Before the arrival of Islam in the 14th century, the Maranao people of Lake Lanao in Mindanao held a rich and layered cosmological worldview. Their universe was divided into three sacred realms—the Seven Heavens (Langit), the Seven Earths (Dunya), and the Seven Underworlds—each inhabited by spirits, deities, and ancestral beings. This cosmology reflects a deep spiritual understanding of life, death, and the soul’s journey, offering timeless wisdom that can be reawakened in modern spiritual practice.
The Seven Heavens (Langit)
The heavens are layered realms of light and divine order. Each layer is guarded by Garoda (mythical birds) and inhabited by angels, diwata, and ancestral spirits.
1st Heaven Gateway to the celestial realm; transition from earthly to spiritual awareness.
2nd Heaven Realm of divine messengers and dream spirits.
3rd Heaven Home of ancestral guardians (Tonong) who guide and protect.
4th Heaven Domain of nature spirits and elemental balance.
5th Heaven Resting place of heroic spirits and cultural ancestors.
6th Heaven Realm of cosmic justice and moral reckoning.
7th Heaven The highest realm; contains the Tree of Life and soul jars guarded by Walo, a monster with eight heads and a thousand eyes. Souls of the righteous dwell here eternally.
The Seven Earths (Dunya)
The Earths represent layers of existence within the physical and spiritual world. These realms are inhabited by humans, nature spirits, and magical beings.
1st Earth Human world; daily life and physical experience.
2nd Earth Realm of Karibanga (dwarfs) with magical powers.
3rd Earth Home of nymphs and underwater spirits.
4th Earth Elemental spirits of fire, wind, and earth.
5th Earth Tonong spirits offering ancestral wisdom.
6th Earth Mythical guardians and spiritual trials.
7th Earth Sacred core; origin of creation and divine mystery.
The Seven Underworlds
The underworld layers are realms of shadow, transformation, and spiritual reckoning. They are not merely places of punishment, but of purification and rebirth.
1st Underworld Restless spirits with unresolved karma.
2nd Underworld Busaw (flesh-eating spirits); fear and corruption.
3rd Underworld Lost souls in sorrow and confusion.
4th Underworld Trial spirits testing the soul’s strength.
5th Underworld Shadow beings of envy and betrayal.
6th Underworld Guardians of cosmic secrets and balance.
7th Underworld Primordial chaos; the void and source of rebirth.
Relevance in Modern Life
Though Islam has become the dominant religion among the Maranao, echoes of this cosmology remain in epic literature, rituals, and symbolic art. In modern times, these layers can be reinterpreted as spiritual archetypes:
- Heavens: Aspirations, virtues, and divine connection.
- Earths: Human experience, ancestral wisdom, and nature.
- Underworlds: Inner healing, shadow work, and transformation.
Integration into Modern Spiritual Practice
1. Ritual Journeys
Create guided meditations or ceremonial rites that journey through each layer—ascending through the heavens, grounding in the earths, and descending into the underworld for healing.
2. Healing Frameworks
Use the cosmology as a diagnostic tool in Hilot Binabaylan:
- Heavens for spiritual imbalance.
- Earths for physical and emotional conditions.
- Underworlds for trauma and ancestral wounds.
3. Naming Ceremonies
Incorporate the cosmological layers into Bansagan Talatanda rituals, aligning the soul’s name with its spiritual journey across the realms.
4. Art and Symbolism
Design ritual garments, altar tools, and temple architecture inspired by the seven layers, using motifs like the Sarimanok, Garoda, and Tree of Life.
Conclusion
The Maranao cosmology offers a profound map of the soul’s journey through light, life, and shadow. By reviving and integrating these beliefs into modern spiritual practice, we honor the wisdom of our ancestors and empower a new generation of healers, leaders, and seekers.
🌟 Call to Action: Reclaiming the Sacred Layers
The ancient cosmology of the Maranao people is not just a myth—it is a **living map of the soul**, a guide for healing, leadership, and spiritual transformation. As modern practitioners, educators, and healers, we are called to:
– 🔥 **Revive ancestral wisdom** by integrating the Seven Heavens, Earths, and Underworlds into our rituals, teachings, and daily reflections.
– 🌿 **Create sacred spaces**—temples, altars, and healing centers—that embody the layered universe and honor the spirits who dwell within.
– 🌀 **Walk the path of the Binabaylan**, journeying through the layers to heal ourselves, our communities, and our planet.
– 📚 **Educate and empower others** to see spirituality not as dogma, but as a dynamic relationship with the cosmos, nature, and ancestors.
**Let us reclaim the sacred layers. Let us become bridges between worlds. Let us be the light that rises from the depths and ascends to the heavens.**
Templong Anituhan 
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