Black Elk Quotes

It is hard to follow one great vision in this world of darkness and of many changing shadows. Among those men get lost.

The visions and ceremonies only made me like a whole through which the power could come to the two-leggeds.

Sometimes dreams are wiser than waking.

But if the Vision was true and mighty, as I know, it is true and mighty yet;for such things are of Spirit, and it is in the darkness of their eyes that men get lost.

I saw more than I can tell / And I understood more than I saw.

The hawk swoops down on its prey, so does the Indian. In his lament he is like an animal.

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.

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.