Fakta, teori & skepsis ⇒ Seven philosophies for a Native American Man

[David Skywalker]

Seven Philosophies For a Native American Man


First Philosophy - TO THE WOMEN
The cycle of life for the woman is the baby, girl, woman, and
grandmother.
These are the four directions of life. She has been given by natural laws
the ability to reproduce life. The most sacred of all things in life.
Therefore, all men should treat her with dignity and respect. Never was it
our way to harm her mentally or physically. Indian men were never abusers.
We always treated our women with respect and understanding.
So, from now on, I will treat women in a sacred manner.
The Creator gave women the responsibility for bringing new life into the
world. Life is sacred, so I will look upon women in a sacred manner. In our traditional ways, the woman is the foundation of the family. I will work
with her to create a home atmosphere of respect, security and harmony. I
will refrain from any form of emotional or physical abuse.
If I have these feelings, I will talk to the Creator for guidance.
I will treat all women as if they were my own female relatives.
This I vow.

Second Philosophy - TO THE CHILDREN
As an eagle prepares its young to leave the nest with all the skills
and knowledge it needs to participate in life, in the same manner so I will
guide my children.
I will use the culture to prepare them for life. The most important thing I
can give to my children is my time. I will spend time with them in order to
learn them and to listen to them.
I will teach my children to pray, as well as the importance of respect.
We are the caretakers of the children for the Creator. They are his
children, not ours.
I am proud of our Native language. I will learn it if I can and help my
children to learn it.
In today's world it is easy for the children to go astray, so I will work
to provide positive alternatives for them. I will teach them the culture. I
will encourage education. I will encourage sports. I will encourage them to
talk with the Elders for guidance; but mostly, I will seek to be a role
model myself. I make this commitment to my children so they will have
> >courage and find guidance through traditional ways.

Third Philosophy - TO THE FAMILY
The Creator gave to us the family, which is the place where all
teachings are handed down from the grandparent, to the parent, and to the
child. The children's behavior is a mirror of the parent's behavior.
Knowing this, I realize the importance for each Indian man to be
responsible to the family in order to fulfill the need to build a strong
and balanced family. By doing this, I will break the cycle of hurt and
ensure the positive mental health of our children, even the children yet to
be born. So, from now on, I will dedicate my priorities to rebuilding my
family. I must never give up and leave my family only to the mother.
I am accountable to restore the strength of my family. To do this, I will
nurture our family's spiritual, cultural and social health. I will
demonstrate trust, respect, honor and discipline; but mostly I will be
consistent in whatever I do with them.
I will see that the grandparents and community Elders play a significant
role in the education of my children. I realize that the male and female
together are fundamental to our family life. I will listen to my mate's
council for our family's benefit, as well as for the benefit of my Indian
Nation.

Fourth Philosophy - TO THE COMMUNITY
The Indian community provides many things for the family. The most
important is the sense of belonging; that is, to belong to "the people",
and to have a place to go. Our Indian communities need to be restored to
health so the future generation will be guaranteed a place to go for
culture, language and Indian socializing. In he community, the honor of one
is the honor of all and the pain of one is the pain of all. I will work to
strengthen recovery in all parts of my community. As an Indian man, I will
give back to my community by donating my time and talents when I am able. I
will cultivate friendships with other Indian men for mutual support and
strength. I will consider the effects of our decisions on behalf of the
next seven generations; in this way, our children and grandchildren will
inherit healthy communities.
I will care about those in my community so that the mind changes, alcohol
and drugs, will vanish, and our communities will forever be free of
violence.
If each of us can do all these things, then others, will follow; ours will
be a proud community.

Fifth Philosophy - THE EARTH
Our Mother Earth is the source of all life, whether it be plants, the
two-legged, four-legged, winged ones or human beings. The Mother Earth is
the greatest teacher, if we listen, observe and respect her. When we live
in harmony with the Mother Earth, she will recycle the things we consume
and make them available to our children. As an Indian man, I must teach my
children how to care for the Earth so it is there for the future
generations.
So from now on, I realize the Earth is our Mother. I will treat her with
> >honor and respect.
I will honor the interconnectedness of all things and all forms of life.
I will realize the Earth does not belong to us, but that we belong to the
Earth.
The natural law is the ultimate authority upon the lands and water. I will
learn the knowledge and wisdom of the natural laws. I will pass this
> >knowledge on to my children.
The Mother Earth is a living entity that maintains life. I will speak out
in a good way whenever I see someone abusing the Earth. Just as I would
protect my own mother, so I will protect the Earth. I will ensure that the
land, water, and air will be intact for my children and for my children's
children-the unborn.

Sixth Philosophy - TO THE CREATOR
As an Indian man, I realize we make no gains without the Great Spirit
being in our lives. Neither I, nor anything I attempt to do, will work
without our Creator. Being Indian and being spiritual has the same meaning.
Spirituality is our gift from the Great One. This say, I vow to walk the
Red Road . As an Indian man, I will return to the traditional and spiritual
values which have guided my ancestors for the past generations. I will look
with new eyes on the powers of our ceremonies and religious ways, for they
> >are important to the very survival of our people.
We have survived and are going to grow and flourish spiritually. We will
fulfill our teachings and the purpose that the Creator has given us with
dignity. Each day, I will pray and ask guidance. I will commit to walk the
Red Road , or whatever the spiritual way is called in my own culture.
If I am a Christian, I will be a good one. If I tradition, I will walk this
> >road with dedication.
If each of us can do these things then others will follow. From this day
forward, I will reserve time and energy for spirituality, seeking to know
the Creator's will.

Seventh Philosophy - TO MYSELF
I will think about what kind of person I want to be when I am an
Elder. I will start developing myself now to be this person. I will walk
with the Great Spirit and the grandfathers at my side. I will develop myself to remain positive. I will develop a good mind. I will examine
myself daily to see what I did good and what I need to improve. I will
examine my strengths and weaknesses; then I will ask the Creator to guide
> >me. I will develop a good mind.
Each day, I will listen for the Creator's voice in the wind. I will watch
nature and ask to be shown a lesson which will occur on my path. I will
seek our the guiding principles which guided my ancestors. I will walk in
dignity, honor and humility, conducting myself as a warrior.
I will seek the guidance of the Elders so that I may maintain the knowledge
of culture, ceremonies and songs, and so that I may pass these on to future
generations.
I choose to do all these things myself, because no one else can do them forme.
I know I CANNOT GIVE AWAY WHAT I DON'T HAVE, so I will need to learn to
walk the talk.

Oh,boy!Dette var vakre ord - så holistisk! :respect: