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.
To work for libertarianism - to oppose the growth of government and aid the liberation of the individual - used to be an idealistic choice taken for purely idealistic reasons. Now it is an act of intelligent and almost desperate self-defense.
Humanity needs dreams to be able to survive the miseries of daily existence, even if only for an instant.
Do you understand, sir, do you understand what it means when you have absolutely nowhere to turn?" Marmeladov's question came suddenly into his mind "for every man must have somewhere to turn.
...to return to their 'native soil,' as they say, to the bosom, so to speak, of their mother earth, like frightened children, yearning to fall asleep on the withered bosom of their decrepit mother, and to sleep there for ever, only to escape the horrors that terrify them.
In the world I am_x000D_ Always a stranger_x000D_ I do not understand its language_x000D_ It does not understand my silence
When it appears that there is no choice, some form of illusion is operating.
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