Perhaps you have noticed that even in the very lightest breeze you can hear the voice of the cottonwood tree; this we understand is its prayer to the Great Spirit, for not only men, but all things and all beings pray to Him continually in differing ways.
BLACK ELKOnce we were happy in our own country and we were seldom hungry, for then the two-leggeds and the four-leggeds lived together like relatives, and there was plenty for them and for us.
More Black Elk Quotes
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We should understand well that all things are the work of the Great Spirit. We should know the Great Spirit is within all things: the trees, the grasses, the rivers, the mountains, and the four-legged and winged peoples; and even more important.
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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.
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We should understand that the Great Spirit is also above all these things and peoples.
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It’s in the darkness of men’s eyes that they get lost.
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Behold this day. It is yours to make.
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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.
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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.
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All over the sky a sacred voice is calling your name.
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The visions and ceremonies only made me like a whole through which the power could come to the two-leggeds.
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He who is well prepared is he who knows that he is nothing compared with Wakan-Tanka, who is everything; then he knows that world which is real.
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Now suddenly there was nothing but a world of cloud, and we three were there alone in the middle of a great white plain with snowy hills and mountains staring at us; and it was very still; but there were whispers.
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There can never be peace between nations until there is first known that true peace which is within the souls of men.
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I looked below and saw my people there, and all were well and happy except one, and he was lying like the dead – and that one was myself.
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And as he spoke of understanding, I looked up and saw the rainbow leap with flames of many colors over me.
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Hear me, four quarters of the world-a relative I am! Give me the strength to walk the soft earth, a relative to all that is! Give me the eyes to see and the strength to understand, that I may be like you. With your power only can I face the winds.
BLACK ELK








