Native American
Scroll to the bottom of this page for links to more articles on Native American Spirituality.
Native American spirituality existed before the "white man" set foot on this continent. However, it was nothing like the "spirituality" exhibited by the Puritans or other settlers of the "new world". Native American spirituality dealt with respect -- respect for Mother Earth and for all of creation, two-leggeds and four-leggeds.
Unfortunately it isn't until recently that "white" people have started to pay attention to the spiritual teachings of Native Americans and discovered that the native or aboriginal way of life has much to teach us.
Native Americans do not see their spirituality as a religion. While it does have rites and ceremonies, it is more of a personal experience as evidenced by vision quests, sweat lodges, etc. Native American spirituality is a way of life rathan than a "type of worship", though it does include worship in its practice. It is about seeing the sacred in every day life and experience. It is about honoring the life in all of creation and respecting the rights of future generations.
This prayer of thanksgiving seems to sum up the aboriginal perspective:
"We give thanks to the Creator... We ask his blessings on the food that we eat and on all the generations that follow us down to the Seventh Generation. May the world we leave them be a better one than was left to us."
The articles in this section focus on the Native American spiritual path or way of life: it includes respect, harmony, sacredness, and much more. It is a way of life that, as we learn more about it, leads us to reflect on our role in the greater picture... for seven generations to come.
A Dog Named Love & A Dog Named Fear: Which Are You Feeding?
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by Jim Dreaver. I present a radically different approach to transformation — a simple yet revolutionary practice, the essence of which is learning to face your inner conflicts, self-doubt, and fears without any story whatsoever. Here it is...
You Are A Visionary Shaman
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by Linda Star Wolf. I believe that we are all born with a powerful shamanic spirit. Like the rest of the natural world that we are so deeply related to, we are given many wonderful shamanic gifts from our divine source.
Who Is Eating the Strawberries?
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by Raphael.
The other day, while meditating, I happened to be thinking about the people of Japan and those in the Midwest being affected by the flooding . . . many of these people will have limited access to food and will be hungry. What could I do to help? A thought popped into my head about a very easy way to help which was tied to my past experiences and teachings with the Blackfeet & the Lakota. Let me explain . . .
The Way of the Circle
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The 'Way of the Circle' is passed down from generation to generation, from Native American Elders to the children in the form of stories, traditions, customs, and teachings. What follows is a general collection of these teachings, which can be embraced by anyone seeking the way of...
Choices & Non Interference
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The highest form of respect for another person is respecting his or her natural right to be self-determining. This means not interfering with another person's ability to choose. Every experience holds a valuable lesson. Noninterference means caring in a respectful way. And it is the way of 'right relationship.'
Calling Great Spirit
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I walk with the Great Spirit, with God. I talk to Him. The Great Spirit guides me in my life. Wakan-Tanka, that's what we call him in Lakota. You can call Wakan-Tanka by any name you like. In English I call Him God or the Great Spirit. So call Wakan-Tanka whatever you like. Just be sure to call Him. He wants to talk to you.
Following the Sacred Trail
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by Michael Garrett. The first time I actually saw a rainbow, its quiet beauty struck my heart with such awe that it touched something deep within me. Just seeing a rainbow catches you quite off guard and somehow just makes you stop and look ... and wonder. I have been given many gifts during my time on Mother Earth, and seeing a rainbow...
