Community > General Religion Chat

Topic: Native Indian Spirituality Blessings
smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Tue 08/26/08 08:37 PM
When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover you cannot eat money. Cree Prophecy definitely goes into my book of truths- thank you john - I agree very true. One can see that these fine people really did think a great deal about life in general.

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Tue 08/26/08 08:38 PM
Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms; in prayer, in dreams, in times of quiet solitude, and in the words and deeds of wise Elders and friends. imagine if all would do this It would be great wouldn't it!

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 06:07 AM
What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset. Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator 1830 - 1890

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 08:21 AM
And while I stood there I saw more than I can tell, and I understood more than I saw; for I was seeing in a sacred manner the shapes of things in the spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they must live together like one being. Black Elk, Black Elk Speaks

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 08:28 AM
Peace and happiness are available in every moment. Peace is every step. We shall walk hand in hand. There are no political solutions to spiritual problems. Remember: If the Creator put it there, it is in the right place. The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears. Tell your people that, since we were promised we should never be moved, we have been moved five times. An Indian Chief, 1876.

Jeanniebean Joined Wed 01/30/08 Posts: 40028	Wed 08/27/08 08:43 AM
Lakota Instructions for Living Friend do it this way - that is, whatever you do in life, do the very best you can with both your heart and mind. And if you do it that way, the Power Of The Universe will come to your assistance, if your heart and mind are in Unity. When one sits in the Hoop Of The People, one must be responsible because All of Creation is related. And the hurt of one is the hurt of all. And the honor of one is the honor of all. And whatever we do effects everything in the universe. If you do it that way - that is, if you truly join your heart and mind as One - whatever you ask for, that's the Way It's Going To Be. passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman Wow! That's the Law of Attraction.

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 08:50 AM
Lakota Instructions for Living Friend do it this way - that is, whatever you do in life, do the very best you can with both your heart and mind. And if you do it that way, the Power Of The Universe will come to your assistance, if your heart and mind are in Unity. When one sits in the Hoop Of The People, one must be responsible because All of Creation is related. And the hurt of one is the hurt of all. And the honor of one is the honor of all. And whatever we do effects everything in the universe. If you do it that way - that is, if you truly join your heart and mind as One - whatever you ask for, that's the Way It's Going To Be. passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman Wow! That's the Law of Attraction. Well there you go. Native Indians have known it for years. lol

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 08:52 AM
Native Indian spirituality is also a great way to find deeper answers, yet it doesn't hurt to also laugh each day so I will add a few jokes with the spirituality if you don't mind. Native Chief Joke: An Indian Chief was Lying down in the middle of the street with his ear pressed to the pavement, when 2 people walked up to him and said: "Hey Chief, what are you doing down there in the middle of the street for"? The Chief replied: a man and a woman, two kids in the back and a dog, ..... The couple replied: Wow! you can tell who is coming in that detail just by listening to the ground? The Chief replied no! They just ran over me about ten minutes ago, .. Now who said Native Indians can't have fun!

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 08:53 AM Edited by smiless on Wed 08/27/08 09:05 AM
Navajo Message To The Moon In 1966, a NASA team doing work for the Apollo moon mission took the astronauts near Tuba City, where the terrain of the Navajo Reservation looks very much like the Lunar surface. Along with all the trucks and large vehicles, there were two large figures dressed in full Lunar space suits. Nearby, a Navajo sheep herder and his son were watching the strange creatures walk about, occasionally being tended by personnel. The two Navajo people were noticed and approached by the NASA personnel. Since the man did not know English, his son asked for him what the strange creatures were and the NASA people told them that they are just men that are getting ready to go to the moon. The man became very excited and asked if he could send a message to the moon with the astronauts. The NASA personnel thought this was a great idea so they rustled up a tape recorder. After the man gave them his message, they asked his son to translate. His son would not. Later, they tried to get a few more people on the reservation to translate and every person they asked would chuckle and then refuse to translate. Finally, with cash in hand, someone translated the message, "Watch out for these guys, they come to take your land."

