In the past two years I have shared many thoughts with everyone here, many that have spoken of the Native American way of my people. I stress these words "my people" because most tribes have varying degrees of belief, symbolism, theory, philosophies, and which are probably much different than my own. I recently changed my avatar which shows a typical Christian-type wooden cross. Oftentimes you will see a cross with a circle imposed upon it, usually in the Celtic tradition.
But the cross on my avatar has a Medicine Wheel imposed upon it. It stands 12 feet high and is at the East entrance to the 36 stones arranged in the pattern of the Medicine Wheel. In order to enter the door from the East, you must walk beneath one arm of the cross. It is meant to signify to all who come to our home that I am not exclusive about my way, but very much inclusive. And while I could labor for days, weeks, even years, arguing with others and elaborating on the differences, that is, comparisons, between the two, I prefer to explain the things that bind us together as universal children of God.
To the south of this Medicine Wheel is the Sweat Lodge, or Inipi Wakan where I conduct this sacred ceremony of my people. But again, I am inclusive and invite people from all walks, faiths, religions, ethnicity, race, culture to join us within the darkness of the Lodge.
I have received much criticism from my own people, from other tribes, and from other religious entities. I have been described as sacrilegious, heretical, abominable, and a disgrace to my people for sharing in this ancient ceremony. And whatever the charges may be, I receive them joyously and without insult or resentment, because I know then that I am truly on the right path, the "Red Road" or Mani Wakan, rightfully serving the Creator of my understanding.
And, while I choose to walk the path of my ancestors and incorporate the blessings and wisdoms of Jesus, the Christ, the God, for myself (because that is what provides me fulfillment of purpose) I never fail to invite others to join in the celebration of the diversity of life.
So, while I could wax eloquent on "Comparative Religions", I prefer to join in the celebration that we here at the ULC promote, that "We are all children of the same universe". And while I could contain the secrets of my ancestors to myself, or the lessons of Jesus of Nazareth as superior to other faiths, I would then celebrate these things alone and miss out on the joy of inclusiveness and sharing with others. A party of one, is really no party at all, but lonely and depressing. So it is, in my life and ministry, a necessity to be all-inclusive and share with others what I have learned in my near 60 years. To share without imposition or expectation to change others, but to provide another perspective and interpretation to the Sacred. And in the process, I can extol a philosophy of my ancestors that all things are sacred because the Sacred Spirit of the Universe has made all things.
I invite you all to join me in the celebration of the Sacred, however you choose to interpret the Sacred. You will be welcome at our home. And as we "compare" what we have to offer, we might just all learn something from each other that we might include in our journey.....God's Peace and Love.....To`na Wanagi