Everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the power of the world always works in circles, and everything tries to be round.
BLACK ELKPerhaps 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.
More Black Elk Quotes
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I think I have told you, but if I have not, you must have understood, that a man who has a vision is not able to use the power of it until after he has performed the vision on earth for the people to see.
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It is in the darkness of their eyes that men lose their way.
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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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The boys of my people began very young to learn the ways of men, and no one taught us; we just learned by doing what we saw, and we were warriors at a time when boys now are like girls.
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Everywhere is the center of the world. Everything is sacred.
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Everything tries to be round.
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The center of the universe is everywhere.
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The hawk swoops down on its prey, so does the Indian. In his lament he is like an animal.
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When we do understand all this deeply in our hearts, then we will fear, and love, and know the Great Spirit, and then we will be and act and live as the Spirit intends.
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It is good to have a reminder of death before us, for it helps us to understand the impermanence of life on this earth, and this understanding may aid us in preparing for our own death.
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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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Grandfather, Great Spirit, once more behold me on earth and lean to hear my feeble voice.
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I saw more than I can tell / And I understood more than I saw.
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The Holy Land is everywhere.
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Also, as I lay there thinking of my vision, I could see it all again and feel the meaning with a part of me like a strange power glowing in my body; but when the part of me that talks would try to make words for the meaning, it would be like fog and get away from me.
BLACK ELK