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The Right Way of Living
Obeying the Laws of the Creator
These
"laws" have been passed down from generation to generation. If
you study these in depth, you will see that they will cover the Ten
Commandments and the others that Jesus gave, most found in the respect
shown to others. This is what the Cherokee based their life on. By
following these, one would live in harmony and balance with all of
Creation.
Though the following is put inside of us through the Sacred Fire, I have
used the book "Medicine of the Cherokee: The Way of Right
Relationship" by JT Garrett and Michael Garrett for aiding me in
putting these natural laws into words.
1. The first thing
one should do of the morning is to praise the Creator for your life and
all of Creation. Asking Him for guidance through the day and thanking Him
for providing another day for you. Recognizing Him as the only one true
God.
2. Always keep fresh
in your mind that everything has been created by God and deserves respect.
Everything God has created has a purpose in life. We should honor these
and treat them with kindness and generosity. Always assume that others are
in need of something. Offer what you have to give.
3. When you find that
you have more than you and your family need, then give the excess to
someone who can use it.
4. When you say you
are going to do something, or otherwise promise something, you are bound
by your words. You cannot break it without permission from the person you
have told this to.
5. Practice silence.
This shows self-control, true courage, patience, dignity, reverence and
internal peace. And by practicing silence you can build these
characteristics up through time.
6. Never overindulge
or underindulge on anything. Do all things in moderation. And this
includes boasting or attracting attention through your behavior. Eating,
sleeping, working, learning and so on.
7. Know what helps
you and what hurts you. Learn from your experiences and be open to new
ones, remembering to live each day in itself, not worrying about tomorrow
or living in the past but retaining the knowledge learned. Listen to
advice and guidance offered by elders and friends. Listen with your heart
and then follow up through prayer to the Creator for His guidance.
8. Always ask
permission before doing anything that involves someone else, including all
living things. Always give something back in return for things received,
including a simple "thank you." Remember that a smile can be
shared.
9. Beware of what is
inside you and outside of you.
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Respect
According To The Native American Concept |
The following are all about respect and can be grouped together as one,
once it is understood what respect truly is:
1. Always, always,
always show respect. From the youngest to the oldest, from the rocks to
the trees, from all animals to all peoples.
2. Never stare at
someone; drop your eyes in respect to an elder or teacher.
3. Always give a sign
of greeting, even to strangers.
4. Never talk about
someone in a harmful or critical way. Remember that what you say it will
always come back to you one way or the other.
5. Never touch
anything that is not yours without permission from the owner.
6. Respect the
privacy of everyone. Never enter into their place or space without
permission. Do not disturb anyone's quiet time or prayer time.
7. Never offer advice
or ask questions of another without their permission.
8. Never interrupt.
9. When you are in
someone's home, follow their customs out of respect.
10. Always treat
other things held sacred by someone with respect even though you may not
understand why.
11. Treat Mother
Earth with respect. Protect Earth as well as all of Creation on her in all
ways.
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