Just below timberline on Mt. Shasta is the holiest site on the
mountain. Native peoples of several
tribes have worshipped here over thousands of years, and newcomers arrive often
to meditate in the spiritual richness of this sacred place. Some call Mt. Shasta one of the seven holy
mountains, right up there with Kilimanjaro, Fiji, Mt. Kailash in Tibet, and Israel’s
Mt. Sinai. But the natives seldom climb to its difficult top,
finding all the spiritual benefit they need here at 7,400 on its southwest
flank in place called Panther Meadow.
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Panther Meadow today |
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Panther Meadow in summer (not my picture) |
The picture on the left is mine from today, but since the
meadow is mostly snow-covered, I include on the right a summertime picture (not
mine) when the meadow is most appealing and most visited.
The spiritual appeal of Mt. Shasta has attracted a large
number of religious groups who consider it a shrine; but following the native American
example, they have built no structures here, considering the mountain itself as
shrine enough. They come from all over the world for workshops, gatherings, and
to spend time on the mountain, praying or meditating.
Most people feel compelled to express their feelings upon
seeing Mt. Shasta. Mysterious powerful
energy seems to radiate from the mountain.
I am no exception, having become so enthralled with its grandeur and
beauty that I am spending a month in its vicinity.
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A snowment rill |
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Ice cracking on a little pond |
I came to Panther Meadow to drink its spring water, which is
supposed to enhance the spiritual experience.
I listened to the babble of rills carrying new snowmelt. I watched ice cracking on a little pond, and
listened to birds in the nearby forest.
I considered the crooked fir tree beside me, bent over each winter by
moving snow, but always straightening up before the next winter. I felt the warm sun as it rapidly rejuvenates
this place into its most appealing season.
I was the only one here. Beauty
and peacefulness surrounded me, and a sense I often have in lovely places of
unity with nature. The place inspires soft
words—Lemuria, Allah, Alleluia. But I did
not feel anything I can describe a spiritual experience. Perhaps I am not capable of that.