Meghalaya’s Sacred Groves
For centuries Khasi tribal people have been protecting certain groves and forests as dwelling places for the gods. Among the taboos are hunting, gathering, or using the wood for commercial purposes, and only on rare occasions can it be used for private consumption. As a result, the sacred groves have been virtually untouched and are a rich depository of endangered plants–orchids, medicinal and rare plants–many of which can now be found only in these isolated pockets. Scientists place the origins of these forests to the pre-agrarian age. Many animals and birds also live here.
Two things stand out for me with these sacred places. One is the importance of myth and how seamlessly myth dovetails with ecology. Many of the sacred forests fall on important watershed areas, so their preservation has also been instrumental in protecting water sources in India. The villagers are well aware of this as well as the unique biodiversity of the forests and the role they play in soil erosion. Perhaps the ancient shaman knew more than we realize? The other is the similarity in beliefs between Khasi, and no doubt other Northeastern tribal people, and Native American spirituality. If the Native American population in America had not been so decimated, perhaps the U.S. would also have an abundance of protected, sacred spots where the people could commune with the gods on a regular basis. In northeast India, the majority of these places are still under tribal protection. Meghalaya has also been steeped in Christianity and western civilization is once again a culprit in destroying the land. Christianity has taught that the old religions are primitive superstition, and introduced the idea that we know so well in the west–the land and its resources are for our consumption. Many of these areas have now been subject to deforestation, yet surprisingly over 50% are still relatively intact–a high number considering the times we live in. Maybe the world is finally ready to listen to ancient wisdom in regards to the planet? There are over 100 of these sacred groves in Meghalaya alone and literally thousands of sacred sites–forests, rivers, mountains–scattered throughout India.
Cloud and Mountain 
Beautiful sharing, Jordan. I can imagine falling in love with such a place and finding an unexpected soul connection. I am afraid that there are still not enough people who are willing to hear the wisdom of Shamans and change the tide of destruction to our sacred earth.
You might be right, but I prefer to think there’s some hope!
Very nice photo. I would to like make a print of it. Do you have a tiff file? Your right about hope. The Buddha stated that if living beings want beauty there will always be beauty, because true beauty is generated from the mind of living beings(yogacara). Here is a little inspiration from the Dharamapada “Just as a heap of rubbish cast away on the roadside, A lotus could bloom, of sweet fragrance, pleasing the mind. So amid the wretched, blinded ordinary folk, among them who have turned to rubbish, the disciple of the awakened one shines surpassingly with wisdom.”
Robert