 
Andean Awakening: An Inca Guide to Mystical Peru
Average Rating: 5.0 Total Reviews: 8
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 On: 2008-07-10
This book offers a rare insight into Andean life, a life in which animals are part of the extended family, stones are living beings and the apus (spirits of the mountains) speak. The author, Jorge Luis Delgado, is an Aymara chacaruna who grew up and still resides in Puno, Peru and whose mother is a healer. Delgado has written a compelling account of his spiritual adventures as he moves from a man of science, facts and technology to a man who resonates and communicates the essence of the sacred places of the Highlands of Peru and Bolivia. Integrating the spiritual into ones daily life achieves balance. Following a spiritual path, he notes, does not preclude one from becoming successful in the material world; he now owns several hotels and his own travel agency. "...the more I listened to my spirit, my heart, the more I succeeded in everyday life and my business." The book opens with a description of a recurring dream he had and his attempts to locate in the physical plane the pink sandstone landscape he saw in his dream. When he found the landscape, he discovered Aramu Muru, a sacred site at Bebedero del Inca, Peru close to Lake Titicaca. This book is so densely packed with information that I wished for an index. The lack of an index, however, gave me the opportunity to read the book three times, each reading resulting in a new insight, a new perspective. The chapters contain a wealth of details about the ceremonies, traditions, culture, sacred sites, cosmology, community life and legends of the Andean people. The author brings to life the three Inca principles of love (munay), wisdom (yachay) and service or work (llancay) by sharing with the reader his mystical initiation into the three principles, which occurred after an early morning meditation at Machu Picchu. Later that day, he is presented with three opportunities to interpret his mystical experience - to a fellow guide, to a friend and owner of a shop in Aguas Calientes and to the tour group he was leading. Delgado did not intend to follow a spiritual path. He did not ask for the experiences that unfolded for him, even though he opened to them and embraced them. They were the result of Spirit seeking him. Spirits goal is not to overwhelm, because it never asks more of us than we can handle; its goal is to open our hearts. The author became a chacaruna, a bridge person, one who helps others to understand the traditions of the Andean world or to cross from one state of consciousness to another. He emphasizes that just as each chacaruna is unique in how he bridges the sacred for others, each persons spiritual awakening and spiritual path are also unique. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Andean spirituality, in Andean traditions or who is planning a trip to Peru.
 On: 2007-08-03
I liked this book very much because it is the first book I read about a person with actual Inca blood figuring out more about the tradition. It is a refreshing departure from all these stories about sheltered Americans who venture out into the unknown world of them scary Indigenous people because of this or that. But like many stories about people connecting with something different, I felt that the book didnt really speak to me. I enjoyed learning more about the Inca traditions, since I myself am part Inca, but there was something missing. Could it be because the author makes a living bringing tourists to the same locations he talks about in the book? Not sure. I do think that he is honest in his spirituality and wishes to share it with the world, and since he has experience with tourism, well.... But I was hoping that the book would not be so much another story of personal discovery, but that in reality it would be the Guide To Mystical Peru the title offered.
The book is well written, and the story interesting and compelling. The author vividly and accurately describes the areas in a very enticing manner. This is why I am giving it 3 stars. I liked very much learning more about the Lake Titicaca area, and thanks to this book I now hope to visit the region. Maybe some of you would rate it higher. But this book was not what I was hoping for when I bought it.
On: 2006-11-06
I had the honour and pleasure of travelling with Jorge Luis Delgado this past May. It was with much anticipation I awaited to purchase my copy of this amazing shamans book. The Andean Awakening is a most pure reflection of mystical Peru narrated by Jorge. As the images of my travels fade I need only open the pages of this book to bring the stories and places alive again. He is a gifted shaman, teacher and narrater. He is a true Chacana - bridging the north and the south. I would recommend to anyone in search of spritt in Mystical Peru.
by: mwbookrevw On: 2006-11-05
"Andean Awakening: An Inca Guide To Mystical Peru" by Jorge Luis Delgado a modern descendent of the ancient Incas) presents (with the assistance of MaryAnn Male) an illustrated guidebook to Perus mystical and spiritual Incan heritage. This spiritual tour guide takes the reader to the most powerfully spiritual places in Peru including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and most especially, the legendary Inca doorway of Aramu Muru. A welcome, illustrated, and highly recommended addition to Metaphysical Studies reference collections in general, and Peruvian Studies reading lists in particular, "Andean Awakening" is enhanced with the history, culture, mythos and magic of the old Incan empire, inspiring places and enduring legacies left by the Children of the Sun that are still accessible to visitors today.
On: 2006-09-01
Through this book Jorge and MaryAnn lead you on an unforgettable journey throughout Perus Sacred Valley including Machu Picchu , Cuzco and Lake Titicaca. Jorges teachings of Incan traditions, rituals and ceremonies allow the reader to feel connected with Pachamama (Mother Earth), the Sacred Apu (Mountain Spirits) and the Peruvian People. He speaks of the spirit world and ones connection to it through their authentic self. This book makes you want to board the nearest plane and travel to Peru to experience such a powerful and special place!
On: 2006-08-22
My husband and I had the incredible honor of meeting and traveling with Jorge Luis Delgado in Peru a few weeks prior to the release of this book. We went to Peru to visit the sacred sites and were blessed with Jorge as our local guide. We had no idea beforehand!
Jorge is authentic, warm and caring individual who treats people as extended family members. He is also a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge on the mystical and sacred of Peru and an excellent teacher. Reading this was like being there with him again, in all the splendor and radiance of the magic of Peru that Jorge truly embodies as a person and beloved shaman. Jorge lives Peru--he doesnt just study the teachings and the history and report--and he shares his wisdom beautifully in this book.
On: 2006-08-21
My husband and I had the incredible honor of meeting and traveling with Jorge Luis Delgado in Peru a few weeks prior to the release of this book. We went to Peru to visit the sacred sites and were blessed with Jorge as our local guide. We had no idea beforehand!
Jorge is authentic, warm and caring individual who treats people as extended family members. He is also a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge on the mystical and sacred of Peru and an excellent teacher. Reading this was like being there with him again, in all the splendor and radiance of the magic of Peru that Jorge truly embodies as a person and beloved shaman. Jorge lives Peru--he doesnt just study the teachings and the history and report--and he shares his wisdom beautifully in this book.
On: 2006-07-12
If you have ever thought about travel to Peru, to see its people and places then this book is very informative. But what a trip! This book is like the Holy Grail of Peru. It focuses on mystical Peru. Even if you never travel to Peru it will take you on a fascinating journey. It is also a fascinating story of a real Shaman living in our own time. A must read for anyone interested in Peru or mystical journies.
On: 2006-07-09
Wonderful, beautifully expressed real story of one of the Coolest people on the planet. Jorge Luis is down to earth while constantly in touch with the highest levels of Consciousness. He is kind and generous, intelligent and fun. His hotel reflects his soul. In his presence you can feel transported to another, very pleasant dimension. Read this book to sample a tiny bit of a visit to the most perfect place in the Universe.
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