Sacred Spirituality: A Journey into Myth, Folklore and Eco-consciousness of Lepchas in Sikkim
摘要
Indigenous communities globally are filled with rich oral narrative traditions that have been passed down through generations. This indigenous knowledge transfer strengthens their socio-cultural identities and binds them to their historic roots. Researchers have diligently archived indigenous knowledge with collaborative efforts of local communities, government ministries and non-governmental organizations. Amidst growing environmental concerns, it is noteworthy to observe the ancestral wisdom ingrained in living harmoniously with nature, fostering coexistence with other living beings, and venerating the elements of the natural world. The study focuses on a comprehensive textual analysis of two specific folktales that elucidate the origin narratives of the Lepcha community. The selected tales for scrutiny are “Children of the Snowy Peaks” from Legend of Lepchas Folk Tales from Sikkim (2010) by Yishey Doma and “The Lepcha Story of Creation” (1976) by George Kotturan. Through this analysis, the chapter seeks to unveil the cultural and eco-spiritual dimensions embedded in these folktales, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Lepcha heritage and worldview.