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

This month we begin a new Home Study series based on the wisdom of American Indian sages.  Although their cultures may not have had what some consider typical “scriptures,” the revered words of each Nation’s Wise Ones serve as an oral history of what these highly spiritual people valued and practiced.  Rich in poetry, imagery and humility their sacred words are as relevant today as they were when first spoken years ago.

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

Published by: New World Library, 1999

Study page: p. 83

Like many in the past few decades, I too have been rediscovering the profound and powerful beauty of American Indian philosophies.  Long buried or hidden from the view of outsiders, these philosophies are being shared by respectful and mindful authors such as Kent Nerburn.  By reverently proffering these cherished scriptures before modern seekers, he is helping to preserve an awareness of their wisdom and depth.

In our first Home Study excerpt, we touch upon one of the fundamental principles of American Indian spirituality: that there is but one Divine Presence.  No matter what various people or civilizations call It, that Power is the same One Power to all (p. 83):

“We know that all sincere worship can have but one source and goal.  We know that the God of the educated and the God of the child, the God of the civilized and the God of the primitive is after all the same God; and that this God does not measure our differences but embraces all who live rightly and humbly on the earth.”    ~Ohiyesa

What I love about this quote is how it reminds me of other rich spiritual practices I have cherished–like the Eastern Indian practice of yoga.  In yoga classes you will often hear the teacher remind you that the Divine is the same no matter what name you use in worshipping It.  These two philosophies sprang up on opposite sides of the globe, yet both embraced the same Truth: there is but one Divine Presence and It is the Creator of all.

In such belief systems we find the end to all warring over faith and perhaps even an end to proselytizing.  We can acknowledge that our languages may be different, but that at the heart we are all honoring the same Oneness that created, sustains and eventually absorbs all that is back into Itself.  In the end, we are all One.

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

1. What less familiar spiritual practices remind me of my own? (monotheistic, nature-worshipping, goddess-centered etc.)

2. What interesting thing can I learn about this practice by simply doing an internet search of its philosophies and rituals?

3. What energies do I feel when realizing my God is the same God as another’s?

4. Are there any practices, words or philosophies that I might like to incorporate from this other practice into my own spiritual life?

In session two of our Home Study, we will be diving deeper into The Wisdom of the Native Americans and what the Wise Ones had 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

Today we begin the third and final installment in our Home Study of Lessons for Living by L. Taylor.  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: Lessons for Living, vol. 1 transcribed by L. Taylor

Available at:  www.hopeofthenewage.com

Study page: p. 234

Today’s study page is not even really a page; it is a paragraph of wisdom from our Guides regarding the experience of suffering in our world.

Turn on any media source and  you are likely to be bombarded by images and descriptions–usually quite graphic–regarding the immense suffering in our world today.  Blended into the mix you will also find stories of those who are doing their best to mitigate the effects of such worldwide challenges.

It is up to each of us to determine how we are called to help balance out the difficulties facing our modern world.  Today’s Home Study looks at the Angels’ and Guides’ insights on how we can do our part (page 243, section 11/25/07. 5):

 “When you see others fall away in times of difficulty…instead of feeling sad for them, which only compounds their energetic crisis, send them Peace and send them joy and send them blessings.  Ask the Angels to go with them and be near them.”

In this brief paragraph, the Angels lay out a simple three-part plan: send those in need positive Energy, request that the Divine Presence be felt by them and finally, continue to shine ourselves.  This third part may not be stated outright in the excerpt above, but as we all know it is an implied part of daily living.

When considering how to be of help to others, it is easy to forget that there are two ways of looking at our responses to life: the psychological and the energetic.  From a psychological standpoint, it may appear perfectly fine to take on another’s sadness and join them in their suffering.  In fact, many interpret the spiritual command to “bear with one another’s burdens” as meaning exactly this kind of act.

But from an energetic point of view, things look entirely different.  As my Guides like to say, “Of what use will you be if you jump into the quicksand after them?”  This simply reminds me that to let my own Light dim for the sake of another is not a help to either one of us.  It might feed my martyr complex, but it doesn’t save anybody in the end!

Instead, we are called to be a brighter and stronger Light in the darkness when others are in need.  It is our generosity, our kindness and our respect–not our pity and worry–that can help others find their way back to their own Inner Radiance during difficult times.  This simple approach is the best way to throw a rope to a soul mired in quicksand.

Whether you are thinking of someone down the street or  halfway around the world, the energetic directive is clear: Donate, volunteer, lend a ear…whatever you feel is appropriate for you, but don’t you dare crawl in after them.  Do not allow the despair of another’s circumstances to dim your Light as well.  Instead tie yourself to your own spiritual tree, grab a rope and toss them the line of your Light and support.

Today my friend shared a quip that relates to how our genuine positive Energy can make a difference in the world.  She said, “Some ‘grin and bear it;’ others smile and change it.”  Indeed, radiating our most positive and hopeful Energy is the easiest way each person can help change the world, one soul at a time.

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

1. Who do I have a tendency to join in their misery?  (it may be a being you know personally or not!)

2. What simple prayer can I say every time I see someone suffering?

3. Are there some organizations I feel called to support at this time? (human aid, animal rights, Earth preservation?)

4. What is a gentle way I can remind others that they can help by staying positive, not adding their worry to our world’s challenges?

Over the past month we have investigated some powerful but simple suggestions for living a more skillful spiritual life.  Lessons for Living includes wisdom that has changed my life and the lives of many others.  I hope you will visit our Hope of the New Age online bookstore and investigate this title and others, or simply print up free excerpts from our site’s Wisdom page.

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