We are excited to share that our founder, Ryan “Ghenigho” Rich, will be joining Maine Fungi Fest this year to offer both a keynote talk and a workshop. We will also be announcing some exciting new activity with Bassé Root in Maine in the coming weeks. Information about the workshop, keynote and how to register can be read below.
Bwiti Tradition – going back to the beginning (Keynote)
In today’s world, we are becoming so disconnected from reality, each other, and nature too. We spend most of our time in and communicate through a virtual world. Existing in this state of multifarious dysconnectivity is having a huge impact on our mental health, our spiritual health, and also the environment. This talk draws on Bwiti teachings to pose the question — what if the solution has been here all along? What if we just have to go back to the beginning to find the truth that will set us free? The Bwiti tradition of Gabon, rooted in the ancestral knowledge of the Babongo people, offers a profound connection to nature’s wisdom. The Babongo are humanity’s oldest ancestors, and their spiritual tradition is probably one the first ever practiced. This simple but profound tradition is the perfect antidote to our modern confusion. While Western thought often emphasizes separation from and manipulation of the natural world, the Bwiti tradition holds a continuous and unbroken relationship with it. This talk will revive the profound truths that we never should have forgotten, offering a Bwiti-derived path back to wholeness and a deeper understanding of our place within the natural world.
Iboga and the west (Workshop)
This workshop will interactively explore the fascinating journey of iboga, the ancient African plant medicine that is the sacrament of the Bwiti people, as it makes its way into the Western world. We’ll begin by delving into the origins of Bwiti — one of the world’s first spiritual traditions, which is practiced by the earliest plant medicine users — who first recognized iboga’s profound healing potential thousands of years ago. We’ll differentiate between iboga root bark, and ibogaine (its isolated alkaloid), emphasizing the importance of understanding its spiritual significance and traditional use and how these can contrast in many crucial contextual ways with modern western approaches. Tracing iboga’s path from its African roots to the West, we’ll draw out some of the complexities of cultural exchange, drawing parallels with the historical spread of Buddhism, and raising questions about cultural appropriation versus the respectful sharing of knowledge. While acknowledging iboga’s potential to benefit people globally, we’ll stress the importance of preserving the essence of Bwiti traditions. Finally, we’ll discuss the crucial aspects of sustainability and reciprocity in working with iboga, ensuring its longevity and honoring the Bwiti communities who have been its stewards for centuries. We’ll also touch on the dangers of colonial interpretations and language surrounding these sacred traditions — before opening the floor to a group discussion focused on fostering a deeper understanding of iboga’s role in both traditional and contemporary healing contexts
To register for Maine Fungi Fest 2025, please visit mainefungifest.com
