"It was our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome. Its appeal is to the material part, and if allowed its way, it will in time disturb one's spiritual balance. Therefore, children must early learn the beauty of generosity. They are taught to give what they prize most, that they may taste the happiness of giving."

Ohiyesa (Charles Alexander Eastman) - Wahpeton Santee Sioux - 1858-1939

"The Indians in their simplicity literally give away all that they have--to relatives, to guests of other tribes or clans, but above all to the poor and the aged, from whom they can hope for no return."

Ohiyesa (Charles Alexander Eastman) - Wahpeton Santee Sioux - 1858-1939

"Oh Great Spirit, who made all races.
Look kindly upon all human family
and take away arrogance and hatred
which separates us from our brothers."

- Cherokee prayer

Where's Jag ????????


have you taken over his thread Sea ?

Oh my, not at all. Nobody can even try it - Jag�s knowledge is so wide and all I know about the topic he has in the top of his finger. I�m just a faithful student I only posted some quotes I�ve found all around. It�s a pitty that I can�t find any books about Natives in english here in Prague, so for the time being have only internet as a source But if I get a new job, Amazon is mine

Hope he�ll be back soon

"Teach me how to trust
my heart, my mind, my intuition, my inner knowing,
the senses of my body,
the blessings of my spirit.
Teach me to trust these things
so that I may enter my sacred space
and love beyond my fear
and thus walk in balance
with the passing of each glorious sun."

- Lakota prayer

"It is through mysterious power that we have our being and we, therefore, yield to our neighbors, even to our animal neighbors, the same right as ourselves to inhabit this vast land."

- Sitting Bull

"I see a time of seven generations when all the colours of mankind will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life and the whole Earth will become one circle again."

- Crazy Horse

"Civilization has been thrust upon me... and it has not added one whit to my love for truth, humanity and generosity."

- Luther Standing Bear, Oglala Sioux (1868-1939)

"I do not see a delegation for the Four-footed,
I see no seat for Eagles.
We forget and we consider ourselves superior.
But we are after all, a mere part of Creation
and we must consider to understand where we are.
And we stand somewhere between the mountain and the ant
as part and parcel of Creation."

- Chief Oren Lyons, Onondaga

Of course I don't mind, Sea... It's actually great to see some other people post in here, besides me.. and this thread is for all of us to share..

Thanks/ Miigwetch for your contributions...

This is true.., but whoever made the post you got this from, left out an important part of when/why and how this was done.. It's part of the "Potlach Ceremony". Maybe I should re-state this agin, as I think I covered it, back in the first thread.. Also.., I don't like the words .."in their simplicity".., as it tells me that whoever wrote this, was taking Charle's words a little out of context..

-------------

POTLATCH CEREMONY

... A Potlatch is an opulent ceremonial feast to celebrate an important event held by tribes of Northwest Indians of North America. A Potlatch is characterized by a ceremony in which possessions are given away, or destroyed, to display wealth, generosity and enhance prestige.

The term 'Potlatch' has been corrupted from a Nootka Indian word meaning "gift". The Nootka, now referred to by the name Nuu-chah-nulth, are one of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada.

Many other tribes, especially among the Plains Indians, have traditionally practiced some form of potlatch, or give-away ceremonies and customs, highlighted by the lavish distribution of goods and food to tribe members of those of other clans, villages, or tribes.

The concept of the Potlatch custom is difficult to comprehend by those who do not share the culture and beliefs of Native American Indians. The early European settlers found the custom impossible to comprehend, they literally came from different worlds and the idea of giving away possessions was a totally alien concept, in fact it still is.

The beliefs of the people and the reasons behind the concept of the Potlatch need to be considered to enable a clearer understanding of this custom.

The beliefs and customs of the Native American tribes who practised Potlatch ceremonies and rituals was based upon a sense of communal responsibility and the democratic beliefs of the tribes. This was characterized by social equality and a demonstration of the legitimacy of the men who were elected as tribal leaders. A man elected to a leadership position was given the stewardship, rather than ownership, of the wealth of a tribe. He was also expected to give away his possessions so as not to be able to profit materially from his new position. The basic concept and ideals of Potlatch prevented corruption in high places of trust and power. A Potlatch ceremony also provided recognition of new social status within the tribe.

---> http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture/potlatch.htm

Thank you for clarification, Jag I must admit that more I learn about Natives, their history, spirituality and social matters I am more and more amazed. I always strongly felt with them, but more I know, my love and respect grows and grows. As I am absolutely apolitical person - because for me, due to my life experiences, it is nothing but a big lie, fairytale and disappointment - their democracy and social system are simply stunning. When I compare this world in which we live now and theirs, I wish I would live in their world. Maybe it is also because I was raised in family that always put honorable social behaviour at the first place Gosh, I haven�t heard word honourable for a very, very long time - we used to use it often in past It doesn�t seem to be too popular in our "growing civilization"

"We need a great healing, and we need a Great Forgiving. But healing cannot begin without forgiveness. We must forgive each other, Forgive our loved ones, Forgive our friends, Forgive our enemies, Forgive ourselves. We need to pray even for a person who has done wrong! In our Tiyospaye - our family, when two people fight they are made brothers or sisters. Forgiveness itself is a powerful medicine. We need forgiveness to create PEACE! Mitakuye Oyasin! (all our relations) in the Great Circle of Life, where there is no beginning and no end."

"White Buffalo Teachings" by Chief Arvol Looking Horse

"Oun waste wan unyuhapi ka as wana henela - We had a beautiful way of life but it is now gone."

Thomas American Horse (1866-1963)

"The only thing necessary for tranquility in the world is that every child grows up happy."

- Chief Dan George

"Love is something you and I must have.
We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it.
We must have it because without it we become weak and faint.
Without love our self-esteem weakens.
Without it our courage fails.
Without love we can no longer look out confidently at the world...
But with love we are creative.
With it we march tirelessly.
With it, and with it alone, we are able to sacrifice for others."

- Chief Dan George

"Where noone intrudes, many can live in harmony."

Chief Dan George