Native American Spirituality

Native American Spiritualityin all life, in all beings. In that way it is pure, as
John Calicontrasted with the dogma, theology, and laws
A member of our Chief Joseph discussion groupwhich often drag other forms of spirituality away
recently wrote me asking if Joseph would talkfrom their roots, if you will.
about Native American spirituality in one of ourThe intent and essential nature of most forms of
newsletters. Here's her letter:human spiritual practices are good. And if more
"Hi John,humans were more practiced in simply allowing
"I have no clue as to whether this would be antheir brothers and sisters to follow their own
appropriate topic for a future newsletter, but Ipaths, then none of the religious turmoil that
thought I would share this thought with youpervades your human society could exist.
anyway.Everyone would be following whatever path he or
"I have read a fair amount, but I know I am veryshe felt was right. And not caring what paths
ignorant with respect to Native Americanothers were following.
spirituality. So perhaps sometime Chief Joseph andBut you do care what paths others follow, even
you could share some of the unique aspects ofthough it's none of your business. And that is
Native American spirituality."exactly what's given rise to all the senseless
My response:dogma, laws, shoulds and should-nots humans
"Thanks for your posting, and for your suggestionoften impose on one another.
about Native American spirituality. It's an excellentWe are not saying Native American spirituality is
suggestion. Joseph and I don't usually make asuperior to any other form of spirituality. We are
distinction between spirituality, as a generalsaying if you all get back to your spiritual roots,
concept, and spirituality as practiced by anyyou would find only minor, meaningless differences
particular group of people. Whether that group beamong your many spiritual paths. And you would
Native American or any other people.not feel the need to impose your own beliefs and
"But the Native Americans certainly did havevalues on another individual or another people.
spiritual values many humans today have lostSpirituality, as we see it, is simply an awareness
sight of--respect for our Mother Earth, respectyou are all more than the humans you know
for animals, respect for one another, respect foryourselves as. And the awareness all of creation,
the sovereignty of each individual.whether you consider it animate or inanimate, is
"I don't know as there's anything unique aboutmore than the simply physical. All beings, all that is,
these Native American spiritual values. They'reare infused with the spiritual essence of the divine.
really human values. And it would behoove all ofMany Native Americans practiced this pure form
us to pay more attention to them, and to what'sof spirituality in the past, and some still do. Many
really important to all of us on this beautifulnon-Native Americans practiced it in the past, and
blessed planet of ours."many still do. It's obvious, however, many people,
And Joseph's response:Native American or not, have strayed from their
Chief Josephspiritual roots.
What you might call Native American spirituality isYou can get back to your spiritual roots by simply
not essentially different from most other formsacknowledging all that exists is divine. When you
of human spirituality. It is not unique in its essence.get back to your roots, you will--in John's
It may, however, be unique in its practice.words--have respect for your Mother Earth,
Basically, Native American spirituality is simply arespect for animals, respect for one another,
reverence for life, a respect for the divine sparkrespect for the sovereignty of each individual.