Talking Stick - Native Beliefs

[Guest guest]

Talking Stick - Native Belief

 

By: Circle Of Healing c 2003

 

In Native belief, there is no such concept as separation. To Native

peoples, we are a part of " all that is. " " All that is " includes

that which is known and that which is unknown. It includes truth

none/unknown, creator, our universe, sun, moon, stars, earth, air,

water and fire, plants, animals, humans and all things.

 

Of course; all living things have unique presence, visions, dreams,

gifts and purpose. However, we are in no way separate. In

the " circle of life " we are made complete. We cannot separate

ourselves from others because, our actions, behavior and

accomplishment affects the entire circle. In addition, the same is

true for others affecting our existence.

 

I believe two universal forces drive our world. One force is that

of love or " inclusion " . The other force is that of hate

or " exclusion " . The term separate is intended to " exclude "

others. When we mentally separate ourselves from others

or " exclude " them, we then believe that our actions do not affect

them. Damage to " all that is " is done utilizing the concept

of " exclusion. " Healing to " all that is " is done utilizing the

concept of " inclusion. "

 

In modern society, we actually believe that " exclusion " or separation

is our ticket to freedom. In other words, we see freedom as no

entanglements physically, mentally, emotionally or spirituality. We

also define freedom as an absence of responsibility or social

consciousness.

 

Native peoples saw freedom as a perfect balance between respect,

dignity, individual presence; visions, dreams, gifts, purpose and

inclusion, responsibility and social consciousness. A perfect

blend/balance between masculine drives (protection) and feminine

drives (nurturing). This full/complete balance established the

concept of harmony.

 

The concept of " inclusion " also applies to the " Great Spirit "

or " Great Mystery. "

Native American belief of this divine spirit is symbolized by a

harmony between the masculine (Sun) and feminine (Moon) and creation

(Earth). This divine is characterized as Grandfather Son,

Grandmother Moon, and Mother Earth. I have read an interpretation

of this concept as being paganistic. That is because the principal

of " exclusion " is being utilized. The masculine, feminine and

spiritual are both a part of one divine being. " Great Spirit " is

symbolic of the original spirit of life and flows through all living

things. " Living " in Native American terms represents

material/spiritual substance, energy and movement.

 

One of my friends stated once that she felt the Native American's

worshiped the creation more that the creator. Again, the principle

of " exclusion " is being employed inappropriately. The " Great Spirit "

is the creator and as such cannot be separated from the creation or

his " works. " If we create a particular work, then that work is a

part of us. If I write a poem, the poem only has life because of

me. Therefore, the poem is a part of me and cannot be

considered " apart " from me. Likewise, the " Great Spirit's " creation

is a part of the creator. Whether we worship " Great Spirit " in name,

or of the truth of his works, it is one in the same. We

worship " Great Spirit " .

 

If I could sum up Native beliefs in two words it would be " absolute

freedom. " Freedom it is not merely a " taking " but, rather a perfect

harmony between " giving " and " taking. " Giving respect, dignity,

allowing individual presence; visions, dreams, gifts, purpose and

inclusion. Taking responsibility for protecting/nurturing the circle

of life and having social consciousness.

 

The laws of Native American society, are best symbolized by the

Native American 10 Commandments:

 

TREAT THE EARTH AND ALL THAT DWELL THEREON 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 TRUTHFULL AND HONEST AT ALL TIMES

 

TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS