By Adity Choudhury
At almost 19 minutes, the short film titled, Ka Thymmei Ka Tynre Ka Tyllong, released on YouTube, packs a punch. Seemingly simple, it dwells on the origins of the Khasi-Pnar cultures, and the divine principles on which the people and God agreed to dwell on Earth.
Narrated by Sumar Sing Sawian, we see the complex relationship between earth and heaven in some of the words – “Infinite facets of One”, “Founder and Giver” and “Mother Decree”, making it a poem with layered meanings.
Divided in four distinct chapters, the discerning eye will connect the dots, the film hints at – to stay rooted in humility and divinity – the basis of all creation to co-exist and thrive, in good and bad times.
The core theme of the film, however, remains rooted in the importance of U Lum Sohpetbneng, while drawing from several myths (Ki Khanatang), considered “most sacred”– U Lum Diengiei, atop which a giant tree grew that covered the world in darkness; how greed grew in the form of U Thlen, the giant serpent, representing the constant dualism between light and darkness; and Krem Lamet Latang where the rooster pleads before the sun.
We see the importance of the peaks – Lum Sohpetbneng, U Shyllong and U Diengiei – considered sacred by the Khasi-Pnar communities.
Translated, Lum Sohpetbneng means, “Navel of Heaven”. The word Lum refers to ‘hill’, revealing the descent of the seven founding clans (Ki Hynniew Trep).
Both the Khasis and the Pnars (or Jaintias) draw their origins here. The story goes that man and the gods who resided in the heaven were connected via a golden bridge.
Sawian voices, “In the Golden Era, sixteen huts, sixteen families would traverse the Heavens and the Earth through a Golden Bridge in the Age of Purity. The Sixteen held firm to sacred roots and sacred vines. Every hour of the day they cultivated, then returned. However, Mother Earth grew concerned as the world had no ruler. The Divine listened and pondered. An Assembly was called to reflect upon Mother Earth’s plea, studying each part with balance, without bias. The Dorbar decreed, ‘Nine families would remain above, the Seven Huts, Seven Families would descend as caretakers of Mother Earth.’ A Covenant, A Promise, An Oath prevailed, between Divinity, Mother Decree and the Seven. U Syiem Lakriah led them through an enchanting path wielding the Baton of Governance they reached U Sohpetbneng – ‘The Navel of the Universe.’ The Duty of Governance was entrusted upon the Seven as mentors of all beneath the Sky, across the World.”
The seven families, believed to be the progenitors of the Khasi-Pnar communities, followed the divine decree, with the creator observing their way of life. Peace and harmony with nature ensured the initial balance within and with one and all.
As a way of life was established, humankind was not without its flaws. Greed (U Thlen) and the giant tree (U Lum Diengiei) grew, covering the world in total darkness.
The giant tree had to be cut down; the crashing of the Diengiei marked the victory of light over darkness.
A great dance celebrated this moment; the sun and the moon, siblings in Khasi-Pnar mythology, arrived late, drawing the ire of those present. Sawian notes, “The siblings suffered insinuations so vile, the Sun fled in shock and agony to ‘Krem Lamet Latang’, and the world fell back into darkness.”
Underlying the narrative, is the recurring motif of humility. Enter the rooster (U Syiar Ryngkuh). Another dorbar was convened – light, after all, had to be brought back.
Though the elephant, the tiger and the fox possessed great strength and wit, they dared not venture to Krem Lamet Latang; from the crowd, the hornbill volunteered. Given the latter’s boastful and ill-mannered nature angered the Mother Sun, another meeting was called.
This time the sharp-eyed eagle pointed to U Syiar Ryngkuh, “The One unadorned, plain and unclad without plumes and regalia… who dwells in solitude, in places of quiet.”
The rooster spoke wise words before the “Assembly of all Creation”… his understanding of the self (or human nature), impressed the gathering.
Deciding to meet Mother Sun, the rooster travelled as nature sheltered him. Pleading before her, he laid the foundation of U Khraw Jutang or “The Great Promise”. Pleased with his humility, light spread in all directions.
The circular rhythm of the short film goes back to the haunting words at the beginning, “From Truth flows Time, the infinite, the Endless, the Skies beyond the Skies… the World in constant dance.”
Connecting through the different Khasi-Pnar mythologies, the film focuses on the importance of staying rooted to the eternal pact between the divine creator and humankind.
The wisdom apparent in the words, “Up climb prayers from devout and loving souls to the Creator and down descend blessings and peace, which is the Spiritual Truth that U Lum Sohpetbneng stands witness to, till this day.”
This is corroborated by the divine principles of the Khasi way of life – Kamai iia ka Hok (“Earn Righteousness and propagate Truth), Tip Kur Tip Kha (“Know your maternal and paternal relations”) and Tip Briew Tip Blei (“To Know the Self is Divine Consciousness”) – the foundational aspects of Ki Hynniew Trep.
This further cements the importance of U Lum Sohpetbneng. By toiling hard, the seven families built a community, rooted in self-awareness and in their connection with the divine creator.
Living through the global pandemic, returning to these values will bring about light in a world caught in self-deception and hatred. Perhaps, this is the subtle message in the film.
There is mention of the annual pilgrimage to Lum Sohpetbneng, which the Khasi-Pnar people undertake to renew the vows made by the seven founding families, a fitting tribute to humble origins.
In the words of Sawian, “… where a sea of devotees journey to the Sanctum Sanctorium to offer prayers, for inner peace for oneself and fellow man. Just as a mother nourishes her child through the umblical cord, Sohpetbneng – Navel of the Heavens nourishes its children with Truth.”
In writing about the film, Slate spoke to Hammarsing L. Kharhmar, who calls himself, “the spokesperson of the film”, about the thematic aspects, including the making of the film.
Originally released in 2021 as Ka Hok Ka Shi Kyntien, it was renamed to focus on the divine origins of the Hynnñiewtrep Hynñiawasa, the source of the Khasi-Pnar way of life.
Speaking on this, he said, “Ka Thymmei Ka Tynre Ka Tyllong stands for the origin, the essence and the source. The film is predominantly focused on the creation story of the Khasis and how the universe, including mankind was born. From these beliefs, begins a thread we call culture. The source goes back to the beginning of time itself.”
“We show how the Seng Khasi is still living this deep philosophy, culture and spirituality. A small community like ours drives home a message for the world… that a golden heart is the path to righteous living. Mankind’s purpose is to take care of Mother Nature… And, all of it goes back to U Lum Sohpetbneng.”
On the making of the film, Kharhmar added, “The film is based on the writings of Bah Sumar Sing Sawian, especially his book called the Ka Jutang, which became the foundation. Relevant portions were taken from this book. We’re lucky that he narrated the film.”
Towards the end, the Seng Khasi flag, a symbol of pride, stands tall. Archival footage takes us to the significant rituals of the community, accompanied by an introspective prayer song.
The annual pilgrimage is all set to take place on February 5 after two years of lockdown.
Naturally then, questions remain – why do we return to our roots? And do we not learn the values of introspection and humility, with time reminding us the impermanence of all that is life?