Blog Post 3

Title: Meditation with the Newly Elected Oknyoja

Date: 06/24/19

Observer: Michael Hamady

Setting: Oknyoisenja

            The nine newly elected Oknyoja and I sat in a circle under the Oknyojayit (Council Temple). It was a pleasant day to join the Oknyoja for their first council meeting as the weather was not too hot, and we received periodic instances of shade. The newly elected Oknyota tapped the staff twice, and each Oknyo began to meditate. I was shadowing Toza, a young Oknyo representing Kofoisenja.

            We were instructed to meditate for twenty minutes. By the tenth minute, my back began to ache. I broke my meditation and opened my eyes to see Toza sweating, swaying back and forth. Wondering if everything was alright, I continued to watch Toza when suddenly his stomach let out a thunderous, muffled growl. Immediately after his stomach let out a worrisome growl, he winced and broke wind in an alarming fashion, relaying soaring echoes throughout the Oknyojayit. Stunned by the turn of events, I watched as the eight Okyno simultaneously broke meditation to assess the situation. Poor Toza, his light tan face turned blood red reflecting his immense embarrassment. Their piercing gazes undoubtedly made Toza feel very uncomfortable, almost ashamed. It appeared as if he committed treason. I waited for someone to lighten the mood, but no such action occurred.

            I could not hold back my soft laughter, but the Oknyo did not find Toza’s flatulence amusing. With all attention facing Toza, he swallowed his remaining pride and said, “ruruki hefshan.” The Oknyota replied, “ruru hebshan.” The group meditation surprisingly continued despite its abrupt disturbance. I could not return to my meditative state as my thoughts oscillated from sympathy to internal laughter. I wonder if everyone else was able to return to their meditative state.

Reflections

            Today’s abrupt disruption and its swift resolution reflect the formality code the Oknyoja practice. During Panbaben, just a few weeks prior, everyone would have cracked jokes at Toza. Today, the Oknyoja refrained from any humor and upheld their strict formality code.

            After a long council meeting, I rode with Toza back to Kofoisenja. Away from the other Oknyo, I found myself in a good scenario to ask what he said after his embarrassing display. I asked what “ruruki hefshan” and “ruru hebshan” meant. I understood hefshan and hebshan as “me” and “you”, however the obvious apology seemed particular for said scenario. Tazo told me the apology translated to “pardon me,” and the response translated to “you are pardoned.” I heard other apologies during reflecting the Oktip’s politeness code; however, “ruruki hefshan” appears to be used only during formal, business meetings.