Ohiyesa

Holy silence is God's voice

We first Americans believe profoundly in silence – the sign of a perfect equilibrium. Silence is the absolute poise of balance of body, mind, and spirit.

If you ask us, "What is silence?" we will answer, "It is the Great Mystery. The holy silence is God's voice."

If you ask, "What are the fruits of silence?" we will answer, "They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character."

~ Ohiyesa in "Sacred Journey" Aug/Sept 2006

Silence is the cornerstone of character

What are the fruits of silence?
They are self-control, truth, courage or endurance,
patience, dignity, and reverence.
Silence is the cornerstone of character.

~ by Ohiyesa, Santee Sioux thanks to June Sweeney

The duty of prayer

In the life of the Indian there was only one inevitable duty — the duty of prayer — the daily recognition of the Unseen and Eternal. Daily devotions were more important than daily food. Each soul must meet the morning sun, the new sweet Earth, and the Great Silence alone.

~ Ohiyesa -- Santee Tribe

The duty of prayer

In the life of the Indian there was only one inevitable duty -- the duty of prayer -- the daily recognition of the Unseen and Eternal. Daily devotions were more necessary than daily food... Each soul must meet the morning sun, the new sweet earth and the Great Silence alone!

~ Ohiyesa, a Santee Dakota physician, 1911

Each soul must meet the morning sun

Each soul must meet the morning sun,
the new sweet Earth and the Great Silence alone.

~ Ohiyesa

The worship of the Great Mystery was silent

The worship of the Great Mystery was silent, solitary, free from all self-seeking. It was silent because all speech is of necessity feeble and imperfect ... it was solitary, because the people believed that the Great Spirit is nearer to us in solitude, and that no one was authorized to come between an individual and the Creator. Among us, all were conscious of their divinity.

~ Ohiyesa, Santee Sioux thanks to Elaine Simard
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