Grace and Clarity

Today we begin the third and final installment in our Home Study of  The Wisdom of the Native Americans by Kent Nerburn.  If you have not already caught up on parts one and two of our series, I encourage you to visit them in our archives to help provide a foundation for today’s discussion!

Today’s text: The Wisdom of the Native Americans by Kent Nerburn

Published by: New World Library, 1999

Study page: p. 87

So often when we think of who “discovered” America, we think of European explorers and immigrants.  But in today’s excerpt we hear the beautiful way one American Indian refers to himself and his culture: “We first Americans.”

Even more interesting is the speaker’s comparison of the European style of communication and worship versus that of the “uncivilized” American Indian.  The following words are from the great sage Ohiyesa (page 87):

“We first Americans mingle with our pride an exceptional humility.  Spiritual arrogance is foreign to our nature and teaching.  We never claimed that the power of articulate speech is proof of superiority over “dumb/silent creation;” on the other hand, it is to us a perilous gift.”

In the eloquence of a few powerful sentences, Ohiyesa reminds us of perhaps one of the great forgotten Truths: that noise does not equal intelligence and silence does not imply emptiness.  Indeed, the silence of a conscious heart can be more fully saturated with Understanding than a mind overflowing in vapid discourse.

When we look to the splendor of Nature, we see the fingerprint of the Divine Creator.  What can we as humans possibly say that could ever equal the eloquence of a spectacular sunrise or a flowing stream?  Such Truths were encoded into American Indian cultures and led to thousands upon thousands of years of silent coexistence with Nature based on respect and Understanding.

As we move into a new era of spiritual awareness in human consciousness, we find we have a lot to learn from ancient traditions like those of the Native Americans.  Perhaps we, too, can return to balance and deeper spiritual Communion by taking a lesson from Nature and Her silent, mystical ways!

Taking a pen and a piece of paper or journal, contemplate the following this week:

1. Do I hold any kind of spiritual arrogance in me?  Do I believe that my “way” is the only way–and why?

2. Is there room for me to learn from others’ beliefs or the path shown by Nature?

3. Would I be more likely to learn from the silence of a tree, a mountain, a stream, a bird?  When can I take time to learn in this way?

4. When is it important to remind myself that talking is not the only way to communicate or learn wisdom (at work, with spouse)?

Over the past month we have investigated some powerful but simple words of wisdom from Native American spiritual traditions.  If you find these to be personally inspiring, consider visiting your local bookstore and investigating more books by Kent Nerburn or other authors of American Indian anthologies.

For more book discussions, please peruse the other selections from our Home Study category.  We also invite you to experience more  uplifting insights from the Higher Realms at www.hopeofthenewage.com

In part 1 of our Home Study of The Wisdom of the Native Americans, we discussed the American Indian understanding that all worship is directed to the same One God.  Whether we honor that One in Nature or in the form of a Messiah, this practice teaches that we are all worshipping the Divine Light made manifest in many forms.  To review our last discussion, please visit “Home Study: The Wisdom of the Native Americans, pt.1.”  Today one spiritual elder notes how Jesus embodied the values of the Native American seeker.

Today’s text: The Wisdom of the Native Americans  edited by Kent Nerburn

Published by: New World Library, 1999

Study page: p. 130-131

One of my favorite quotes in this book is from an unidentified American Indian man who is asked to give his opinion on the character of the Master called Jesus.  On page 130 we hear this elder’s thoughts:

“I have come to the conclusion that this Jesus was an Indian.  He was opposed to material acquisition and to great possessions.  He was inclined to peace.  He was as unpractical as any Indian and set no price upon his labor of love.”

What a beautiful perspective this man has of Jesus’ values and character!  Indeed, the qualities of simplicity, love for all living things and serving the Spirit appeared to be the inspiration for the actions and teachings of Masters such as Jesus and the Buddha.  We can see that many of those qualities were–and still are–emphasised in American Indian spirituality and culture.

The question I often ask myself then is, “How can I live these values in MY own daily life?”

When I look at the world today, moving ever faster in its pursuit of information and technological achievement, I find very little of what I wish to see in my own life.  Where some of us value silence, the world bombards us with input.  When we feel a need to return to Nature, technology walls us away from It with concrete and computer screens.  Is it possible to connect to the spiritual Path shown by the great Masters and American Indian spirituality in the 21st century?

On page 131, we find a sobering statement from our Native American elder about this very question:

“I believe that Christianity (as it was lived by Jesus) and modern civilization are opposed and irreconcilable, and that the spirit of Christianity and of our ancient religion is essentially the same.”

Here we find the speaker affirming again that the way Jesus lived is how the Native Americans strived to live–with simplicity, humility and reverence for all living things.  But we also hear the clear knell that such deep spiritual attainment is all but impossible in a society which values acquisition, manipulation and fear.  So what is a seeker to do?

One answer is to return to the roots of any true Path you might feel led to, such as Native American spirituality, Christianity, Buddhism or whatever tradition inspires you.  Do some research to learn more about any Paths which teach the principles of the great masters: compassion, humility and a desire to serve the Divine.  Rather than abiding by man’s rules which have diluted the examples of the great Masters, we can simply seek to embody the way shown by leaders such as Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Chief Joseph, Mother Teresa and others.  We must have the courage to hold to these Paths as the leaders themselves did, despite the temptation to buy into a mechanized world’s value system.

The good news is that more and more people are beginning to find their own ways to connect with the Great Spirit.  Regardless of others’ desires to distance themselves from spiritual growth these seekers are forging ahead on the current of a wish to know the Divine Presence in a very personal way.  Perhaps this summer you will be inspired not only to learn more about Masters who embody the way of life you desire but to go out and live as They lived–as a Light in our needy world!

Consider the following this week:

1. Do I currently consider myself a member of a particular spiritual practice or faith?

2. Are there practices the Masters of my faith participated in that I am not currently practicing? (prayers for others, respect for all life etc.)

3. Where could I find more information about the Wayshowers of my faith (or others) so I may be inspired to grow?

4. Consider writing quotes from a few spiritual Masters this week and posting them were you may be inspired by them.

In session three of our Home Study, we will be diving deeper into The Wisdom of the Native Americans and what the Wise Ones have to say about connecting to the Great Spirit in daily life…don’t miss it!  Be sure to click and follow our blog so you can be alerted when our next discussion commences!

For more book discussions, please peruse the other selections from our Home Study category.  We also invite you to experience other uplifting insights from the Higher Realms at www.hopeofthenewage.com