“…….a novel about a time that preceded our modern era where sages
and gifted matriarchs in an island culture inspired and guided the
people. Spiritual seeds are hidden inside the book and those seeds are
designed to take life in all who are karmically ripened to receive them.”

The writing of My Name is Mahataa was inspired by my maternal grandmother. I was always intrigued by her name, Mahataa, which in Sanskrit means “great one” or “greatness” or “mightiness.” How in the world, on a tiny island sandwiched between China and Japan, could she have received this unusual name?

No one in our family knew since Mahataa’s parents perished when she was very young.  Because I could find no explanation, I took liberty to invent how she must have received it.  Although I say that I invented large portions of the story, I must say that these stories poured effortlessly from my fingertips to the keyboard and it makes me pause to appreciate that our cells hold memories of all who have come before us.  Who is to say that this book is entirely fiction when these characters simply came alive for me?

The book is a spiritual fantasy with the historical backdrop of 1900 Okinawa where Mahataa, as a young girl, encounters exceptional teachers.   She receives instructions in Clear Mind Meditation from a mysterious monk, skills of “manifestation” from a high priestess, the art of divination from a soothsayer, and indigenous healing methods from a medicine woman.  As Mahataa learns, so does the reader.  As Mahataa connects to the greatness of her name and destiny, so too will the reader connect to their higher power and greatness.

Written by Jikun Kathy Sankey

Jikun Kathy Sankey, aka, Kathleen A. Sankey, OMD, LAc, is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of California, in private practice since 1985. She trains in the Rinzai Zen tradition under Zen Master Shodo Harada Roshi with whom she has studied since 1995 and heads the One Drop Zendo of Los Angeles. Her background also includes 20 years of Tai Chi Chuan and 15 years of Yoga.

She will be signing and reading from her new book “My Name is Mahataa” on Saturday, April 7 at 7pm at the Mystic Journey Bookstore, 1319 Abbot Kinney Blvd Venice, CA.  Refreshments will be served.