Sunday, June 12, 2011

Native American Philosophy

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 breath,
only then will you discover you cannot eat money.
Cree Prophecy

Like the grasses showing tender faces to each other,
thus should we do, 
for this was the wish of the Grandfathers of the World.
Black Elk

I do not think the measure of a civilization
is not how high its buildings of concrete are,
But rather how well its people have learned to relate
to their  environment and fellow man.
Sun Bear of the Chippewa Tribe
 
Certain things catch your eye, 
But pursue only those
that capture your heart.
~ old   Indian saying ~
 
We return thanks to our mother, the earth
which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams,
which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs,
which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and the stars,
which have given to us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to the sun,
that has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit,
in Whom is embodied all goodness,
and Who directs all things for the good of Her children.
~ an Iroquois Thanksgiving ~

Give thanks for unknown blessings
already on their own.
~ Native American saying ~

There is a road in the hearts of all of us, hidden and seldom travelled,
which leads to an unknown, secret place.
The old people came literally to love the soil,
and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of
being close to a mothering power.
Their teepees were built upon the earth
and their altars were made of earth.
The soul was soothing, strengthening, cleansing and healing.
That is why the old Indian still sits upon the earth instead of
propping himself up and away from its life giving forces.
For him, to sit or lie upon the ground is to be able to think more deeply
and to feel more keenly. He can see more clearly into the mysteries of
life and come closer in kinship to other lives about him.
Chief Luther Standing Bear



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 kindess 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.


Merle Baird-Kerr
June 12, 2011



Native American Indian Traditional Code of Ethics
will be the next publication in this series.
Click in...to see how you “measure up” to these standards.

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