Recently, I came across a poster that offered ten lessons attributed to the “Native Americans.” Now, there is no such thing as a “pan-Indian” life-way. Each nation had its own ways, its own myths, legends, teaching stories, even technology. However, there are are many common philosophies, just as there are common threads among all religions. And it is to these common threads the poster alludes.
I admire the concepts offered, and have decided to keep this list handy, although I will not refer to them, as does the poster as “The Native American Ten Commandments,” and changed the name by which the Sacred is called. (Native Americans don’t have a “ten commandments”, even within a specific nation, and I prefer to stay closer to their original concept of “God” instead of attempting to force their beliefs into a different religious structure. See my previous post on assimilation for more on this.)
Here then is my slight edit of the list of lessons, each followed by a thought or two.
The earth is our mother. Care for her.
Even a rat knows to not foul its own nest. Caring for the earth is no different that keeping our own house in order. It’s merely a question of scale of thinking.
Honor all your relations.
We are related to everything in creation. Everything deserves respect.
Open your heart and soul to the Mystery.
This seems obvious – live a life of Spirit.
All life is sacred. Treat all beings with respect.
The wanton destruction of species, whether predator or prey, only serves to damage the complex web of all life.
Take from the earth what is needed and nothing more.
Greed is NOT good, especially on a global, environmental level. To take more than is needed is to leave less for the ever-growing population to come.
Do what needs to be done for the good of all.
Live your life in service to others. Virtually every Life Way teaches us to find our fulfillment in what we do for others, not in the “things” we accumulate.
Give constant thanks to the Mystery for each new day.
Be grateful for all you receive. Constantly immerse yourself in the Sacred that flows through all of creation.
Speak the truth, but only of the good in others.
It is just as hurtful to speak badly of others as it is to lie. The only person you should be talking to is the person themselves who is in question. And if you must talk to someone about their negative behavior or thoughts, it should be done in a caring, respectful manner, with the goal of helping them live a better life. It should never be done in anger. To all others, you we should confine ourselves to only speaking of the positive in others.
Follow the rhythms of nature. Rise and retire with the sun.
To me, this one isn’t about going to sleep at sundown. Rather, it tells us when to begin and end our workday. After the sun has gone down, it’s time to be with family – eating, telling stories, singing… being.
Enjoy life’s journey, but leave no tracks.
We should each strive to leave the world a better place than it was when we arrived. Enjoy the gifts, relish in the many wonderful things a good life brings, but remember that we are only stewards, charged with the responsibility to care for the rest of creation. This ensures that future generations will also have a wondrous world in which to live.
I hope you will take the time to carefully consider each lesson. I see no conflict between these teachings and those of the religions I’ve studied. In fact, they seem to reinforce them. I think they would be an excellent touchstone for anyone seeking to live a life of Spirit.
In peace,
Lane
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