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 09:12 AM
THE BRONZE RAT For you Sam! A Cheyenne guy went to Chinatown in San Francisco. While there he found a bronze rat at a thrift store. "How much do you want for the rat" he asked. "$3 for the rat and $1000 for the story that goes with it" said the shopkeeper. "Just give me the rat," the Cheyenne said, and then he left with it. As he walked down the street he noticed a couple of rats following him. As he walked further, more and more rats started chasing him. By the time he got to the bay, there were thousands of rats chasing him. So he climbed up a pole and threw the bronze rat into the water. To his amazement, all the rats jumped into the water. The Cheyenne then returned to the thrift store. "Ahh" the china man said. "Now you would like to hear the story?" "No" said the Cheyenne, "I just came back to see if you had any bronze white men!"

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 09:28 AM
O' GREAT SPIRIT help me always to speak the truth quietly, to listen with an open mind when others speak, and to remember the peace that may be found in silence. Cherokee Prayer

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 09:51 AM
First Philosophy - TO THE WOMEN The cycle of life for the woman is the baby, girl, woman, and grandmother. These are the four directions of life. She has been given by natural laws the ability to reproduce life. The most sacred of all things in life. Therefore, all men should treat her with dignity and respect. Never was it our way to harm her mentally or physically. Indian men were never abusers. We always treated our women with respect and understanding. So, from now on, I will treat women in a sacred manner. The Creator gave women the responsibility for bringing new life into the world. Life is sacred, so I will look upon women in a sacred manner. In our traditional ways, the woman is the foundation of the family. I will work with her to create a home atmosphere of respect, security and harmony. I will refrain from any form of emotional or physical abuse. If I have these feelings, I will talk to the Creator for guidance. I will treat all women as if they were my own female relatives. This I vow. Second Philosophy - TO THE CHILDREN As an eagle prepares its young to leave the nest with all the skills and knowledge it needs to participate in life, in the same manner so I will guide my children. I will use the culture to prepare them for life. The most important thing I can give to my children is my time. I will spend time with them in order to learn them and to listen to them. I will teach my children to pray, as well as the importance of respect. We are the caretakers of the children for the Creator. They are his children, not ours. I am proud of our Native language. I will learn it if I can and help my children to learn it. In today's world it is easy for the children to go astray, so I will work to provide positive alternatives for them. I will teach them the culture. I will encourage education. I will encourage sports. I will encourage them to talk with the Elders for guidance; but mostly, I will seek to be a role model myself. I make this commitment to my children so they will have courage and find guidance through traditional ways. Third Philosophy - TO THE FAMILY The Creator gave to us the family, which is the place where all teachings are handed down from the grandparent, to the parent, and to the child. The children's behavior is a mirror of the parent's behavior. Knowing this, I realize the importance for each Indian man to be responsible to the family in order to fulfill the need to build a strong and balanced family. By doing this, I will break the cycle of hurt and ensure the positive mental health of our children, even the children yet to be born. So, from now on, I will dedicate my priorities to rebuilding my family. I must never give up and leave my family only to the mother. I am accountable to restore the strength of my family. To do this, I will nurture our family's spiritual, cultural and social health. I will demonstrate trust, respect, honor and discipline; but mostly I will be consistent in whatever I do with them. I will see that the grandparents and community Elders play a significant role in the education of my children. I realize that the male and female together are fundamental to our family life. I will listen to my mate's council for our family's benefit, as well as for the benefit of my Indian Nation. Fourth Philosophy - TO THE COMMUNITY