“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells Wakan-Tanka , and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.
The second peace is that which is made between two individuals, and the third is that which is made between two nations. But above all you should understand that there can never be peace between nations until there is known that true peace, which, as I have often said, is within the souls of men [and women].
Nicholas Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa), Black Elk Speaks, 1961.
In the Sioux language, the “Wakan Tanka” translates roughly to the “sacred mystery” which dwells within each of us. I love this idea of the “first peace,” in which we strive become one with that sacred mystery within us. We can then recognize the light and sacred peace within other individuals, and then nations and universal communities.
I found the idea of turning within to find this sacred peace particularly apt as we look forward to the retrograde turn of Mars (read more here).
Hello Lynn-
Thank you for this lovely post. When I visited the Battle of Little Big Horn, there was a Black Elk quote on the outside of the building, “Know the power that is peace”. Simple, but impactful words to live by.
We need leaders like him today, Tamara.
We have many Indian tribes here in Oklahoma, and the leaders are Wonderful and Peaceful.
But, they see the desterioration this country has gone through over the past 30 – 40 years and are preparing.