A hike to the Tassajara Zen Center reveals the heart of dharma; and a side trip to the ancient Esselen “Hands” caves made famous by Robinson Jeffers’ poem
Good story, although the final photo is, I believe, of the Cueva De Las Manos in Argentina.
I'm interested in the idea that Tassajara (meat drying place) is based on an Esselen word, as that would mean that an Esselen word has moved, to some degree into mainstream Spanish. There are other places well outside Esselen territory known as Tassajara (in the San Ramon Valley, for instance) and Tasajo, meaning dried meat, is fairly widespread in the Spanish-speaking world these days. I think the word is more generally believed to be derived from Nahuatl. Possibly a corruption of tonayahuia (to dry something in the sun) or tlahuatzalli (something dried).
Anyway, the springs were apparently given the name Tassajara in the late 1800s by a guy named Jack Borden who was trying to start a resort there. He reportedly borrowed the name from a location on the other side of Chews Ridge (also in Esselen territory).
Good story, although the final photo is, I believe, of the Cueva De Las Manos in Argentina.
I'm interested in the idea that Tassajara (meat drying place) is based on an Esselen word, as that would mean that an Esselen word has moved, to some degree into mainstream Spanish. There are other places well outside Esselen territory known as Tassajara (in the San Ramon Valley, for instance) and Tasajo, meaning dried meat, is fairly widespread in the Spanish-speaking world these days. I think the word is more generally believed to be derived from Nahuatl. Possibly a corruption of tonayahuia (to dry something in the sun) or tlahuatzalli (something dried).
Anyway, the springs were apparently given the name Tassajara in the late 1800s by a guy named Jack Borden who was trying to start a resort there. He reportedly borrowed the name from a location on the other side of Chews Ridge (also in Esselen territory).
Keith, mes culpa, thx for pointing out the errant photo. Argh! I removed.
So interesting about the linguistic mystery. The Aztec is always sneaking into California everything, lol
Definitely. Tlacaelel casts a long shadow.