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Post by dreamy on Oct 14, 2005 0:10:02 GMT 10
I thought I'd share a bit of this kind of spirituality with you; I think it's a very beautiful one. I'm going to post some prayers, blessings and wise words by and by if you are interested in.
NATIVE AMERICAN TEN COMMANDMENTS
REMAIN CLOSE TO THE GREAT SPIRIT
TREAT THE EARTH AND ALL THAT DWELL THEREON WITH RESPECT
SHOW GREAT RESPECT FOR YOUR FELLOW BEINGS
WORK TOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF 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 SHORE OF YOUR EFFORTS TO THE GREATER GOOD
BE TRUTHFUL AND HONEST AT ALL TIMES
TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS
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Elly
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Post by Elly on Oct 14, 2005 0:21:26 GMT 10
I thought I'd share a bit of this kind of spirituality with you; I think it's a very beautiful one. I'm going to post some prayers, blessings and wise words by and by if you are interested in. NATIVE AMERICAN TEN COMMANDMENTS
REMAIN CLOSE TO THE GREAT SPIRIT TREAT THE EARTH AND ALL THAT DWELL THEREON WITH RESPECT SHOW GREAT RESPECT FOR YOUR FELLOW BEINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF 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 SHORE OF YOUR EFFORTS TO THE GREATER GOOD BE TRUTHFUL AND HONEST AT ALL TIMES TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS I love them Dreamy, very true and down to earth and yes beautiful Thank you for posting these great words.
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Post by dreamy on Oct 14, 2005 0:38:35 GMT 10
Thank you Elly, I'm glad you enjoy them!
GREAT SPIRIT PRAYER
Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind,
Whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me; 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.
Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others.
Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me.
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.
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Post by andi on Oct 14, 2005 2:52:21 GMT 10
Love them!
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Post by dreamy on Oct 14, 2005 7:04:32 GMT 10
Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth. "This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. "One thing we know: our god is also your god. The earth is precious to him and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator.
(Chief Seattle)
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Post by dreamy on Oct 14, 2005 7:07:39 GMT 10
Cherokee Prayer Blessing
MAY THE WARM WINDS OF HEAVEN BLOW SOFTLY UPON YOUR HOUSE.
MAY THE GREAT SPIRIT BLESS ALL WHO ENTER THERE.
MAY YOUR MOCASSINS MAKE HAPPY TRACKS IN MANY SNOWS.
AND MAY THE RAINBOW ALWAYS TOUCH YOUR SHOULDER
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Elly
Administrator
Posts: 29,887
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Post by Elly on Oct 15, 2005 23:26:11 GMT 10
Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth. "This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. "One thing we know: our god is also your god. The earth is precious to him and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator. (Chief Seattle) beautiful Dreamy #tartanberet#
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Post by dreamy on Oct 17, 2005 3:48:07 GMT 10
SEVEN PHILOSOPHIES FOR A NATIVE AMERICAN MAN
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.
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Post by dreamy on Oct 17, 2005 3:50:07 GMT 10
NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN TRADITIONAL CODE OF ETHICS ...From "Inter-Tribal Times" Oct 1994
1. Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, give thanks for the life within you and for all life, for the good things the Creator has given you and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seek for the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek for the things that will benefit others (everyone).
2. Respect. Respect means "To feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy". Showing respect is a basic law of life.
a. Treat every person from the tiniest child to the oldest elder with respect at all times.
b. Special respect should be given to Elders, Parents, Teachers, and Community Leaders.
c. No person should be made to feel "put down" by you; avoid hurting other hearts as you would avoid a deadly poison.
d. Touch nothing that belongs to someone else (especially Sacred Objects) without permission, or an understanding between you.
e. Respect the privacy of every person, never intrude on a person's quiet moment or personal space.
f. Never walk between people that are conversing.
g. Never interrupt people who are conversing.
h. Speak in a soft voice, especially when you are in the presence of Elders, strangers or others to whom special respect is due.
i. Do not speak unless invited to do so at gatherings where Elders are present (except to ask what is expected of you, should you be in doubt).
j. Never speak about others in a negative way, whether they are present or not.
k. Treat the earth and all of her aspects as your mother. Show deep respect for the mineral world, the plant world, and the animal world. Do nothing to pollute our Mother, rise up with wisdom to defend her.
l. Show deep respect for the beliefs and religion of others.
m. Listen with courtesy to what others say, even if you feel that what they are saying is worthless. Listen with your heart.
n. Respect the wisdom of the people in council. Once you give an idea to a council meeting it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the people. Respect demands that you listen intently to the ideas of others in council and that you do not insist that your idea prevail. Indeed you should freely support the ideas of others if they are true and good, even if those ideas ideas are quite different from the ones you have contributed. The clash of ideas brings forth the Spark of Truth.3. Once a council has decided something in unity, respect demands that no one speak secretly against what has been decided. If the council has made an error, that error will become apparent to everyone in its own time.
4. Be truthful at all times, and under all conditions.
5. Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give of your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house, and your best service to your guests.
6. The hurt of one is the hurt of all, the honor of one is the honor of all.
7. Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family.
8. All the races and tribes in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator they must all be respected.
9. To serve others, to be of some use to family, community, nation, and the world is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget your most important talks. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.
10. Observe moderation and balance in all things.
11. Know those things that lead to your well-being, and those things that lead to your destruction.
12. 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.
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Post by dreamy on Oct 17, 2005 3:55:16 GMT 10
Earth, Teach Me
Earth teach me quiet ~ as the grasses are still with new light. Earth teach me suffering ~ as old stones suffer with memory. Earth teach me humility ~ as blossoms are humble with beginning. Earth teach me caring ~ as mothers nurture their young. Earth teach me courage ~ as the tree that stands alone. Earth teach me limitation ~ as the ant that crawls on the ground. Earth teach me freedom ~ as the eagle that soars in the sky. Earth teach me acceptance ~ as the leaves that die each fall. Earth teach me renewal ~ as the seed that rises in the spring. Earth teach me to forget myself ~ as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me to remember kindness ~ as dry fields weep with rain.
An Ute Prayer
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Post by andi on Oct 18, 2005 17:42:06 GMT 10
They're very good dreamy!
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Post by roper on Oct 20, 2005 23:41:51 GMT 10
Cherokee Prayer BlessingMAY THE WARM WINDS OF HEAVEN BLOW SOFTLY UPON YOUR HOUSE. MAY THE GREAT SPIRIT BLESS ALL WHO ENTER THERE. MAY YOUR MOCASSINS MAKE HAPPY TRACKS IN MANY SNOWS. AND MAY THE RAINBOW ALWAYS TOUCH YOUR SHOULDER have I told you that my husband's grandmother was cherokee? these are great, thanks for sharing them
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