And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people as one of many hoops that made one circle.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of different cultures and communities, suggesting that they are part of a larger whole.
Black Elk's quote reflects a profound understanding of unity and the importance of diversity within humanity. The 'sacred hoop' symbolizes individual cultures and identities, while the 'one circle' represents the idea that, despite their differences, all cultures contribute to a shared human experience, highlighting a collective identity that transcends individual distinctions.
In practice
In a speech about multiculturalism, one might say, 'As Black Elk mentioned, we must see our differences as part of a larger circle of humanity.'
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.
That's all an angel is....an idea of God.
Astonishment is the root of philosophy.
If you are never alone you cannot know yourself. And if you do not know yourself, you will begin to fear the void.
We can speak about the institution, but ultimately the bar is the group that both is in touch with the public on the one hand and understands the judicial institution on the other
In politics as in religion, my tenets are few and simple. The leading one of which, and indeed that which embraces most others, is to be honest and just ourselves and to exact it from others, meddling as little as possible in their affairs where our own are not involved. If this maxim was generally adopted, wars would cease and our swords would soon be converted into reap hooks and our harvests be more peaceful, abundant, and happy.
Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats.
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