Murat Yagan’s new book: now that we’ve got it, what will we do with it?

Contemplating Murat's new book

What lies between the covers of this just released book, Ahmsta Kebzeh: The Science of Universal Awe, by Murat Yagan, New Horizons’ beloved community development mentor, is precious and power-packed. A quote by Jean Dubuis sets the tone for the pages ahead,

“You will transmute nothing if you have not transmuted yourself first.”

For the devotee of the ancient, native Abkhazian traditions, Kebzeh, as interpreted by Murat, in this offering, as well as the many other books Murat has published, is the  equivalent of the vacation travel packet AAA, specially prepared for my recent trip to Canada.

Contained within were maps, guide books and specified routes, pertinent to Sue and I

Murat Yagan and New
Horizons Executive Directo,
Anastasia

reaching a particular destination. However, to utilize this bounty required, first and foremost, a decision, backed by certain, definitive actions, that could utilize these tools to create a vacation.

Similarly the comprehensive works Murat so lovingly provides us require specific activities in order to reach a particular destination; in this case “universal awe.” Yet, as one of New Horizons supporters points out, for the less ardent, Murat’s dedicated efforts are easily dismissed as relevant only for the “lofty” and idealistic.

In practical terms what can this book offer in a world such as the one we live in, turbulent with violence, economic depravity, social problems ad infinitum?  

So, now that we’ve got it, what will New Horizons do with the treasures of this beautiful book?

(Within which is our own contribution, depicting New Horizons challenges to bring the ideal into the real.)

How will New Horizons utilize Murat’s vast methodology, wisdom and inspiration to further our objectives?

New Horizons’ mission is to facilitate the development of community enhancement skills with which to guide and train businesses, organizations, neighborhoods and such to bridge the various societal and political polarizations flourishing throughout our country. Our methodology, in particular, is aimed at creating meaningful dialogue that traverses the separation diversity can generate.

How can we, thus, practically employ that which seems to exist, merely, in the realm of the possible?

In an account for NPR's Weekend Edition (Saturday, July 6, 2006) by Alex Van Oss, describing the trip he made to Abkhazia, accompanying Murat for a special purpose,*offered the following interpretive words as to how Murat views the importance of his offerings.

“Yagan, (according to Van Oss), says Kebzeh could be of immense value to the world. The tradition (among other things) stresses a rigorous program of character building.”

*Murat was awarded Abkhazia’s highest cultural honor, the medal of Honour and Glory, from Vice-President Sergei Arshba at the National Theatre on this visit.

Van Oss continues with a further statement on the traditions of Kebzeh, by Abkhazian diplomat, Vyacheslav Chirikhba.

"It (Kebzeh) is based on... universal values."The respect for elders, respect for women. A person is regarded as someone who is a member of society, rather than as a completely isolated individual."
 
Is it enough for us, dealing with the social and political problems facing us, now, to expand our capacities, individually and collectively, to respect elders and women, as well as those of different races and faiths?

Are native messages brought forth from ancient cultures of any value to us today, even if only as wisdom and words to uplift and inspire?

What difference can these make?

If  they can, how might we use these in practical terms?

What’s your take?

Listen to Alex Van Oss' report on Abkhazia and Murat Yagan, as well the music of Loreena McKennitt's "Night Ride Across the Caucasus inspired by Murat.

Tell us your views, on-air on New Horizons’ Possible Society In Motion Show where we will look forward to scheduling a lively discussion on topics relevant to Murat's Kebzeh teachings, especially how character development and respect, or the lack of these, influences society and politics in the U.S.A.