Templong Anituhan

Philippine Indigenous Spiritual Tradition, Binabaylan, Diwata, Anitu, Engkanto, Hilot, Talata at Baybayin

Lessons from the Prayer to Diwatang Makidepat: Embracing Peace and Life

In the sacred words of the Dumagat tradition, we find a prayer that speaks to the heart of indigenous spirituality:

“From the beginning of creation, Makidepat spread the breath and essence of life. We give reverence to Makidepat, Father of the heavens, our protector. Grant us strength. Today we make our vow: we shall serve Your greatness and devote ourselves to praise and care for the life You have given.”

This prayer is more than a set of words—it is a living guide for how we should walk in harmony with the world. Here are the lessons we can draw from it:

How Makidepat Spread the Breath and Essence of Life

In Dumagat cosmology, Makidepat is revered as the Father of the Heavens, the divine force that brought order and vitality to creation. When the world was formless and silent, Makidepat exhaled the hininga ng buhay (breath of life), infusing the cosmos with movement and spirit. This breath became the essence of existence, flowing through rivers, forests, mountains, and every living being.

Makidepat’s act was not merely physical—it was relational. By spreading life’s breath, Makidepat established the principle of interconnectedness, teaching that all beings share one origin and must live in harmony. This is why Makidepat is invoked in matters of peace and reconciliation: the same breath that animates us calls us to unity.

How We Can Serve Makidepat’s Greatness

The prayer says: “We shall serve Your greatness and devote ourselves to praise and care for the life You have given.” This is a call to active devotion, not just words. Here’s how we can live this vow:

1. Praise Through Gratitude

  • Begin and end each day with thanksgiving for life, nature, and relationships.
  • Speak words that uplift and honor creation—avoid speech that divides or harms.

2. Care for Life

  • Protect the environment: plant trees, conserve water, and avoid waste.
  • Show compassion to all living beings—humans, animals, and plants.
  • Support community harmony by mediating conflicts and promoting peace.

3. Live in Harmony

  • Practice humility and respect in relationships.
  • Engage in acts of kindness and generosity as offerings to Makidepat.

4. Ritual and Reflection

  • Set aside time for prayer and meditation, focusing on peace and unity.
  • Participate in communal rituals that honor Makidepat and strengthen bonds.

Serving Makidepat means embodying peace, gratitude, and responsibility in every aspect of life. It is a spiritual commitment that transforms our actions into sacred offerings.

Lessons from the Prayer

  1. Life is Sacred – Treat all life with respect and compassion.
  2. Gratitude is Essential – Begin each day with thanks.
  3. Strength Comes from Harmony – Seek inner strength through faith and balance.
  4. Devotion Requires Action – Protect nature, nurture relationships, and promote peace.
  5. Peace is a Shared Responsibility – Live in unity and resolve conflicts.

Devotional Ritual to Diwatang Makidepat

This simple ritual honors Makidepat and reinforces the values of peace and harmony.

Materials

  • A bowl of clean water (symbol of life and peace)
  • Fresh leaves or flowers
  • A small amount of rice grains
  • A white cloth or thread (symbol of unity)

Steps

  1. Prepare the Space
    Choose a quiet place—preferably outdoors or near a natural element. Arrange the offerings on a clean surface.
  2. Opening Invocation
    Face the east and say:
    “Makidepat, Father of the heavens, bearer of life’s breath, we call upon You. Bring peace to our hearts and strength to our hands.”
  3. Offerings
    • Sprinkle rice grains around the bowl of water.
    • Place the leaves or flowers gently on the water’s surface.
    • Lay the white cloth beside the bowl as a sign of unity.
  4. Prayer of Devotion
    Recite:
    “From the beginning, You gave life. Today we vow to honor that gift. Guide us to live in harmony, protect life, and spread peace.”
  5. Symbolic Act
    Dip your fingers in the water and touch your forehead and chest, saying:
    “I carry peace within me.”
    If in a group, share the water among participants as a blessing.
  6. Closing
    Thank Makidepat and pour the water onto the earth as a return to nature.

Closing Reflection

As we conclude this devotion, let us remember that Makidepat’s breath still flows through us. Every act of kindness, every effort to protect life, is a continuation of that sacred essence. Serving Makidepat is not confined to rituals—it is a way of living. When we choose peace over conflict, gratitude over neglect, and care over indifference, we honor the greatness of Makidepat.

Ask yourself:

  • How can I bring peace into my relationships today?
  • What small act can I do to protect life and nature?
  • How will I embody gratitude in my words and actions?

In answering these questions, we transform devotion into daily practice, making our lives a living prayer to Makidepat.

Leave a comment