Whether living in tribes in the mountains, on the plains, in the forests, or near the coast, American Indians believed, and still do, that all mankind has a unique relationship with everything in nature, and especially with the Divine Power that created all things.

The Indian didn’t, of course, call this divine entity God. The word God was foreign to him. Rather, he called it the Great Spirit.  And before this article is over I think you will agree that the Great Spirit which Indians acknowledge, communicate with, honor, obey, and worship is as much, or more, of a true relationship with the Almighty than many of our so-called religious institutions preach. Even further, I think you will see how various aspects of Indian thought and attitude might help us counter the devastating, chaotic situation in our world today—and quiet some troubled hearts.

So, if you will, forget for a moment the derogatory names given to Indians through the centuries by “civilized” white men; such as “savage”, “redskin”, “pagan” etc., and look beneath the skin where the true character of a man resides.

Some time back, I was fortunate enough to have many e-mail conversations with Keepshorse, a Lakota Indian, living, as I recall, in Montana. Keepshorse and I became long-distance friends, and it was his wont to send me various Indian stories, sayings, beliefs, and meditations.

One I especially remember: Chief Joseph said: “It does not require many words to speak the truth.”

That axiom carries great weight and I would like to share some of those few words with you, relating, as you will see, to many familiar subjects:

COOPERATION:  “What could be greater than to be the Creator’s mind, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, arms, hands, legs and feet here on Earth?”---Fools Crow. Lakota

VISION:  “Believing people can soar beyond ordinary life.”---Fools Crow, Lakota

NATURE “We need to save those Elders who cannot speak for themselves…the trees.”---Haida Gwaii—Traditional Circle of Elders

GUIDANCE:  “He walks with us along the pathways of life, and He can do for us what we could never do on our own.”---Fools Crow, Lakota

HUMILITY:  “We consider ourselves superior. But we must understand that we stand somewhere between the mountain and the Ant. Somewhere and only there is a part of the creation.” --Oren Lyons, Onondaga

AWARENESS:  “Words hypnotize and deceive at one time or another, but those hypnotic words

cannot last long in the hearts of true warriors.” --- Barney Bush, Shawnee

RESPECT:  “If I destroy you I destroy myself, if I honor you I honor myself.” ---Hunbatz Man, Mayan

PRINCIPLES:  “Today, what is important for us to realize is that old sacred ways are correct, and that if we do not follow them we will be lost and without a guide.” ---Thomas Yellowtail, Crow

ENVIRONMENT:  “Whenever you take anything from the earth, remember to leave an offering.”---Joe Coyhis, Stockbridge-Muncee

As non-Indians, we have our Ten Commandments given to us by God through Moses.  These commandments are meant to convey how God wants us to live. When we live by them we prosper in mind and body. When we stray from the Commandments we pay a price of mental and physical dislocation and misery.

Indians have their 10 commandments too. Perhaps you are unacquainted with this. As a gesture of friendship to Keepshorse, and perhaps a bit of enlightenment for we “palefaces”, I’m sharing them with you.

INDIAN TEN COMMANDMENTS

1.  Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.

2.  Remain close to the Great Spirit.

3. Show great respect for your fellow beings.

4. Work together for the benefit of all mankind.

5. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.

6. Do what you know is right.

7. Look after the well-being of mind and body.

8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greatest good.

9. Be truthful and honest at all times.

10. Take full responsibility for your actions.

I have a suspicion that the Great Spirit told the Indians the same things that God told us. And if we had followed the Creator’s advice, each in his way, much of today’s turmoil and chaos might not be happening.

To paraphrase Puck: “What fools we mortals be.”