Native American Wisdom: A spiritual Tradition at One with Nature (New Introduction by Dr Mick Gidley)

by Alan Jacobs (Editor)

The spiritual wisdom of the Native American peoples is based on a love and reverence for Nature, a belief in a Supreme Being and a spirit world which interacts with human activity. This engaging collection contains moving quotations from leading American Native Indians, Chiefs, Medicine Men, as well as ordinary people, poems, songs, prose, speeches and stories both past and present.

The contents are in alphabetical order and are grouped around the main Native Indian Nations from Apache to Zuni, including the Sioux, Eskimo, Cherokee and many more. It also includes tributes from famous Poets such as Longfellow and George Meredith.

Genres: Poetry, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Native American

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2009

About the author

Alan Jacobs (Alan^^Jacobs) was born in 1929 in London. From an early age, he has been interested in religion and mysticism. He commenced a personal search for truth, and studied comparative religion. He then entered the Gurdjieff Society in 1957 and remained there until the early seventies. He then met Jiddu Krishnamurti, and studied his teachings until 1979.

Next, he discovered Ramana Maharshi and became familiar with his extensive literature and spiritual practice. He is currently President of the Ramana Maharshi Foundation, UK.

Alan's first book was 'Dutch And Flemish 17th C Painters: A Collectors Guide for McGraw Hill'. He then compiled an anthology, 'Poetry For The Spirit', published by Watkins Publishing and Barnes & Noble.

As a poet he has versified for O Books 'The Bhagavad Gita', 'The Principal Upanishads' and 'The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius', as well as compiling a major prose anthology, 'The Ocean Of Wisdom'. For Watkins Publishing, he edited 'Ramana, Shankara and the Forty Verses', versified 'The Essential Gnostic Gospels' and compiled an anthology, 'The Wisdom of Ramesh Balsekar'.

XLibris have published a volume of his own poetry, 'Myrobalan of The Magi', and a history of London from a spiritual perspective, 'Mysterious London'. He has recently completed an anthology, 'The Wisdom of the Native American Indians', 'Plato's Republic: An Abridgemnent and Modernisation' and 'When Jesus Lived In India', all for Watkins Publishing.

His latest book, published by O Books, is a Utopian novella exploring up-to-now undiscovered land of the legendry Emperor Prestor John, found in Ethiopia, founded on Gnostic principles: 'Eutopia: The Gnostic Land of Prestor John' describes their direct path to Self-realization.

Reviews

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book full of great quotes and wisdom I loved it!
Many thanks ot Netgalley and the publisher

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief selections from Native American prose, speeches, chants, and poetry from the 19th and 20th centuries, centered on oneness with nature and the oneness of all peoples. Organized by tribe.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this were an audiobook, the poetry is great.

[Nila Ish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Native American wisdom embodies a rich spiritual tradition that emphasizes a profound connection with nature, community, and the cosmos. This analysis explores the fundamental principles of Native American spirituality, its relationship with the natural world, and its relevance in contemporary society.

At the heart of Native American wisdom is the belief in the interconnectedness of all life. This worldview posits that humans are not separate from nature but are an integral part of it. Every element of the natural world—plants, animals, water, and earth—is seen as possessing spirit and purpose. This perspective fosters a deep respect for the environment and encourages sustainable living practices that honor the earth.

Nature is revered as a teacher and a source of wisdom. Many Native American cultures hold ceremonies and rituals that celebrate natural cycles, such as the changing seasons or the lunar phases. These practices reinforce the idea that humans should live in harmony with nature rather than exploit it. The concept of stewardship is prevalent, where individuals are seen as caretakers of the land, responsible for preserving its integrity for future generations.

Native American spirituality places significant emphasis on community and relationships. The teachings often highlight the importance of family, kinship ties, and communal decision-making. Elders play a crucial role in imparting wisdom and guiding younger generations, ensuring that cultural values and knowledge are passed down through storytelling and oral traditions.

Rituals are vital expressions of Native American spirituality. They often involve songs, dances, and offerings to honor spirits and seek guidance. For instance, sweat lodge ceremonies provide purification and spiritual renewal, while vision quests offer individuals opportunities for personal insight and connection to their spiritual path.

Animals are viewed as spiritual guides or totems that embody specific qualities or lessons. Many tribes believe that observing animals can provide insights into human behavior and relationships. For example, the wolf may symbolize loyalty and teamwork, while the eagle represents vision and freedom. This relationship with animals reinforces the idea that all beings have intrinsic value. In today’s world, where environmental degradation and social disconnection are prevalent, Native American wisdom offers valuable insights.

[Caroline F · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - I feel like I learned so much from it! I liked how it was organized by the tribes and really enjoyed this beautiful collection. However, I liked when the author would put some of the prose in context or explain it and wish they would have done that more.

[Josh Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

author you have done an awesome job of presenting and maintaining the pure beauty that resides within these texts and beliefs of one of my favorite things to research about in the current moment!

thank you! and I look forward to reading many more of your books on other cultures/beliefs! :)

[Michaela · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many typos and oddly ends with excerpt from Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked it up thinking it was Native American quotes but it's poetry. Just not into poetry much. So... it was okay. The little poetry I've read has been by Poe, Emily Dickinson and others so... in comparison, it was lacking but it was worth it for a Native American point of view, for a view of the red mind.

[Jake Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in the library.

[Eric Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is nicely laid out and easy to read, but I would've appreciated even a snippet of background or context for each tribe represented in these writings.