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
Grace and Clarity 