The Indian community provides many things for the family. The most important is the sense of belonging; that is, to belong to "the people", and to have a place to go. Our Indian communities need to be restored to health so the future generation will be guaranteed a place to go for culture, language and Indian socializing. In he community, the honor of one is the honor of all and the pain of one is the pain of all. I will work to strengthen recovery in all parts of my community. As an Indian man, I will give back to my community by donating my time and talents when I am able. I will cultivate friendships with other Indian men for mutual support and strength. I will consider the effects of our decisions on behalf of the next seven generations; in this way, our children and grandchildren will inherit healthy communities. I will care about those in my community so that the mind changes, alcohol and drugs, will vanish, and our communities will forever be free of violence. If each of us can do all these things, then others, will follow; ours will be a proud community. Fifth Philosophy - THE EARTH Our Mother Earth is the source of all life, whether it be plants, the two-legged, four-legged, winged ones or human beings. The Mother Earth is the greatest teacher, if we listen, observe and respect her. When we live in harmony with the Mother Earth, she will recycle the things we consume and make them available to our children. As an Indian man, I must teach my children how to care for the Earth so it is there for the future generations. So from now on, I realize the Earth is our Mother. I will treat her with honor and respect. I will honor the interconnectedness of all things and all forms of life. I will realize the Earth does not belong to us, but that we belong to the Earth. The natural law is the ultimate authority upon the lands and water. I will learn the knowledge and wisdom of the natural laws. I will pass this knowledge on to my children. The Mother Earth is a living entity that maintains life. I will speak out in a good way whenever I see someone abusing the Earth. Just as I would protect my own mother, so I will protect the Earth. I will ensure that the land, water, and air will be intact for my children and for my children's children-the unborn. Sixth Philosophy - TO THE CREATOR As an Indian man, I realize we make no gains without the Great Spirit being in our lives. Neither I, nor anything I attempt to do, will work without our Creator. Being Indian and being spiritual has the same meaning. Spirituality is our gift from the Great One. This say, I vow to walk the Red Road. As an Indian man, I will return to the traditional and spiritual values which have guided my ancestors for the past generations. I will look with new eyes on the powers of our ceremonies and religious ways, for they are important to the very survival of our people. We have survived and are going to grow and flourish spiritually. We will fulfill our teachings and the purpose that the Creator has given us with dignity. Each day, I will pray and ask guidance. I will commit to walk the Red Road, or whatever the spiritual way is called in my own culture. If I am a Christian, I will be a good one. If I tradition, I will walk this road with dedication. If each of us can do these things then others will follow. From this day forward, I will reserve time and energy for spirituality, seeking to know the Creator's will. Seventh Philosophy - TO MYSELF I will think about what kind of person I want to be when I am an Elder. I will start developing myself now to be this person. I will walk with the Great Spirit and the grandfathers at my side. I will develop myself to remain positive. I will develop a good mind. I will examine myself daily to see what I did good and what I need to improve. I will examine my strengths and weaknesses; then I will ask the Creator to guide me. I will develop a good mind. Each day, I will listen for the Creator's voice in the wind. I will watch nature and ask to be shown a lesson which will occur on my path. I will seek our the guiding principles which guided my ancestors. I will walk in dignity, honor and humility, conducting myself as a warrior. I will seek the guidance of the Elders so that I may maintain the knowledge of culture, ceremonies and songs, and so that I may pass these on to future generations. I choose to do all these things myself, because no one else can do them for me. I know I CANNOT GIVE AWAY WHAT I DON'T HAVE, so I will need to learn to walk the talk.

