls.”

Rob was still sitting on the rock floor as the Elder finished describing his inspired idea. The vision of a “wide, colourful Songline” appealed greatly to Rob and he could imagine people all over the world embracing it.

“It’ll be a privilege to be involved,” Rob said, his heart filled with positive feelings, even though he knew real challenges lay ahead when news of the paintings went public.

* * *

The Elder squatted down and introduced another puzzling artwork to Rob, far away in the north-west of Western Australia.

“Up in the west Kimberley near the coast there’s a mysterious painting that European explorers found in a cave in the 1830s. It’s a large human-like figure wearing a long, deep red robe. Maybe there’s a link. The robe is similar to these, there’s a halo around the head, but it’s been lost for over a hundred and sixty five years. The explorers wrote about it, but local mobs kept people away for generations by saying they didn’t know where it was. You might see it one day. The Elders up there know you’ve returned to country.”

The Elder looked knowingly at Rob during the last two sentences. Did he have some insight about a future trip into the Kimberley for Rob? It certainly sounded like it. Or was he simply acknowledging that events unfolded when people and circumstances were ready?

The afternoon light had faded into semi-darkness since both men had been inside the cave, but they barely noticed. Rob got up effortlessly, the Elder picked up the boomerangs, and they walked out across the gorge towards their camp. A campfire was soon alight and dancing in the cool evening air as they sat and watched the billy boil.

“As a boy I thought the paintings were traditional Ancestors. But they’re not. They’re different and the concept’s much broader. The spiritual masters of all faiths are our teachers, not just our own Ancestors. However these paintings manifested, they’re for everyone.” The Elder paused, allowing his words to hover.

“Over the last hundred years or so Aboriginal brothers and sisters adopted the Christianity imposed by missionaries. Jesus became a type of Ancestor, a father figure with strict laws to live by, and he was the son of the ultimate Ancestor. Now it’s normal for our people to attend church services and maintain some traditional beliefs, although too many old ways have disappeared.”

Rob suddenly remembered a painting with a similar theme, so with an urgent look on his face he spoke up.

“About ten years ago I bought a painting from a Koori Aboriginal artist in Sydney. He re-interpreted Christ’s birth by setting it near Uluru! He used Outback colours, animal characters, the dot art technique and called it “Dreamtime Jesus.” So he was definitely influenced by Christianity.”

Nodding acknowledgement the Elder responded. “Be good to see it one day Rob.” Then kept sharing his insights.

“Many Christian Aboriginals won’t see a link between their faith and the paintings. They won’t know all the figures. The challenge is to recognise that all great spiritual masters represent Universal Love Energy. And, there’s only one God. We’re all connected spiritually, that’s what the paintings say. But most of us don’t look beyond form because we’re physical beings. It’s hard to imagine friends and family as ‘spiritual beings’ in bodies.’’

* * *

Both men knew it was absolutely amazing to have seen the incredible art, and fully realised that mentioning it beyond the hidden gorge would be controversial. So they would talk about it only when the time was right. Only when personal timing and Cosmic Timing aligned. Also, the remote location was totally mystifying. These superbly painted images would be naturally at home in India or the Middle East. Why were they so far from their cultural and geographical origins?

Would Rob and the Elder find the answer? And other answers? They may not, but they did know how exceptional this discovery was and what it may lead to.

“I sometimes wonder how awareness will increase around the world. It takes a crisis to wake most of us up. It could take natural disasters, an oil shortage, computer collapse or financial crash to shock us into it.” Rob suggested and continued.

“But maybe we can change without disasters. People will be astonished to hear that these paintings exist in Central Australia. The story will race around the world. Obvious questions will be asked. People will demand to see them. The superficial reactions will gradually decrease and be surpassed by the larger truth: all great teachers came to guide Humanity back to the Spiritual Source.”

While listening to Rob the Elder placed a couple of large pieces of river red gum on the fire. The flames danced as if to welcome them and a few sparks shot off into the desert darkness as the fire took hold. This, their last night in the sacred gorge would become colder, and there was a good chance they would keep on talking. The Elder brushed a few grains of sand off his hands.

“The paintings are a gift for the whole world because they symbolise spiritual Oneness. They’re a divine sign. We’re being bathed in powerful vibrations and our heart chakras are receiving more Universal Love Energy. We’re glowing inside and when we get back to Alice people will sense a difference. Our positive vibes will radiate and touch others.”

“Our spirits are filling up,” Rob offered.

“Yes. Yes,” the Elder replied. “Vibrations of love and truth create personal change. We can help friends spread the energy with words, music and pictures so it can be shared. A lot of people are aware enough to be receptive.”

“Yeah. There’s growing awareness, but there’s a fair way to go.”

“But it’s happening,” the Elder agreed. “Across the planet people see signs every day confirming they’re on their correct path. More and more will wake-up and find the earth is really our Earth Mother, just like Aboriginal groups all over the world have known since time began. And have you heard this? If the letter ‘h’ is taken off the end of the word earth and placed in front, the word heart is formed!”

“What?” Rob exclaimed with a chuckle. He felt like asking the Elder to repeat the beautiful word play.

Rob was never surprised by the depth of the Elder’s wisdom, and was delighted by the poetic interpretation of earth becoming heart so poignantly. What a wonderful way to impart a profound message. Rob was accustomed to him expressing complex concepts simply. It was the way of all world traditions, and the way in which his culture had survived longer than any other on the planet. No wonder our Aboriginal brothers and sisters have so much to share, he thought enthusiastically.

The fire needed a couple of small branches. What a magical thing. Colours and characters leaping all around the burning timber, warming the soul as well as the front of the body. The wood supply would not last for much more talking time, and the men were becoming quieter anyway.

Their relaxed reactions were the sign that it was time to climb into swags and go to sleep on another remarkable day. The last couple of branches burned quickly and the campfire’s glow faded. Another type of dreaming would soon take over the men’s consciousness and they would die to the world of supposed reality.

* * *

Sunlight tipped the higher fronds of the taller palms as both men woke up and stepped out of their swags. They shared almost an audible feeling of contentment in the peace-filled, invigorating air of morning as they packed up their simple camp, collecting empty cans to dispose of in town. Although it was cold they did not boil the billy, but had cool drinks of water before setting off down the gorge.

About an hour after leaving their sanctuary and walking through palms and cycads and the sandy creek bed, they were driving along the dirt and gravel track that would lead to the sealed road and later to Alice Springs.

After Rob turned onto the main road and accelerated, the Elder remarked. “It’s good to be back on the black.”

“What? Haven’t heard that before,” Rob quickly responded.

“That’s what we call being on bitumen road,” The Elder confirmed, holding the hunting boomerangs he had sung in the cave.

“Wondering what to do first? Who to tell? Where to go? Don’t be side-tracked by your mind. The inner voice is key. Once you’ve heard it, trust it. Intuition’s the connection to your higher self, and part of Universal Love Energy. The steps will unfold on time. That’s what’s been happening since we met. You know how it works.”

“Yeah. And I’m ready,” Rob smiled.

“When we get back to town we’ve got a lot to talk about, especially the lost tjurunga. It’s very important business. For whitefellas too. And that website idea sounds good.”

Rob was already excited about what was ahead, his eyes bright and wide open, his voice buoyant with happiness.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. Everything happened so quickly. I had to meet an Elder but I didn’t know I’d experience so much, so soon. The hidden gorge was life-changing and Humanity’s spiritual future is already here. We’ve all got a part to play because every soul’s important in the Divine plan.”