THE ENLIGHTENED MAN HEARS THE WIND SPEAK TO HIM AND FEELS THE SUNLIGHT CARESS HIM. HE HOLDS SACRED THE CLEAR WATER WHICH QUENCHES HIS THIRST AND IS GRATEFUL FOR THE FOOD FROM MOTHER EARTH WHICH NOURISHES HIM. HE CHERISHES THAT WHICH GIVES HIM LIFE AND WITH GREAT HONOR RECEIVES THAT WHICH SUSTAINS HIS SPIRIT FROM MOTHER EARTH.
IT IS THE GOD GIVEN RIGHT OF ALL LIFE TO LIVE FREELY UPON EARTH, HARMING NONE AND RESPECTING ALL OF GREAT SPIRIT”S CREATION DURING MAN’S SHORT CYCLE ON EARTH. NO MAN MAY TAKE THE LIFE OF ANOTHER, ONLY GREAT SPIRIT MAY DO THAT. NO MAN MAY IMPRISON THE LIFE OF ANOTHER FOR IT IS NOT HIS RIGHT TO DO SO.
HE WHO SMOKES THE PEACE PIPE WITH HIS BROTHERS WILL FIND WISDOM AND A FULFILLED LIFE. He who is the first to take from his brother is the loser and he who is the first to give to his brother is the winner. Give but give not to those who do not appreciate nor respect the gift.
- Anna Smith, Cherokee NATION Citizen
