The Seed of an Incarnation
Each one of us carries a seed within, without which the world would be less rich, and with which this garden can become a lush paradise.
Thomas Sankara found his seed at the age of 35 when he became the president of the Republic of Upper Volta, which he renamed Burkina Faso: the land of upright people. In just four years, he transformed one of the poorest countries in the world into an example of hope and rebirth.
He had 1,000 wells dug, built 334 schools, 284 maternity clinics, 78 pharmacies, 25 food stores, 3,000 new homes, and planted millions of trees. He improved the health conditions of the population, abolished prostitution, created associations to support women and the elderly. He refused to pay the colonial debt. He built sports fields in nearly all of Burkina Faso’s 7,000 villages.
Due to all these qualities, Sankara was always supported by his people and earned the respect of the entire African continent. Nevertheless, he was always against the cult of personality and considered himself a “transitional” president, as he defined himself. At the time of his death, the only possessions he had were a small bank account with about $150, his beloved guitar, and the house he grew up in.
As far as I can see, all politicians should be like Sankara, more aware, more compassionate, and should know the taste of love. They should know the passion for existence, the beauty of this planet and its gifts. And they should learn to be humble and grateful. Because our humanity, our people, need only one thing: a conscious individual with ears that listen, arms that embrace, and eyes that admire in awe.
Every leader, every politician should be called to participate in a school of contemplation. All those who lead humanity, unless they desire paradise, should immediately resign. What can those who do not know themselves, who do not find their own seed, do? If they are not ready to nurture the earth, they are not ready to shape its destiny.
“It is possible that because of the interests I threaten, because of what certain circles call my bad example, with the help of other leaders willing to sell the revolution, I could be killed at any moment. But the seeds we have sown in Burkina and in the world are here. No one will ever be able to uproot them. They will sprout and bear fruit. If they kill me, thousands of new Sankaras will come!”
Thomas left his body 36 years ago on October 15 following his assassination at the hands of his “friend” Compaorè, on the orders of colonial powers. Especially this year, it is important to remember his example.
His hope blooms, the seed of his incarnation is in the earth. And yours?
A revolutionary embrace
