Sacred Lessons, side view

From: Kellee Plascencia 
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 11:07 AM
To: Michael T. Kokal 
Cc: Mona Loring 
Subject: Re: End of the Road Podcast - Mike de la Rocha’s new Simon & Schuster book ‘Sacred Lessons’ Redefines Manhood

 

Thank you! Would it be possible to use THIS photo instead? Credit: Wade Brands

Response:  

Ok, I made the change.  But I don’t like it.  lol     

Our society is obsessed by images of our faces.   I have to laugh when Buddhists or other spiritual people talk about “no self” or non-duality or ego dissolution—but sure enough---they promote themselves with their picture.    I know I’m probably pissing in the wind here, but I take no self seriously.  We don’t exist in the way we think we do.  And pictures of faces are vestiges of colonialism that took away animism and collectivist culture so we can sell shit.  Don’t get me wrong, I really like Mike, but his book is not about him.  Its not about his face.  Its about something much bigger.  And that picture I found of him on Instagram is great because it suggests that is he part of something bigger.  And his pose of looking back is symbolic of  honoring his ancestors and what they have done. 

Sorry for the tirade…lol  I’ll stop now.  Love you Mona…lol