Learning with the Gypsies of Sri Lanka
The nomadic Gypsies of Sri Lanka, known as the "Ahikuntaka," weave a unique narrative of healing practices and traditions. These wanderers, often overlooked in mainstream narratives, carry with them rich ancient wisdom, handed down through generations.
Nomadic Life and Cultural Heritage
The Gypsies of Sri Lanka, leading a nomadic lifestyle, traverse the island's diverse landscapes, carrying with them a rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as the "Vedda Gypsies," they are believed to share ancestry with the indigenous Vedda people. This nomadic existence has allowed them to absorb and preserve unique healing practices influenced by the diverse communities they encounter. Never remaining more than seven days in the same place, they walked the lands for a year before coming back to their initial departure point and offering their services to local communities.
In 1979, after a few years of learning and practising Nuad Phean Boran in Thailand, Rahul Bharti was willing to dive into the energetic realm and left for Sri Lanka seeking for masters to guide him in this process. Wandering around the island at the age of nine, Rahul Bharti met with a young boy, running half naked on a beach in Sri Lanka, who led him to his father, a Gypsy Chief born in an Indigenous tribe from the jungle. This latter was leading a ceremony in a traditional teepee made of coconut leaves. People were gathering around circles of fires and tobacco smoke. The Chief was performing astrology, palm readings, divination, fire walking, transes to help heal people by absorbing their pain and traumas. Learning to enjoy the moment and the movement before arriving at a new teepee and land for several days, leading a life of a certain freedom, Rahul Bharti embraced this culture and practices. Gypsies were feeding from bamboo with white water turtle eggs, rice and vegetables offered by local communities in exchange for seances and blessings for births, weddings, deaths, protections of houses and cattle chasing spirits and heavy energies away. During six months, Rahul Bharti was guided to learn these practices along with cupping and the use of medicinal herbs. He was taught that healing and energetic work are not to be explained rationally, or apprehended by the mind, but to be experienced and felt deep inside oneself.
Shamanic Healing Among the Gypsies
Central to the Gypsy healing traditions is the role of the shaman, or "Devadasi," who serves as an intermediary between the spiritual and physical realms. Drawing inspiration from animistic beliefs and connections to nature, Gypsy shamans perform rituals and ceremonies to address ailments, spiritual imbalances, and the challenges of daily life.
The Gypsies of Sri Lanka possess an intimate knowledge of local flora, harnessing the healing properties of indigenous plants for medicinal purposes. Herbal remedies play a pivotal role in their healing practices, addressing everything from physical injuries to spiritual ailments. This profound connection with nature is a testament to the Gypsies' deep respect for the natural world.
Gypsy healing ceremonies often involve spirit possession and trance states, where the shaman becomes a vessel for energies. During these rituals, the shaman may communicate with spirits, ancestors, or deities to seek guidance, offer blessings, or facilitate healing. The rhythmic beats of drums and chants create a sacred space for these transformative experiences.
The Gypsies craft intricate talismans and amulets believed to possess protective and healing properties. These charms, often worn by community members, are believed to ward off negative energies, promote good health, and bring prosperity. The crafting of these talismans is considered a sacred art passed down through generations.
In the heart of Sri Lanka's diverse cultural landscape, the Gypsies, with their nomadic spirit and ancient healing traditions, form an integral part of the island's heritage. Their shamanic practices, herbal wisdom, and spiritual rituals offer a glimpse into a world where the natural and supernatural seamlessly intertwine. As we explore the richness of Gypsy traditions, let us recognize and celebrate the resilience of a community that continues to carry the torch of ancient healing wisdom, contributing to the vibrant mosaic of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage.
