Looks at religion and the social customs of Native Americans of North America, focusing on tribes, territories, spirits, symbols, myths, cosmos, and other topics.
The wisdom of the Native American traditions is increasingly recognized as a source of true inspiration in the troubled times we are all experiencing today. Here are peoples who have long understood the importance of living in harmony with the Earth and who understand the interconnectedness of all things. In this collection of extracts, the author takes readers through the essence of Native American wisdom with the words of such visionaries as Black Elk. There are many principles of this ancient tradition that are acutely appropriate for us all in the modern world and which can inspire our hearts, guide our thoughts and bring joy and hope to our lives.
This exquisitely illustrated and authoritative volume presents a concise account of the history of the Hopi people, including the legends, customs, and ceremonies that form the Hopi "Road of Life," in an illuminating introduction to one of the most intriguing and influential of Native American cultures.
A thoughtfully collated variety of quotations from Native American peoples, this selection of words of wisdom will give you solace, inspire you, give you pause for thought and perhaps even challenge your perspective. Covering topics such as family, the environment, aging, death, love, prayer, blessings and spirituality, there is a wealth of ancient wisdom for you to dip into at your leisure.
Native American Wisdom contains moving quotations from leading American Native Indians, Chiefs, Medicine Men, as well as ordinary people, poems, songs, prose, speeches and stories both past and present. The spiritual wisdom of these peoples is based on a love and reverence for Nature, a belief in a Supreme Being and a spirit world which interacts with human activity. With an introduction is by a leading authority in the field, Dr. Mick Gidley, Emeritus Professor of American Literature and Culture, University of Leeds, who puts the broad scope of the anthology in historical context and explains succinctly and intelligently the wonderful diversity of cultures and languages that it celebrates.
Nitakuys oyasin -"we are all related." The Oglala Sioux saying is the philosophy underlying Native American spirituality and practices, a sense of connection to the entire universe. “Native Wisdom” features several informative appendices, including a brief glossary of Lakota words and traditional spiritual songs in English and Lakota.