We are now only a couple weeks away from the year 2012, the
year that some claim will bring about drastic changes in our way of life. Dire
changes, some believe, will be in the form of an apocalypse while others
believe will usher in a new era in our evolutionary human development in which
we achieve higher levels of self awareness and overall spirituality. While no one really knows what happens next,
we do know definitively that the acclaimed doomsday of December 21, 2012 marks
the end of a cyclical long count period (every 5,125 years) in the Mayan
Calendar and initiates a new one – the summer solstice. Despite the controversy
of the prophecies, Belizeans can be proud of the rich cultural heritage that
the Mayas have contributed to Belize’s history and the Mundo Maya. Belize is
indeed proud of being the heartland of the astoundingly advanced Mayan civilization.
Mayan sites excavations and continuous discoveries are
showing that Lamanai, the last site to be occupied by the Mayas, has been
occupied for more than 3000 years from 1500 B.C to the late 18th
century. Even today when archeologists rewrite Mayan history with each new
discovery, never cease to be increasingly impressed with their depth of
sophistication and breadth of knowledge. A few eminent examples are: the mayas
were among the first to use the concept of zero; their calculation of the moon
cycle with astounding precision centuries before our scientists; their
development and use of medicinal plants laid the foundation of pharmacology
today. In about 500 A.D, it is believed that more than one million Mayas
inhabited Belize. More than 35 significant sites across the country have been
uncovered while much more is still believed to lie beneath the earth in the
dense topography of Belize’s rainforest. Significant sites of tremendous
historical importance include Altun Ha (Stone Water), Cerros (Hills),
Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock), Cahal Pech (Place of Ticks), Nim Li Punit
(Big Hat), Lubaantun (Place of the Fallen Stones), Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave
of the Stone Sepulcher) and Caracol (Snail) – the supreme Mayan City of the
Classic Period with a population of two thirds the entire current population of
all Belize. The Mayas are truly an advanced society and Belize proudly
distinguishes itself as the epicenter of this advanced culture that continues
to intrigue scientists and even spiritual seekers with their sense of mysticism
and spirituality.
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Lamanai
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Lamanai
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Culturally speaking, the Mayas believed that time, as well
as he universe, is circular and cyclical. They also believe that cosmic
configurations can reveal the most profound levels of our consciousness as
humans and that the universe is alive and sacred confirmed through the varied
and diverse manifestations of four key elements - the earth, water, sun and
air. They believed that all people, animals, and elements on earth are closely
related and united in one entity that allows each component to be, live, share,
communicate and interact with each other as living entities both creators and
re-creators of life. Some Mayan belief claims that human beings, along with
planet earth, are now vulnerable due to the many ecologically unsustainable
alterations to the planet that threatens the delicate balance of nature that
sustains life. It is this negligence and failure of humans to recognize their interconnectivity
with all else on earth and to maintain their supportive role in relation to
mother earth that will unleash the apocalypse. This, some believe, will be
towards the detriment of the human race.
Conversely, some believe that the prophecies of Maya 2012
are more in relation to another evolutionary process in our human development
and social transformations where by the mind will become awakened and realize
the purpose of our existence and hence the purpose of life. In responding to
some prediction that 2012 signals the end of the world, Mayan Ambassador
Cirilio Perez Oxlaj recently shared the following interview:
What do you expect to happen on December 2012?
It is the belief of the Mayan people that we will be
entering a period associated with a change of sun (summer solstice), not in
2012 but in 40 to 50 years. During this time, there will be an end to diseases,
plagues, droughts, tornados and devastating hurricanes that are now occurring.
Why do you think that the end of humankind has been
associated with this date?
This will not be the end of the world but merely a change of
sun. Neither is this serious since it has occurred before. Of greater concern
is the contamination of the environment, nuclear bombs, the movement of
petroleum, mineral exploitation, the use of plastic material and other
substances that are harmful to the environment.
Altun Ha
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What is your evaluation of the significant campaigns
launched on this topic?
These campaigns have largely commercialized the concept of
Maya 2012. They are derailing the Mayan calendar because nothing will happen on
December 2012.
What does this new cycle means for you?
We welcome the New Year, so that we start to significant and
meaningful change. There will no longer be discrimination, prejudice or racism
among one another.
This interview with the great Mayan leader provides insight
that 2012 is more about hope, world peace and unity. It is an opportunity for
deeper reflection and the consideration of future direction. Maya 2012 provides
a timeless warning from the ancient past that today we should also be better
stewards of the environment which we as humans are privileged to enjoy. In celebration of Mayan heritage, Belize has
a full year’s program highlighting Mayan Culture that includes, lectures,
festivals, ceremonies, a collection of commemorative stamps of each site and a
wide range of Maya 2012 packages. A special highlight, between December 21 and
23 (2012), is the participation of more than two hundred and fifty spiritual
leaders of the Mopan, Q’eqchi and Yucatec Maya in an ancient ceremony to welcome
the new calendar. In commemorating Maya 2012 and the envisioned new beginning,
Splash Dive Center joins other service providers with special 2012 packages for
those wishing to experience and immerse themselves in the ancient past of the
Mystical Maya.
Splash Dive Shop
c/o Patricia Ramirez
Placencia Village, Stann Creek District, Belize, Central America
Phone: 501-523-3058, 501-523-3080 or 620-6649
