It is hard to follow one great vision in this world of darkness and of many changing shadows. Among those men get lost.
Interpretation
Finding and pursuing a meaningful vision can be challenging amidst life's distractions.
This quote by Black Elk speaks to the difficulty of maintaining focus on a singular, important vision in a world filled with confusion and constantly shifting circumstances. It highlights how people can easily become disoriented and lose their way when confronted with the myriad of influences and uncertainties that surround them.
In practice
In a motivational speech about perseverance and focus.
I cured with the power that came through me. Of course, it was not I who cured,it was the power from the Outer World; the visions and ceremonies only made me like a whole through which the power could come to the two-leggeds. If I thought that I was doing it myself, the hole would close up and no power could come through. Then everything I could do would be foolish.
The song and the drumming were like this: Behold, a sacred voice is calling you; All over the sky a sacred voice is calling.
The Universe is circles within circles, and everything is one circle, and all the circles are connected to each other. Each family is a circle, and those family circles connect together and make a community, and the community makes its circle where it lives on the Earth. It (the community) cares for that part (of the Earth) but cares for it as a circle - which is to say in a cooperative and egalitarian way, where everybody is cared for, and everybody is respected.
And as he spoke of understanding, I looked up and saw the rainbow leap with flames of many colors over me.
They told me I had been sick twelve days, lying like dead all the while, and that Whirlwind Chaser, who was Standing Bear's uncle and a medicine man, had brought me back to life.
Out of the Indian approach to life there came a great freedom, an intense and absorbing respect for life, enriching faith in a Supreme Power, and principles of truth, honesty, generosity, equity, and brotherhood as a guide to mundane relations.
Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself. I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do.
Get work, get work; Be sure 'tis better than what you work to get.
I have not eaten enough of the tree of knowledge, though in my profession I am obligated to feed on it regularly.
The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
It is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance.
The smallest minds and the selfishest souls and the cowardliest hearts that God makes.
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