PLATTSBURGH — "Our obligation is before God and ourselves. We are friends; we move in a sacred circle of spiritual friendship, each one contributing what his/her consciousness dictates, without being controlled by anyone."

These words are the mission of Guru Luis Moreno Balandran, a member of the Mayan Order of Chichan Itzaab, as he travels throughout the Americas with a three-day stopover in Plattsburgh. He will be hosted by Don and Vivian Papson and LindaMarie Hill.

As an emissary of unity and peace, Master Moreno encourages a deeper understanding of ourselves and the present era. He comes to speak, to offer non-sectarian prayer and dialogue, Vivian said.

A living example of harmony among many philosophies, both religious and scientific, he is a spiritual teacher, a Yoga master, a Mayan astrologer and a specialist in health and nutrition, she said. At his home in Monterrey, Mexico, he is known as the founder and director of Promesa A.C, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the well-being of children.

"He's coming here because of the long association he has with us," Vivian said.

She and Don have studied with the Order of Chichan Itzaab.

"(Moreno) is interested in meeting people in the Americas and is interested in learning about the cultures here and sharing more about Amerrikua (an indigenous word from Nicaragua for 'Land of the Winds') as a continent. It didn't used to be divided as North America, Mexico, Central America and South America. Once, it was not like that."

The indigenous people of Amerrikua traversed its length and breadth to meet periodically.

"The northern part is associated with the eagle, and the southern part with the condor. There were times when the eagle and condor met, metaphorically," Vivian said. "The wise elders would meet. That was a spiritually important moment. However, that was interrupted for 500 years. Now is a time for it to be renewed, for people to realize the special wisdom that is indigenous to the Americas."

SEEKING HARMONY
Moreno will speak about the human-energy constitution, alternative medicines, the effect of biological and planetary cycles on culture, angels and the Mayan calendar.

"There have been people who have kept that wisdom," Vivian said. "The Mayans have been very interested in cultural practices that are in harmony with the movement of the heavens, the sun, the moon. This is not a new idea to anybody, because every culture has done that. The Mayans have been exceptional in the detail and depth of their calculations."

There is increasing awareness about the 2012, the year the Mayan calendar ends.

"Many people have heard about the prediction that things are going to change in terms of consciousness. Some people have interpreted this as Doomsday, but not necessarily. If you would really like to find out more about these predictions and the culture from which they came, (Moreno) has taken the opportunity to be a messenger. His work is a big one, just getting out these ideas. It's a time when there will be a resurgence in the Americas."

TRAVELS ON FAITH
The guru will also speak about a special gathering at next year's summer solstice.

"Every summer solstice, the people in Peru celebrated the Inti Raymi, which is a celebration of the solstice," Vivian said. "This is going to be combined with a larger celebration called Khumba Mela."

People from all over the Americas are being invited to attend the cosmic event.

"It happens according to the movement of Jupiter, which takes 12 years to complete its cycle," Vivian said. "The Khumba Mela is nothing new. It has been going on indefinitely in India. In the last 50 years, it has been going on in the Andes. It's still going on in the Himalayas. It's done in recognition of the relationship of our Earth to the cosmos."

Vivian attended Inti Raymi 23 years ago at Machu Picchu.

"It was wonderful, very exciting and beautiful."

Master Moreno travels across Amerrikua entirely on faith.

"To be recognized as a guru is not only an honor but a tremendous responsibility," Vivian said. "He has to travel and be at the mercy of the people wherever he goes. He cannot be with his wife. His energy has to be given to humanity completely. He cannot do anything to lower or affect this gift to humanity."

Very few people are recognized as gurus.

"It's not a question of knowing a lot of stuff," she said. "It's a question of evolving yourself to do that. He's the real thing."

E-mail Robin Caudell at: rcaudell@pressrepublican.com