Native Way and Teaching

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I.HONOR THE GREAT SPIRIT :
Every element of creation expresses the Creator. Within each
mountain, each stone, and each heart lies the Great Spirit. All
are of the Creator, and each particle of the universe is equally
deserving of respect and admiration. When looking upon a sunset,
the trees, or even your worst enemy, you are looking at the
Creator. Know this and give praise and prayer.



"A wee child toddling in a wonder world, I prefer to their dogma
my excursions into the natural gardens where the voice of the
Great Spirit is heard in the twittering of birds, the rippling of
mighty waters, and the sweet breathing of flowers. If this is
Paganism, then at present, at least, I am Pagan.
Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin or Red Bird) (1876-1938)
Sioux author & activist

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II. THE GOOD RED ROAD :
Originally, the term "The Red Road" or "The Good Red Road" was
used by the Plains people to signify one's righteous relationship
with their divinity.
When one walks the Red Road, one is living within the rules of the
Creator, living a life of truth, friendship, respect, spirituality, and
humanitarianism. Today, the phrase is shared by numerous
people all over the world.

"Creator of the world, Maker of all men ; Lord of lords, my eyes
fail me...for the sole desire (is) to know thee."
Inca hymn

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III. HONOR MOTHER NATURE :
Mother Nature is not for us...she is part of us and we, like
everything else that lives and breathes upon her, are her children.
Your own direct connection with Mother Earth is to be encouraged
daily. Paint her portraits, swim in her waters, tend to her flowers,
stroll through her glorious forests, and care for her many children :
all plants, people, and animals.
We must live according to her principles and choose not to pollute
her body. The alternative is death to our mother-and death to
her children.




"The Great Spirit is our father, but the Earth is our mother. She
nourished us ; that which we put into the ground she returns to
us, and healing plants she gives us likewise. If we are wounded,
we go to our mother and seek to lay the wounded part against her,
to be healed."
Bedagi (Big Thunder)
Wabanaki Algonquin 1900's

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IV. SEARCH FOR YOURSELF,  BE YOURSELF :
Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road and yours
alone.  Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for
you. Accept yourself and your actions. Own your thoughts. Speak
up when wrong, and apologize. Know your path at all times. To
do this you must know yourself inside and out, accept your gifts
as well as your shortcomings, and grow each day with honesty,
integrity, compassion, faith, and brotherhood.


"I have made myself what I am.
Tecumseh ((1768-1813)
Shawnee

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V. COMMUNITY CODE OF CONDUCT :
Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve
them the best food, give them the best bed, and treat them with
respect. Honor the thoughts, wishes, and words of others. Never
Interrupt another or mock or mimic them. Allow each person the
right to freedom of opinion. Respect that opinion. Never speak ill
of others. As you travel along life's road never harm anyone, nor
cause anyone to feel sad. On the contrary, if at any time you can
make a person happy, do so.


"Even as you desire good treatment, so render it."
Handsome Lake (c. 1735-1815)
Seneca

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VI. BANISH FEAR FROM YOUR HEART :
Fear stunts your soul and limits the amount of road needed to
travel to reach the Tree of Life, and to know the Great Spirit.
Fear is nonbeneficial and leads to an unbalanced mind, body,
and spirit. To banish fear you must know your path and trust
yourself-and the world around you. With trust comes confidence.
Self-confidence banished fear.


"I fear no man, and I depend on the Great Spirit."
Kondiaronk
Huron late 17th century

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VII. RESPECT :
Respect is to be given for all beings placed upon this earth by the
Creator. Respect is to be given to elders, who are rich with wisdom.
Respect one's privacy, thoughts, and wishes. Respect human
siblings by only speaking of their good qualities. Respect one's
personal space and belongings. Respect another's spiritual path
and do not judge their choices.
"Trouble no one about their religion ; respect others in their view,
and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect
your life, and beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your
life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a
noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing
a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect
to all people and bow to no one..."
Tecumseh (1768-1813)
Shawnee

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VIII. SPEAK THE TRUTH :
Speak only the truth and do right always. You are what you say...
and what you say needs to be honest, forthright, and of your own
personal belief. Without truth you cannot achieve inner balance-
balance within yourself, with other beings, with Mother Earth, and
with the Creator.

