26 May 2008

Excellent advice.


This is amazing; I came across it the other day and read it a few times before deciding to post it. These are words from Tecumseh, of the Shawnee tribe:

"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about his religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, and beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your turn to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."

2 comments:

RebTurtle said...

That is an amazing piece. Of all the world religions, I've always respected and felt closest to that of the Native Americans.

Congrats on your license, BTW! I spent about an hour reading through article 690 yesterday and nearly went into a coma. Really, how many times can they mention disconnecting means in one article?

Anonymous said...

I used to fantasize about living my life over, but now I just fantasize about having super powers.