Codex Tamuanchan

AN ELECTRONIC EDITION

by
Roberto Rodriguez

 

Intro to Codex Tamuanchan: On Becoming Human Codex

Tamuanchan is not intentionally a followup to the X in La Raza, though one can interpret it as such. This book examines the issue of dehumanization, positing that virtually all human beings -- to one degree or another -- have been dehumanized by the violent and violating society we live in. This book posits that historically, peoples who have been violated or brutalized (in the United States) have not only had their identities thrashed, but even more so, their humanity taken from them. But I further argue that the brutalizers are just as dehumanized because they have come to believe that their actions are normal. And many of them also pass on their beliefs to their children.

In one sense, this is a personal journey to rehumanize myself, after almost being killed by ELA Sheriff's deputies in 1979. But beyond that journey, it is an effort to understand the dehumanized society we live in. Essentially, what is explored is the meaning of what it actually means to be human.

The journey here is going from the idea of what it means to be human to the actual path of becoming human.

Beyond this, or rather as part of this, the issue of sovereignty is examined... not simply the political meaning and struggle relating to sovereignty, but what it means for human beings to be sovereign.

Roberto Rodriguez
2000

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About Codex Tamuanchan

"I can't express my feelings on this work -- it may be the most unique relevant spiritual philosophical work in the past few years. It is not just something I am reading -- the ideas and beliefs are not merely words on a page -- they are translations of cultural and traditional DNA..."
"I have been trying to find something lofty and intellectual to say about this latest book and until today I could not find the right words. Here is what I think and feel about the book"
"It sings and soars from all four directions."

Catherine Davids Flint, Michigan

1990s conversations

"Rodriguez continues to gift us with new ways of talking about our history and new ways to teach us about the past, present and future. Chicano youths are particularly indebted to him for bringing forth the conversations (about the Chicano mvemento into the 1990s in a fresh and meaningful way.

Demetria Martinez, author Mother Tongue

A Gift for Healing

Codex Tamuanchan: On Becoming Human is a powerful amoxtli (small book) that I consider a gift for healing. It translates ancient messages from the Codices of our ancestors into a language that is understandable today and filled with new ideas on the possibility of transforming ourselves as individuals, as well as our society, that can serve as en entry point into the mystery we call tomorrow. This ancient art form offers peace and hope and an opportunity to heal from the exploitation, oppression, and racism inflicted upon us as a people and a an opportunity to change our lives and thus our future.
Roberto addresses a range of contemporary issues that provide us with a framework to develop our human capacity, in particular to us as Xicanos. For those who will use it, it is a valuable tool for seeking both political as well as spiritual evolution as it stimulates emotional healing.
The most important aspect of the amoxtli is the impact it will have upon the young generations of Xicanos who, since the inception of el movimiento Xicano, have been aggressively searching for direction and guidance towards creating a new nation. In addition to suggesting that we "listen to our elders" for our stories and for guidance, the Codex sets the stage in shaping and creating that vision of coming together as a humanity -- as a spiritual civilization. It is a compelling call to arms for young people, as warriors to "conquer our humaness as a road to freedom."
The book resonates with my spirit with truth, wisdom and inspiration, as it aims to inform, raise consciousness, and inspire Xicanos and all humanity to proclaim ourselves as sovereign individuals and move towards co-creating a spiritual civilization. For this great work, I thank Roberto and all the animas that guided him. As a woman, xicana warrioress, sister, mother, grandmother, and co-creator "of a sovereign people and a spiritual nation... some us call it Aztlan," I reiterate Roberto's words as I recall a poem I wrote years ago. "Sovereignty for us as a people... is like the aguila de los campesinos... sovereign, free and beautiful."

Aztlan Tu Libertario
Nacimiento de tu alma
Lo Siento
Con el Viento
Que Amarran mis Sueños
En tu Brazos
Libre
Como las Aguilas en el cielo
Sylvia Ledesma
Austin, TX 1976

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