And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people as one of many hoops that made one circle.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of different cultures and communities, suggesting that they are part of a larger whole.
Black Elk's quote reflects a profound understanding of unity and the importance of diversity within humanity. The 'sacred hoop' symbolizes individual cultures and identities, while the 'one circle' represents the idea that, despite their differences, all cultures contribute to a shared human experience, highlighting a collective identity that transcends individual distinctions.
In practice
In a speech about multiculturalism, one might say, 'As Black Elk mentioned, we must see our differences as part of a larger circle of humanity.'
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; the visions and ceremonies only made me like a whole through which the power could come to the two-leggeds. 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.
The song and the drumming were like this: Behold, a sacred voice is calling you; All over the sky a sacred voice is calling.
The Universe is circles within circles, and everything is one circle, and all the circles are connected to each other. Each family is a circle, and those family circles connect together and make a community, and the community makes its circle where it lives on the Earth. It (the community) cares for that part (of the Earth) but cares for it as a circle - which is to say in a cooperative and egalitarian way, where everybody is cared for, and everybody is respected.
And as he spoke of understanding, I looked up and saw the rainbow leap with flames of many colors over me.
They told me I had been sick twelve days, lying like dead all the while, and that Whirlwind Chaser, who was Standing Bear's uncle and a medicine man, had brought me back to life.
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.
I can't go back to yesterday - because I was a different person then.
There seems to be something in the human soul that causes us to think less of ourselves every time we do something wrong... And maybe it is good for us to feel that way. It may make us more sensitive to what we do wrong and move us to repent and grow.
God makes us as broken bread and poured-out wine to please Him. Beware of competing calls once the call of God grips you.
Gods suppressed become devils, and often it is these devils whom we first encounter when we turn inward.
O life! An age to the miserable, a moment to the happy.
The true Christian is like sandalwood, which imparts its fragrance to the axe which cuts it, without doing any harm in return.
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