"Good words do not last long until they amount to something."
Chief Joseph (1840-1904)
Nez Perce

[Lori Anne]

V. COMMUNITY CODE OF CONDUCT :
Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve
them the best food, give them the best bed, and treat them with
respect. Honor the thoughts, wishes, and words of others. Never
Interrupt another or mock or mimic them. Allow each person the
right to freedom of opinion. Respect that opinion. Never speak ill
of others. As you travel along life's road never harm anyone, nor
cause anyone to feel sad. On the contrary, if at any time you can
make a person happy, do so.


"Even as you desire good treatment, so render it."
Handsome Lake (c. 1735-1815)
Seneca

Especially love this one  (though they are all great!)

I really get a feeling of peace and serenity reading these words.
 

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IX. REJECT MATERIALISM :
When one is materialistic, one is not right with the Red Road. To
value and appreciate what you have and to know that you are
loved and safe under the limbs of the Tree of Life is to reject
materialism and to live a life of virtue and appreciation.
Materialism only fills your heart with envy and greed, while
appreciation breeds contentment, balance, and true happiness.


"...These are my young men. I am their chief. Look among them
and see if you can find among them who are rich. They are all
poor because they are all honest."
Red Dog
Oglala Sioux 1870

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X. SEEK WISDOM :
Those who are wise have lived a lifetime with ears open and a
willingness to not only experience truth, but to pursue it as well.
Wisdom is gained by : Listening to your elders. They have walked
a longer path than you. Seeking all that is true. Wisdom lies
within honesty, not deception. Realizing that education is
never-ending. Even death is a final lesson. Learning from Mother
Nature. Her wisdom is infinite.

"The greatest obstacle o the internal nature is the mind. If it relies
on logic such as the white man's mind, the domain of the inner
nature is inaccessible. The simple fact is man does not challenge
the wisdom of the Holy Mystery."
Turtleheart
Teton Sioux

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XI. PRACTICE FORGIVENESS :
Your journey upon the Red Road will be filled with acts requiring
forgiveness-forgiveness of others and forgiveness of yourself.
Mindfully practice this incredible act of humanity and the Red
Road will be an easy path to follow. Also, absolution breeds the
same in others. Be quick to forgive and others will grant you the
same kindness.


"Indians love their friends and kindred, and treat them with kindness."
Cornplanter (1736-1836)
Seneca

[Lori Anne]

IX. REJECT MATERIALISM :
When one is materialistic, one is not right with the Red Road. To
value and appreciate what you have and to know that you are
loved and safe under the limbs of the Tree of Life is to reject
materialism and to live a life of virtue and appreciation.
Materialism only fills your heart with envy and greed, while
appreciation breeds contentment, balance, and true happiness.


"...These are my young men. I am their chief. Look among them
and see if you can find among them who are rich. They are all
poor because they are all honest."
Red Dog
Oglala Sioux 1870

 I have a dear friend and Sister who has just recently decided to live electricity free.   This meant no longer being able to enjoy many of her comforts and possessions such as computer/internet,  TV and Stereo.  She is now using woodstove for cooking and heat and is in the process of hooking up solar panels for energy.  She is one of the most content,  balanced and truly happy people I know!

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I think of materialism, and how materialism and a materialistic
society helps to destroy the resources and splendor of Mother
Earth. This goes from having animal products of furs, bones &
animal parts to trees & cutting down of the environment. It all
ties together. Materialism to me is :  (1). Greed, conscious or
unconscious. (2). We as a species, need stimulation. This means
new knowledge, new sports, new clothes, new stimulation. This
entails getting new products, which entail taking it from the
environment. It gives a initial "fix," but it is only temporary.
Meanwhile, it is like a drug addiction. It had to constantly be
replenished, re-stocked, to get re-stimulated. It also piles up.
We have to then clean and care for our possessions, which
ultimately, seemingly possess us.
What if we as a society, chose joint shared (1). new experiences,
versus new possessions? What if we chose creating and getting
in tune with our inner nature, our inner reality?

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XII. PRACTICE OPTIMISM :
It is easy to live within the shadow of fear, procrastination, and
pessimism. But these are bad habits and stumbling blocks that
keep you from experiencing life, the Red Road, and the Great
Spirit. It is well known to the Native people that optimism is the
key to good health. Worry makes you sick-as do bad thoughts.
Replace them with happiness and optimism and you shall live a
long, healthy life.



"Oh hear me, Grandfather, and help us, that our entire generation
in the future will live and walk the good road with the flowering
stick of success. Also, the pipe of peace, we will offer it as we
walk the good road to success. Hear me, and hear our plea...
Black Elk (1863-1950)
Oglala Sioux