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 09:56 AM
The Indian Ten Commandments Treat the Earth and all that dwell therein with respect Remain close to the Great Spirit Show great respect for your fellow beings Work together for the benefit of all Mankind Give assistance and kindness wherever needed Do what you know to be right Look after the well-being of Mind and Body Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater Good Be truthful and honest at all times Take full responsibility for your actions

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 10:02 AM
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing. It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive. It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain! I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it. I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human. It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy. I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence. I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!" It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children. It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back. It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away. I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments. by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 10:16 AM
Before our white brothers arrived to make us civilized men, we didn't have any kind of prison. Because of this, we had no delinquents. Without a prison, there can be no delinquents. We had no locks nor keys and therefore among us there were no thieves. When someone was so poor that he couldn't afford a horse, a tent or a blanket, he would, in that case, receive it all as a gift. We were too uncivilized to give great importance to private property. We didn't know any kind of money and consequently, the value of a human being was not determined by his wealth. We had no written laws laid down, no lawyers, no politicians, therefore we were not able to cheat and swindle one another. We were really in bad shape before the white men arrived and I don't know how to explain how we were able to manage without these fundamental things that (so they tell us) are so necessary for a civilized society. John (Fire) Lame Deer Sioux Lakota - 1903-1976

tribo Joined Mon 05/12/08 Posts: 5577	Wed 08/27/08 10:19 AM
THE BRONZE RAT For you Sam! A Cheyenne guy went to Chinatown in San Francisco. While there he found a bronze rat at a thrift store. "How much do you want for the rat" he asked. "$3 for the rat and $1000 for the story that goes with it" said the shopkeeper. "Just give me the rat," the Cheyenne said, and then he left with it. As he walked down the street he noticed a couple of rats following him. As he walked further, more and more rats started chasing him. By the time he got to the bay, there were thousands of rats chasing him. So he climbed up a pole and threw the bronze rat into the water. To his amazement, all the rats jumped into the water. The Cheyenne then returned to the thrift store. "Ahh" the china man said. "Now you would like to hear the story?" "No" said the Cheyenne, "I just came back to see if you had any bronze white men!"

tribo Joined Mon 05/12/08 Posts: 5577	Wed 08/27/08 10:26 AM Edited by tribo on Wed 08/27/08 10:27 AM
Before our white brothers arrived to make us civilized men, we didn't have any kind of prison. Because of this, we had no delinquents. Without a prison, there can be no delinquents. We had no locks nor keys and therefore among us there were no thieves. When someone was so poor that he couldn't afford a horse, a tent or a blanket, he would, in that case, receive it all as a gift. We were too uncivilized to give great importance to private property. We didn't know any kind of money and consequently, the value of a human being was not determined by his wealth. We had no written laws laid down, no lawyers, no politicians, therefore we were not able to cheat and swindle one another. We were really in bad shape before the white men arrived and I don't know how to explain how we were able to manage without these fundamental things that (so they tell us) are so necessary for a civilized society. John (Fire) Lame Deer Sioux Lakota - 1903-1976 It's always amazed me that the white man who claims to be "civilized" would call the native americans "heathens" and "Savages" it is them that should have taught us what civility is. may the earth return to those who always knew it and respected it as it should have always been, forever and ever.

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 10:29 AM
Before our white brothers arrived to make us civilized men, we didn't have any kind of prison. Because of this, we had no delinquents. Without a prison, there can be no delinquents. We had no locks nor keys and therefore among us there were no thieves. When someone was so poor that he couldn't afford a horse, a tent or a blanket, he would, in that case, receive it all as a gift. We were too uncivilized to give great importance to private property. We didn't know any kind of money and consequently, the value of a human being was not determined by his wealth. We had no written laws laid down, no lawyers, no politicians, therefore we were not able to cheat and swindle one another. We were really in bad shape before the white men arrived and I don't know how to explain how we were able to manage without these fundamental things that (so they tell us) are so necessary for a civilized society. John (Fire) Lame Deer Sioux Lakota - 1903-1976 It's always amazed me that the white man who claims to be "civilized" would call the native americans "heathens" and "Savages" it is them that should have taught us what civility is. may the earth return to those who always knew it and respected it as it should ahve always been, forever and ever. Very true but I must say the Micosukie Indians here in Florida are living the high life. I went to their reservation and they have huge casinos everywhere! I think they would make the Italian Mafia who own the casinos in Las Vegas a bit shaky. lol but I understand clearly what you say. I think there are a great many things we can learn from native indians. I plan to visit many more reservations before heading back to Europe.

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 10:57 AM
If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace... Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. The Earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.... Let me be a free man,free to travel, free to stop,free to work,free to trade where I choose my own teachers, free to follow the religion of my fathers,free to think and talk and act for myself, and I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty. Heinmot Tooyalaket ( Chief Joseph), Nez Perce Leader

smiless Joined Wed 09/26/07 Posts: 13765	Wed 08/27/08 11:02 AM
An Indian Prayer O' GREAT SPIRIT, Whose voice I hear in the winds, And whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me! I am small and weak, I need your strength and wisdom. Let Me Walk In Beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make My Hands Respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make Me Wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let Me Learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I Seek Strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy...myself. Make Me Always Ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So When Life Fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame. (translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887)