In my writings I stress direct observation, which in my opinion is the evident truth. Yet, having met several profound teachers along my way, I discovered that direct observation certainly helps one to meet such gifted teachers. Three of these teachers who led me toward rewarding observations of my own were Chief Fools Crow (Oglala) and Bill Eagle Feather (Sichangu), as well as Old Black Elk’s son—Ben Black Elk. But life moves onward, and one’s initial mentors pass on. The spirits still must be watching out for me here in my later years. Jerry McGowan, a younger friend from the past, has brought his venture into my journey, and I am again renewed and refreshed by his story. His is a must-read for all spiritual seekers—yes, a definite must.
All of us want to be assured of a life beyond. My journey has been quite fortunate for me. The natural way is a matter of living out your beliefs and knowing, understanding, feeling, and being all that surrounds you that is nature-made and not man-made. It involves a lifetime of moral and ethical application.
The more you develop your mind to astutely perceive and look for clues and meaning set here before you by this Ultimate Creator, the more you prepare that miraculous mind for your own lifestyle while you’re here. But when you’re manifesting much higher thought, your goal should be a deep, serious, ongoing consideration for preparation of the mind for that much longer duration in that other world beyond—the spirit world.
I highly doubt that this preparation can occur without the help of certain spirit mates (teachers) that we encounter along the earth journey way. The more advanced we develop from direct observation and these chance acquaintances, the more advanced our minds, spirits, and souls will become for the spirit world, which most North American Indians sincerely believe awaits beyond. These are not really chance acquaintances, are they? I also believe the spirits in that beyond world place them here possibly for us. This supposition also means that we must un-clutter by removing clogging superstition, harmful appetites, greed, ego, and ignorance from our minds. Soap operas, shopping sprees, celebrity watch, Joe six-packing, and other such empty fascinations are not rewarding preparation for the beyond. You just might miss a great rewarding teacher by engaging in these activities.
Nature-respecting two-legged humans believe that the Creator is All-Truth and All-Knowledge. The more truthful you keep yourself and the more knowledge that you seek—especially nature reflecting knowledge—the more god-like you become. Quite simple, is it not? Conversely, the more you stray away from truthful morals and a harmonious lifestyle that distances you from the Creator’s obvious goals for humankind, the further away you move from the fruitful goals that can await us all in the beyond. Furthermore, I believe that this beyond is a place of all truth and all knowledge as well. Would not an all-truthful Creator make it so? But its offered advancement will not be attained by an unprepared, selfish, unfocused, and disinterested mind. Meeting and learning from those who obviously are strongly fortified on their own path is a wonderful gift from those who are watching out for us. I was utterly amazed and so deeply satisfied after reading Jerry’s many adventures. Yes… and I learned… new knowledge.
When you set yourself upon this path of knowledge-seeking, you must listen and be grateful to those teachers you find yourself suddenly blessed with. Read on.
Ed McGaa
Eagle Man
Oglala Sioux, OST-15287
Author, Mother Earth Spirituality