Black Elk - Oglala Sioux Holy Man 1863-1950

Many believe that the times we live in has given us some special understanding of our reality around us. But wise ones understand that the understanding of our reality, and our place within it, has always been understood by a handful of wise beings in each generation. The truth is always there to see for those that have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Here are some quotes from Black Elk a Medicine Man or Holy Man of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) tribe from many years ago. His wisdom is as true today as when he spoke it. Read the book 'Black Elk Speaks' for more on this great man. See what you think. I hope you like them as much as I do.

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Grown men may learn from very little children, for the hearts of little children are pure, and, therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss.

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The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells Wakan-Tanka (God), and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us. This is the real peace, and the others are but reflections of this. The second peace is that which is made between two individuals, and the third is that which is made between two nations. But above all you should understand that there can never be peace between nations until there is known that true peace, which, as I have often said, is within the souls of men.

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The Great Spirit is everywhere; he hears whatever is in our minds and our hearts, and it is not necessary to speak to Him in a loud voice.

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It is good to have a reminder of death before us, for it helps us to understand the impermanence of life on this earth, and this understanding may aid us in preparing for our own death. He who is well prepared is he who knows that he is nothing compared with Wakan-Tanka (God) who is everything; then he knows that world which is real.

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You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round..... The Sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours.... Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.

Last Edited by 1123581321 on 04/26/2011 03:23 PM